North Fork American
River Rafting
The North Fork American River Rafting (Chamberlain Falls Run):
This run is one of the most intimate and romantic river trip in the Sierras. This
clear, free-flowing aqua jewel makes rafting an inspiration. The rivers
polished gray rocks, nearly continuous pool and drop rapids and unsurpassed
backcountry scenery provide a wilderness rafting experience you will never
forget. Paddle experience and competent swimming ability are requirements for
paddle raft participation, particularly important at times of higher water,
when eddies are scarce and large holes must be negotiated.
North Fork American River Rafting - 1 day trip:
The challenge
starts right from the beginning. First, we negotiate a Class III-IV
gorge with a series of boulder slalom rapids called Slaughter Sluice before
crashing over Chamberlain Falls. In short order comes more Class 3-4 rapids
named Tongue & Groove, Zig-Zag, Bogus Thunder, Grand Slalom and Devils
Staircase. Next, we take a breather, do lunch, and relax a little after more
than four miles of intense Class 4 rapids. A picturesque side hike up Indian
Creek to the falls may be scheduled. The second half of the trip is more mellow
with frequent Class 2-3 rapids and we float through a tranquil, peaceful canyon
and take the opportunity to admire the beautiful, clean water and polished
granite.
North Fork American River rafting - 1/2 day Express run:
A 1/2 day express run is sometimes available, and you still get the full 9 miles, but you can skip the
lunch and side hike, and blast down the whole thing with no stops (except to
scout rapids).
North Fork American River Rafting - 2 day trips:
If you want to start out a little slower, combine this great run with a
day or more on the South Fork American River, and or the
Middle Fork American River and step up to the North Fork American River after a day or two. Or combine with another
incredible spring run on the North Fork Yuba
River where you can choose Class 4 or 5 options.
North Fork American River rafting - Double run:
A double run in 1 day may be possible for a fit, active and experienced group.
On the first trip we will lunch at Shirttail Canyon and take-out at this point.
The second run will continue down the 9 mile run to the regular take-out at
Ponderosa.
Lower North Fork American River rafting:
Below the Chamberlain Fals run is another 4 miles of river ending in Lake Clemantine. Though this section of the North Fork American is only
Class 2, the great scenery continues in this remote canyon. This can be added to extend a 1 day trip or it is also a wonderful run on its own for small rafts and inflatable
kayaks.
The North Fork
American River starts its journey west from the headwaters in the
Granite Chief Wilderness between the ski areas of Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley.
For most of its length it is protected by federal Wild and Scenic status, and
the river freely tumbles through steep gorges on the Tahoe National Forest into
the defacto wilderness of the Auburn State Recreation Area.
Class: 4-4+
Length: 9-13 miles /
½ - 1 day , 18-26 miles / 2 days,
Season: April June (depending on snow pack)
Elevation: 1100 ft
Location: Meeting in Auburn or Colfax,
off I-80, between Sacramento & Truckee
North Fork American River, Distances/Times for travel:
|
¾ hr E. of Sacramento (36 miles)
1 ½ hrs N of Stockton (82
miles)
1 ¾ hrs SW of Reno (95
miles)
2 hrs W of South Lake Tahoe (87
miles)
2 hrs SE of Chico (96 miles)
2 ¼ hrs NE of San Francisco (120
miles) 2 ½ hrs NE of San Jose (149 miles)
3 ¼ hrs SE of Redding (159
miles) |
PLEASE ALLOW
EXTRA TIME DURING BUSY HOLIDAY PERIODS

California White Water Rafting - The North Fork
American River |
North Fork
American River Area Information
North Fork
American River Map & Directions
North Fork Yuba/North Fork
American River Combo
Middle Fork American/North Fork
American River Combo
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