The American River is what makes Sacramento, in my opinion. And for me, Estates Drive offers the best access. This part of the river is pretty safe for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and very popular for skim boarding. It is peaceful and isolated from the suburbia which surrounds it. I have many a fond memory of traipsing around this area with my friends during summer break. This isn’t a «Let’s go raft down the river and get wasted with a bunch of other obnoxious assholes» kind of place. Its a «go in small groups or with your family to experience nature or recreate» vibe. There are tons of blackberries there during the late summer months and its a good idea to bring some clippers if you’re a serious harvester. This is one of my favorite activities, scratches and all. Case in point: My best friend and I went to pick blackberries, bringing with us a three gallon bucket and a 6′ long reaper. We picked for hours and stained our hands a blood red color. When we emerged from the bushes to the car, there were a couple of young men there unloading their truck. We were two 19-year-old girls in bikinis walking towards them with a giant blade and bloodstained hands. The look on their faces was classic — intrigue mixed with fright! Anyway, you do have to be careful about leaving your stuff around, though. While swimming, my friend and I left our clothes on the beach not 10 feet away. At some point some drunk assholes passed by and I guess they decided it would be funny to steal our stuff. When I realized it, I chased after them(my car keys were in the pocket) and got to the parking lot in time to see them jump into their car and flee. At least they didn’t steal my car. But still, watch your stuff… it only takes one or two bad apples to ruin your experience.(hence the not-perfect score)
