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Choosing your American River Rafting trip
Tributary Whitewater Tours offers a wide range of American River whitewater rafting trips, with 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 day trips.
Though some American River Rafting trips are just for a few hours, rafting vacations up to 5 days are also possible. The South Fork American River and Middle Fork American River have the most reliable and longest flows for whitewater rafting in California, and we run trips during the entire rafting season from April into September and October. These forks of the American River are truly an exceptional resource. Even in the height of the summer, you can escape into the wilderness like canyon of the Middle Fork American River, and find isolated camping spots and cooling swimming holes. We hope you join us for a memorable American River whitewater rafting trip this year.
Check out Hot Deals for early season discounts which have been extended through the weekdays until June 23 and also offered on Fathers day. We have Monday and Wednesday special pricing throughout the season and some of the lowest weekday prices to be found. We are holding our 2007 rates.
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 too much for the less able bodied. Can be combined for 2 days 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 - 1/2 day
South Fork American River- Lotus Run - 1/2 day
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)
American River Rafting - Intermediate/Adventurous First-timers - Class 3-4:
Suitable for adventurous first time rafters and groups, those with previous Class 3 experience, adventure Scout groups, adventurous bachelor and bachelorette parties. Good swimming ability required. The Middle Fork 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
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. 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)
NOTE: Early in the season (April – Mid-June), water levels may be higher if we have a large snow pack, and therefore we may raise our minimum age level, change our requirements for swimming ability or switch trips to less difficult runs.
Additional Whitewater Rafting Trips close to the American River:
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
For your safety before rafting on the American River:
Particularly for a first time trip, or if you have a larger group, err on the side of caution to ensure everyone has fun. Always consider the least experienced, most timid or least fit person in your party when making your decision. Please call or email our office if you would like assistance in choosing the most suitable American River whitewater rafting trip.
Nearly everyone can participate at some level, but anyone with any medical condition, very overweight or in poor physical shape should always consult with their physician. Those with a heart condition or back problems should be particularly cautious. Each participant must fit into one of our life jackets with all buckles fastened and our regular life jackets fit a torso circumference of 52 inches maximum. We have a few jackets that will fit up to 56” but they MUST be requested in advance. It is also important for us to know in advance about any conditions that may affect anyone from being fully able to participate to ensure the enjoyment of all our guests.
There are risks involved in any outdoor activity and accidents can happen. All participants will be required to sign an Assumption of Risk or Liability Release form prior to the trip.
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