This relatively obscure section on the Silver Fork of the American River drains Silver Lake, flowing through the Eldorado National Forest for 5.5 miles before intersecting with Silver Fork Road at Fitch-Ranz Bridge.
Seldom run due to unpredictable water releases, a long shuttle, and two unrunnable waterfalls in the first mile, this section contains high-quality granite bedrock rapids, log-filled meadows, and continuous boulder mank.
This run was burned in the Caldor Fire of 2020, and likely has numerous log jams. Use caution and scout.
Once Silver Lake has filled with spring runoff, Eldorado County Irrigation District releases water from the lake to maintain a full pool. Look for 100-200cfs on the Silver Fork Below Oyster Creek Confluence gauge. The releases are stepped, and tend to change every three to four days.
The first 3/4 mile of this run can be easily scouted from the Potholes Trail, across Hwy 88 from Silver Lake dam.