A collection of travel and adventure stories

Folsom Lake-Rattlesnake Bar Kayaking

Description and Directions >>

Description:
Folsom Lake is located in the lower Northern California Sierra foothills near Sacramento, CA. Rattlesnake Bar is located in the Folsom Lake Recreational Area and offers boat launching and picnic facilities. This arm of the lake was once the channel of the North Fork of the American River. Total surface area of the lake is 18,000 acres. Total paddle length for this trip was about 6 miles roundtrip.

Activities:
kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, sightseeing

Directions:
From the West: Take the Newcastle Road exit off Hwy 80 and follow it SOUTH (across Auburn-Folsom Rd) to its intersection with Rattlesnake Bar Road. Stay right all the way to the boat ramp (about 5 miles from I-80).

From Auburn: Take Auburn-Folsom Road towards Folsom. Go about 5.5 miles and take a LEFT on Rattlesnake Bar Road. Stay LEFT at the intersection with Newcastle Road (stay on Rattlesnake Bar). Take the RIGHT fork as you approach the lake and follow it to the boat ramp.

Story Date 4/25/2004
Publish Date 4/15/2004

Story Perspectives >>

According to Mikala: We have been on this kayak trip a few times, since it so close to the Sacramento area. Although Folsom Lake itself can get a bit choppy with the wind and speed boaters, the Rattlesnake Bar area is much calmer. Once you turn the corner from leaving the boat ramp, the speed limit is 5 MPH.

As we kayaked along this part of the lake, the water became much calmer. The area narrows as it goes up the river (I believe the American River). Farther up, the scenery gets more interesting, with rock formations and walls. There are some nice beach areas that we landed at. During one trip, we hiked up a small creek area from the beach and had a nice lunch.

As we kayaked further up the lake (or river), the flow got a lot stronger, until we could paddle no further up the rapids. At this point, we turn around a make a leisurely paddle back. Near the top, the area is quiet, with just the noise of flowing water and the birds along the shore. As you get closer to the entry to the lake, you start hearing civilization again...roaring speed boaters and blaring music. Oh well, it was enjoyable while it lasted.