California White Water Rafting Trips:
American River near Sacramento - The Absolute Best!

South Fork American River - Fun Run
Express, 1 Day and 2 Day Rafting Trips (Class III)
May through September

The South Fork American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers a blend of relaxing calms and thrilling Class III rapids. This is the absolute best rafting run for beginning rafters!

Moving first among big foothills and later through a steep granite canyon, the South Fork struts out quickly, surging powerfully, then yawns coyly before suddenly rushing headlong through the fabled American River Gorge.

Six miles downstream from Chili Bar, the river flows past the historic township of Coloma, where James Marshall discovered gold in 1848, thereby starting the California gold rush.

The entire 20 river-mile stretch of the South Fork American from the Nugget to Folsom Lake is run on our two-day trip. One-day trips usually run the lower section, commonly known as "The Gorge", express trips usually run the upper stretch, also called the "Chili Bar Run". Both are great fun!

South Fork American Rapids: The South Fork American River is rated at Class III, providing an exciting, but not scary river experience.

Some of the more memorable rapids include Meatgrinder, Troublemaker, Fowler's Rock, Satan's Cesspool, Hospital Bar.

The South Fork of the American River flows for rafting derive from water releases from hydroelectric facilities located at Chili Bar and above.

These controlled releases are made for power generation purposes and are not subject to the control of the County of El Dorado or within the control of rafting operators.

What to Look Forward to on this trip:

8-20 River Miles of pure fun with a few splashes thrown in for good measure.

South Fork American River Trip Stats:

River Class:	III
Normal Season:	May to October
Days:	Express, 1 or 2 days
River Miles:	8 - 20
Minimum Age:	6
Boat Types:	Paddle (Oar by request)
Gradient:	24' per mile
Elevation:	930'
Distance from L.A.:	425 miles
Distance from Bay Area:	140 miles
Group Size Limit:	112
Wet Suits:	Recommended in Spring and Fall

Top 5 Reasons to go on this trip
(South Fork American River - Fun Runs):

1. The ideal "first timers" rafting run
2. Easy access from San Francisco or Sacramento and Lake Tahoe
3. A great day trip for the family which you can combine with FREE camping at our River Park Adventure Campground
4. Go wine tasting in the Gold Country or Napa!
5. Swimming anyone?

 

Middle Fork American River - Blaster
1 Day and 2 Day Rafting Trips (Class II-IV)
May through October

The Middle Fork of the American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just east of Sacramento. A great run for hardy, adventurous first timers and experienced rafters alike.

All participants should be strong, physically fit and able to swim - only paddle boats are used on this exhilarating run.

Rippling through a deep, wild, picturesque canyon in Auburn State Recreation Area, the Middle Fork of the American River offers rafters class IV-V excitement interspersed with more soothing stretches of Class II-III. At one point the entire river rages down a narrow class V cascade called Tunnel Chute and then breezes underground through a runnable 30-yard cavern.

Near the end of our rafting run, after Ruck-A-Chucky Rapid, the group carries the rafts around a jumble of house-sized boulders followed by a final rousing mile of invigorating class III and IV whitewater with scenery much more beautiful than anything you would expect close to civilization.

Middle Fork American Rapids: The Middle Fork American River is rated at Class IV, but includes one class V rapid, and one portage. There is a long, relaxing stretch of class I-II in the middle. The most memorable rapid is Class V Tunnel Chute. You'll get a chance to look at it before you run it.

What to Look Forward to on this trip:

17 River Miles of pure Class IV adventure with a wild rush through Tunnel Chute. Hold on and get down!

Middle Fork American River Trip Stats:

River Class:	II-IV
Normal Season:	May to October
Days:	1 or 2 days
River Miles:	17
Minimum Age:	12
Boat Types:	Paddle
Gradient:	40' per mile
Elevation:	1100'
Distance from L.A.:	425 miles
Distance from Bay Area:	140 miles
Group Size Limit:	12-24 (weekends - call for details) 100 (weekdays)
Wet Suits:	Recommended in Spring and Fall

Top 5 Reasons to go on this trip
(Middle Fork American River - Blasters):

1. The ideal "first timers" rafting run
2. Easy access from San Francisco or Sacramento and Lake Tahoe
3. A great day trip for the family which you can combine with FREE camping at our River Park Adventure Campground
4. Go wine tasting in the Gold Country or Napa!
5. The North and Middle Fork American Rivers are threatened by the proposed Auburn Dam.

 

North Fork American River - Thriller
1 Day Rafting Trip (Class IV+)
April through June

The North Fork of the American River flows down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and carves a deep, sheer gorge, which plunges in a deep crevasse down the western slope of the Sierra.

The water sparkles like liquid diamonds, and the stream bed is sensuously intimate - at times just wide enough for the rafts.

Participants must be physically fit, energetic, rugged - and have strong swimming ability and previous paddle rafting experience. Wetsuits are essential.

Throughout the first five miles, the class IV rapids are continuous and erupt in climax after climax. Thereafter, the North Fork of the American River - one of the loveliest rivers of the Sierra - ambles through mild class II-III rapids for a soothing, scenic conclusion.

North Fork American Rapids: We raft the Iowa Bridge to Upper Lake Clemente, the "Chamberlain Falls" Run. The North Fork American River is rated at Class IV+. Paddlers should have prior experience.

Note: North Fork American trips meet in Auburn. You may want to arrive the night before - for a list of local accommodations click here. Also, Auburn is just 16 miles from our River Park Campground on the South Fork American where you are welcome to camp FREE the night before and/or the night after your trip with us. Advance reservations required.

What to Look Forward to on this trip:

11 River Miles of pure Class IV adrenaline rush.

North Fork American River Trip Stats:

River Class:	IV
Normal Season:	April to June
Days:	1 day
River Miles:	11
Minimum Age:	14
Boat Types:	Paddle
Gradient:	50' per mile
Elevation:	1100'
Distance from L.A.:	440 miles
Distance from Bay Area:	140 miles
Group Size Limit:	24
Wet Suits:	Required

Top 5 Reasons to go on this trip
(North Fork American River - Thriller):

1. One of the most beautiful Class IV runs you will ever raft.
2. The North and Middle Fork American Rivers are threatened by the proposed Auburn Dam.
3. Easy access from San Francisco or Sacramento
4. Go wine tasting in the Gold Country!
5. FREE camping at our nearby River Park Adventure Campground

 

South and Middle Fork American River - Combo
South and North Fork American River - Combo

Both are 2 Day Combo Rafting Trips (Class III-IV+)
April through June

We offer the choice of two 2-day options combining the best of South Fork and Middle Fork rafting or South Fork and North Fork river running.

South and Middle Fork American River - Combo - 2 Days
On the first day, raft the famous Class III Gorge or Nugget Run of the South Fork American and after spending the night in our commodious South Fork camp, on the second day brave the Class IV Middle Fork American.

South Middle Combo Rapids:

South Fork - Class III: Rapids include Meatgrinder, Troublemaker, Fowler's Rock, Satan's Cesspool, Hospital Bar.

Middle Fork - Class IV with one class V rapid, and one portage. Rapids include Class V Tunnel Chute.

Free Camping: You are warmly welcome to camp free with our compliments in our River Park Adventure Campground the night before and/or the night after your trip with us. (Advance reservations required.)

South and North Fork American River - Combo - 2 Days
Raft the South Fork Gorge or Nugget Run and then day 2 challenge yourself to the Chamberlain Falls IV+ run on the North Fork of the American.

South North Combo Rapids:

South Fork - Class III: Some of the more memorable rapids include Meatgrinder, Troublemaker, Fowler's Rock, Satan's Cesspool, Hospital Bar.

North Fork - Class IV+: We raft the Iowa Bridge to Upper Lake Clemente, the "Chamberlain Falls" Run.

Free Camping: We warmly welcome you to camp free with our compliments in our River Park Adventure Campground the night before and/or the night after your trip with us. (Advance reservations required.)

What to Look Forward to on these trips:

18-20 River Miles of Class III and Class IV holes, drops and turns a short drive from the Bay Area.

North-Middle-South Fork American River Trip Stats:

River Class:	IV
Normal Season:	April to June
Days:	1 day
River Miles:	11
Minimum Age:	14
Boat Types:	Paddle
Gradient:	50' per mile
Elevation:	1100'
Distance from L.A.:	440 miles
Distance from Bay Area:	140 miles
Group Size Limit:	24
Wet Suits:	Required

Top 5 Reasons to go on this trip
(North-Middle-South Fork American River - Combos):

1. Why raft only one river when you can raft 2?
2. River camping under the stars after a long day of paddling feels amazing.
3. Easy access from San Francisco or Sacramento
4. Go wine tasting in the Gold Country or Napa after your trip!
5. Swimming anyone? Adrenaline!

 

American River Rafting Trip Dates and Pricing

2009 Start dates: Express & Fun Run - May through October

South Fork American two-day trips normally start on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Other 2 day starts may be arranged for groups of 12 or more.

Express trips raft 8 miles. Lunch is not included.

1 Day - South Fork American River - Express Trip
Trip Starts	Adult	Youth	Group
Sunday to Friday	$109	$98	$92

Subject to a 7% River and Land Use Fee.

1 Day - South Fork American River - Fun Run
Trip Starts	Adult	Youth	Group
Sunday to Friday	$119	$107	$101
Saturday	$139	$125	$118

Subject to a 7% River and Land Use Fee.

2 Day - South Fork American River - Fun Run
Trip Starts	Adult	Youth	Group
Sunday to Friday	$269	$242	$228
Saturday	$299	$269	$254

Subject to a 7% River and Land Use Fee.

2009 Start dates: Blaster - May through October

Weekend launches are limited to a maximum group size of either 12, 24 or 36. Please call our office for details. Trips departing Mondays through Fridays have no maximum group limits.

Note: Middle Fork trips meet very early morning in Auburn. You may want to arrive the night before your trip so you don't feel rushed to drive in the morning. Also, it's not too far from our South Fork American Campground which is located on the South Fork American River on Highway 49 in Coloma - you're welcome to stay there the night before and/or after your trip with us. (Advance reservations required.)

1 Day - Middle Fork American River - Blaster
Trip Starts	Adult	Youth	Group
Monday to Friday	$149	$134	$126
Saturday and Sunday	$169	$152	$143

Subject to a 4% River and Land Use Fee.

2 Day - Middle Fork American River - Blaster
Trip Starts	Adult	Youth	Group
Sunday to Friday Start	$309	$278	$262
Saturday Start	$329	$296	$279

Subject to a 4% River and Land Use Fee.

2009 Start dates: Thriller - April through June

We are able to start North Fork American River trips daily from April through June (flows permitting).

Note: North Fork American trips meet in Auburn. You may want to arrive the night before, and we'll provide a list of local accommodations. Also, it's not too far from our South Fork American Campground which is located on the South Fork American River on Highway 49 in Coloma - you're welcome to stay there the night before and/or after your trip with us. (Advance reservations required.)

1 Day - North Fork American River - Thriller
Trip Starts	Adult	Youth	Group
Sunday to Friday	$149	$134	$126
Saturday Start	$169	$152	$143

Subject to a 5% River and Land Use Fee.

2009 Start dates: Combos - April through June

South and Middle Fork Combo: Trips can start almost daily May through September.

South and North Fork Combo: Trips can start almost daily April through June (flows permitting). It's best to plan this combo in spring since the North Fork is a free flowing river.

Free Camping: We warmly welcome you to camp free with our compliments in our River Park Adventure Campground the night before and/or the night after your trip with us. (Advance reservations required.)

2 Day - South and Middle Fork American River - Combo
Trip Starts	Adult	Youth	Group
Sunday to Friday	$319	$287	$271
Saturday Start	$339	$305	$288

Subject to a 7% River and Land Use Fee.

2 Day - South and North Fork American River - Combo
Trip Starts	Adult	Youth	Group
Sunday to Friday	$319	$287	$271
Saturday Start	$339	$305	$288

Subject to a 7% River and Land Use Fee.

To check availability and / or make your reservation, either call our friendly and helpful staff at 800-400-7238
or Use our new On-line Reservation System

More Helpful Information about
White Water Rafting on the American River

For all of the instructions on rendezvous locations, what to bring, where to stay, and
everything else you need to know, please click to download our
Middle Fork Rafting Rendezvous Information
South Fork Rafting Rendezvous Information
North Fork Rafting Rendezvous Information

American River Area Links:

• River Park Adventure Campground
• Sacramento Area Attractions
• San Francisco Bay Area Activities
• San Francisco Visitor Information
• Coloma Valley
  "Where the Gold Rush began" Recreation, Visitor Information, Maps, and Guides!
• Camp Lotus
  Camp Lotus fronts the South Fork of the American River three miles downstream from Coloma.

American River Flow:

Flows on the South and North Fork American are controlled by the Chili Bar dam, which accounts for the exceptionally long season of this river. We run trips on these two forks with these flows:

On the South Fork American with flows from 800 to 10,000 CFS.

On the North Fork American with flows from 800 to 3,000 CFS.

Flows on the Middle Fork American are controlled by the Oxbow Reservoir. We run trips from 1000 to 3,000 CFS.

Data from CDEC.

For detailed flow information click here.