Choosing your American River Rafting trip

Tributary Whitewater Tours offers a wide range of American River rafting trips located in the Gold Country just east of Sacramento. There is something for all levels of ability and experience. The easiest  American River rafting trips are suitable for children from 4 years, seniors and those with special needs, but there is also whitewater rafting for the most experienced and for the adventurous first time rafter. Be sure to check on our Family Specials  where kids raft for 1/2 price on some of our 2-4 day trips. You can enjoy rafting on the American River April-September with guaranteed flows all summer.

Rafting on the American River is in full swing and some trips will be flowing through September. We are looking at really great year with good flows, with nothing too high anymore. Check out Rafting Hot Deals for possible discounts, including Labor Day weekend and regular prices are still being held at 2007 levels!!

Though some American River rafting trips are just for a few hours, rafting vacations for  2-5 days are also possible. The South Fork American River and Middle Fork American River have the most reliable and longest season of flows for whitewater rafting in California. The three forks of the American River are truly an exceptional resource, and though conveniently located close to Sacramento or Lake Tahoe, you can escape into the wilderness like canyon of the Middle Fork American River. Find isolated camping spots and cooling swimming holes even in the height of the summer. We hope you join us for some memorable whitewater rafting on the American River.

American River Rafting - which level of difficulty? 

Please check out the guidelines for each of the categories below. Factors to be considered are swimming & athletic ability, age and how adventurous the group is. For more details on things to consider about choosing your trip, especially if you have a mixed group, are planning on rafting in the spring, or are concerned about weight limitations etc. see For Your Safety for further information.

American River Rafting - Easiest/Younger Children - Class 1-2:

Suitable for younger (under 8) or more timid children, seniors and special needs. These trips are 2.5 to 5 hrs long so a great introduction for children, and not to much for the less able bodied. Can be combined for 2 days rafting and an overnight campout, or made more exciting for a mixed group with the addition of inflatable kayaks or adding a more adventurous section of river.

Lower Middle Fork American River - long 1/2 day

South Fork American River- Lotus Run - 1/2 day

Lower Middle Fork/Lotus Run Combo  - 2 days

Family Specials - 2 day trips, special discounts

American River Rafting - Easy/Beginner - Class 2-3:

Suitable for first time rafters, corporate groups, families (kids from 7-8 years), Scout groups, church youth groups, bachelor parties or bachelorette parties. OK for non- swimmers. This is an ideal level - fun and exciting, you definitely get wet, but not too intimidating for a beginner. We have  1/2 day express runs for 4 hrs, 1 day trips with a great river side lunch, or 2 days of rafting with camping and all meals.

South Fork American River - 1/2 to 2 days (or longer combos)

Family Specials on the South Fork - 2 day trips where kids raft at 1/2 price

American River Rafting - Intermediate/Adventurous First-timers - Class 3-4

Suitable for adventurous first time rafters and groups, families with teenagers (youths from 12-13 years), those with previous Class 3 experience, adventure Scout groups, adventurous bachelor and bachelorette parties. Good swimming ability required ie. NO NON-SWIMMERS. The Middle Fork American River is a wonderful wilderness experience that can be experienced on a  1 day trip, or better yet for 2-3 days. It can also be combined with the South Fork American River (see above) as an introduction and trips are available from  2-5 days.

Middle Fork American River - 1-3 days

South Fork American/Middle American River Combo  - 2-5 days (also see Family Trips)

South Fork American/North Fork American River Combo - 2-3 days

American River Rafting - Intermediate/More Difficult - Class 4+:

This requires previous Class 3 experience with strong swimming ability. Min. age 13 years. Only available while the snow is melting, but an exciting and scenic spring run not to be missed. Availble as a 1/2 day express or 1 day trip. It can also be combined with the South and/or Middle Fork American for a multi-day experience early in the rafting season.

North Fork American River - 1/2 or 1 day (or 2-3 day combo - see above)

Additional Whitewater Rafting Trips close to the American River:

East Fork Carson River, 1-2 days, Class 2, May-mid-June, near S. Lake Tahoe

Truckee River, 1/2 day, Class 2-3+, all summer, near North Lake Tahoe

North Yuba River, 1-3 days, Class 4 and 5, Apr-June, north of Nevada City