American River Rafting Trips

Traveling farther north? Located about 1-hour east of Sacramento, the South Fork and Middle Forks of the American River offer some of California’s most popular rafting trips. Upstream reservoirs provide consistent rafting flows from mid April through mid September. Single day and multi day excursions are available. 1-day trips include lunch, multi-day trips include meals and riverside camping. Need camping gear? No problem, you can rent a package. American River rafting trips are conducted by our esteemed associate outfitter, Raft California.

SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RAFTING TRIPS

The South Fork American is a popular Class III intermediate whitewater river that is suitable for beginner to advanced paddlers. The river offers a wide range of adventures, with over 50 exciting rapids interspersed with calm stretches where you can enjoy the canyon scenery and each other’s company. Trips meet in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in the heart of California’s Gold Country, near the town of Coloma on State Highway 49. The water is clear and cool; the air is clean and warm–the perfect setting for a fun, exciting adventure. Scenery alternates between rolling green and golden hills and long rocky gorges with many oaks and pines along the riverbank. Each 14 to 15 foot self-bailing raft usually has a crew of 6 to 8 paddlers and an experienced guide at the back of the boat who steers the raft and instructs the them in basic paddle strokes. The South Fork includes over 20 miles of navigable whitewater and is usually run in two sections. The Upper “Chili Bar” section, and the lower “Gorge” run. Each offers their share of thrills and fun. Bring the family – minimum age on the South Fork is just 7 years.

MIDDLE FORK AMERICAN RAFTING TRIPS

Middle Fork American River rafting trips are a great choice for those individuals and groups who wish to experience the adventure of a remote wilderness river trip and enjoy the challenge of many exciting whitewater rapids. The Middle Fork offers spectacular scenery, crystal clear water, great rapids, excellent fishing, and the possibility of a side hike up a picturesque creek to a waterfall. Rapids here range from Class II to Class V. Overall we rate this river as an adventuresome Class III/IV experience with one Class V rapid – the famous Tunnel Chute. Here the river drops through a narrow, churning whitewater chute leading down to a flat water tunnel through a narrow ridge blasted by miners in the 1850s. The result is an exciting, roller coaster ride, adrenaline rush rapid. We stop to scout this rapid first; walking around the Tunnel Chute is always an option. This trip also includes portage around a waterfall/boulder garden. There are also several long, lazy calm stretches where paddling is necessary as the current slows, and we enjoy the serenity and beauty of a remote river canyon. Single and mlti-day trips meet near the town of Auburn on Interstate 80 approximately 1 hour northwest of Sacramento.