Lorraine wrote:

I purchased my first Kayak this year, and I'm excited about the
discoveries that lay before me. I was wondering if anyone knows of any
locations in the American River that would allow for some excitement,
yet won't be disasterous for an amateur. I've paddled a few lakes near
Truckee this summer, yet I'm looking at slowly progessing to slightly
more advanced trips along the river. I prefer the paddling the river
because there usually is more action ocurring in the river than in a lake.

The main American from Sunset Ave to Watt Ave is quite nice. Although
houses are sometimes visible, the river corridor is mostly parkland.

http://creekin.net/amer-low.htm

After work, if you have a friend with shuttle vehicle, you might try
the Middle Fork American.

http://creekin.net/amer-mf2.htm

Coloma Park to Greenwood Creek on the South Fork is another possibility
but it's crowded on weekends. You could do a bicycle shuttle.

http://creekin.net/amer-sf.htm