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North Fork American

River Rafting

The North Fork American River Rafting (Chamberlain Falls Run):

This Class 4 spring rafting run is one of the most intimate and romantic river trips in the Sierras. A free-flowing aqua jewel that makes rafting an inspiration. The rivers’ polished gray rocks, nearly continuous pool and drop rapids and unsurpassed back country scenery provide a wilderness rafting experience you will never forget. Particularly during times of higher water, when eddies are scarce and large holes must be negotiated, we prefer previous paddling experience on this American River Rafting trip. Always required is competent swimming ability and participants will be expected to be more fit and active than on the less technical Middle Fork American River and the easier South Fork American River.

North Fork American River Rafting - 1 day trip:

The challenge on this rafting trip 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. You still get the full 9 miles, but you can skip the lunch and the 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 need to start out a little slower, combine this great raft trip 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 Falls 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