Chili Bar River Park - Put-in

Chili Bar River Park is a popular put-in location on the South Fork American River in El Dorado County, California. This site serves as a primary access point for whitewater paddlers looking to run the South Fork section of the American River. The location offers direct access to one of Northern California's most popular whitewater paddling destinations, attracting kayakers and canoeists year-round depending on water flows and seasonal conditions.

The South Fork American River at this location features whitewater characteristics typical of Sierra Nevada runoff rivers, with Class II to Class III rapids common in the section. Water levels and difficulty vary significantly by season and recent rainfall. Paddlers should check current water conditions and flow rates before planning their trip, as the river can range from manageable spring flows to challenging high-water conditions during peak runoff periods.