The Middle Fork of the American River is a popular place in northern California for whitewater paddling. This section of the river runs from Greenwood Bridge to Mammoth Bar and follows the river as it winds through steep sided canyon walls blanketed in a forest of pines and firs. In the 1850's during the California Gold Rush, several gold mining facilities could be found along the river bars, you may even find remnants of their existence. By late summer river flows are governed by hydropower releases which originate 15 miles upstream. The first few hundred feet is rocky and the most difficult section, especially when shallow. Check out the following website for river flows before setting out: http://www.dreamflows.com/.