NF American River's (CA) Yankee Jim's Bridge Closing on March 24th

Placer County Public Works is moving forward with the replacement of Yankee Jim’s Bridge over the North Fork American River after several delays. Hard closure of the board on both sides is likely to begin March 24th although perhaps a week or two later.

This closure will impact folks that want to paddle the Class 2 section of the North Fork American between Yankee Jim’s and Ponderosa/Upper Clementine most significantly. Chamberlain Falls paddlers will need to paddle down through that reach for the rest of Spring 2025.

The road will be firmly closed on both sides for the duration of the 2025 paddling season, and on the Colfax side until the end of 2027. In February 2026 there will be partial springtime walking access from the Foresthill side only.

American Whitewater has advocated for improved access outcomes and temporary access solutions on this necessary public works project since its inception. Replacing the bridge will improve parking, provide a more durable and accessible stairway to the river, and allow for emergency and fire vehicles to cross the North Fork American now and in the future.

Additional updates to the project and timeline will be posted at yankeejimsbridge.com.