South Fork of the
American River Rafting
The South Fork American River is
the most popular California whitewater rafting river in the West. It is
exciting and lots of fun, with many memorable rapids. The river flows through
the green and gold foothills of California's Gold Rush Country and it has
served as an introduction to California rafting for countless beginners. It is
exciting enough though to lure many back year after year. The South Fork
American River is suitable for nearly everyone, including families (kids from
7-8 yrs), corporate groups and youth groups. All of the trips meet at our camp
in the Coloma/Lotus area and will start with an orientation & safety talk.
Life jackets will be fitted and paddling instruction is given. Each raft will
be manned by a professional, skilled river guide.
South Fork
American River, Gorge Lower raft trip:
We meet at 10:30 am and
put-in at the Hwy 49 bridge for a 13 mile 1 day rafting
adventure. The pace is fairly gentle to start, with some Class 2 rapids to warm
up on. We pull into camp for lunch and after a great spread prepared by your
talented river guides, we launch again and enter the steep granite canyon known
as the 'Gorge' and the rapids occur frequently, with Fowler's Rock, the Class
3+ Satan's Cesspool, Bouncing Rock, Hospital Bar and numerous milder but fun
rapids. Our trip ends at Folsom Lake where you are served with ice cold drinks
and we return the group to the meeting location, usually by 5:00 p.m. This raft
trip can also be run as a 9 mile, ½ day express run,
from 1:00 - 5:00 pm, which omits the first 4 miles and does not include
lunch.
South Fork
American River, Chili Bar Upper raft trip:
We meet at 8:30 am and
transport your group to the top of the South Fork American River near
Placerville. The rafting action begins quickly with Meatgrinder rapid and
continues for the next 5+ miles with Racehorse Bend, Triple Threat, the Class
3+ Troublemaker and others. The river slows after this and we usually stop at
the Marshal Gold Discovery State Historic Park. You can check out some of the
park exhibits while your guides prepare lunch. We continue on rafting down to
our camp, usually arriving around 2:30 pm. This trip is also available as a
½ day express run from 8:30 - 1:00 pm, with no stops and no
lunch.
South Fork
American River, 21 mile 'Whole River' raft trip:
The entire South Fork
American River is usually run in 2 days, but we also offer this trip as a long
1 day option. It includes the 2 sections above and meets at 8:30 am. Lunch is
served at our riverside camp and we return at approx. 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. This is
a particularly great run during higher spring flows.
Our
lunches usually consist of a deli-style spread with a selection of
breads, meats and cheeses, or a pitta sandwich. Tomatoes, avocados, lettuce,
sprouts, chips and salsa, fresh fruit, cookies, vegetables & dip are
included. We are glad to accommodate any special dietary needs.
Professional
photographer's film at several major rapids on the South Fork American
river and usually have proofs ready to view within a couple of hours in nearby
Coloma, or in camp on an overnight trip. See our photography link page for more detailed information.
South Fork
American River, 2 day rafting trip:
The 2 day trip covers more than 21 miles
and includes riverside camping and 4 meals. We meet you on the first morning
after breakfast, usually at 10:30 am. The river can be run 'top to bottom', but
the usual sequence is to run the lower 'Gorge' run on the first day and the
upper 'Chili Bar' run on the 2nd day. This allows us to meet you a little later
on the first day and allows for an earlier departure time on the second day.
This may be important if you have to travel any distance to get to the river.
The times are also scheduled to catch the best flows created by the release of
water from the upstream dams. This trip is offered on selected dates as a
family special where youths raft at 1/2 price.
In the
evening, you will have time to set-up camp, swim, play volleyball,
check out the photos in nearby Coloma, or simply relax with a cold drink while
your guides prepare your meal. Dinner will normally be served around 7:30 pm
and appetizers are available, usually vegetables & dips; cheese &
crackers; and chips & salsa. A cooler of drinks and a moderate amount of
wine are also provided. The main course will normally consist of barbecued
chicken and/or tri-tip steak, baked potatoes, mixed salad, corn and garlic
bread. However much is consumed; everyone still finds room for our Dutch oven
baked desserts served with whipped cream. The photos will be available to view
in camp and you can relax by the camp fire.
Next
morning, you will wake to the aroma of coffee brewing and while the
guides prepare breakfast, personal camping gear can be packed. Breakfast will
normally be served around 8:00 am and consists of either pancakes or eggs and
hash browns with sausage or bacon, fresh fruit, pastries, orange juice, milk,
tea and coffee. We will usually depart from camp by 9:00 am for our put-in on
the 'Chili Bar' run. You will be greeted with ice cold drinks back at camp,
before departing on your homewood journey from your California whitewater
adventure.
To extend your stay, camping can be
arranged before or after any of our South Fork American River trips, or if you
think you might be ready for a step up in excitement on the 2nd day, consider
the South Fork American/Middle Fork American
Combo where you can spend from 1-3 days on the Middle Fork American. In the
spring you can also combine with the North
Fork American River for an additional day.
NOTICE:
Water flows in the South Fork American River result from releases from
hydroelectric facilities located upstream. Such water releases are not subject
to the control of El Dorado County or commercial rafting companies operating
under permit from the County of El Dorado.
Class: 3 Length: 9,
13 or 21 mile runs in 1/2 - 2 Days, April - Oct Elevation:
930 ft Location: Just off Highway 49 between Placerville
and Auburn
Distances/Times for travel to the South Fork American River:
|
15 mins/12
miles N. of Placerville 15 mins/12 miles N. of Placerville 20 mins/15
miles S. of Auburn 2 ¼ hrs/134 miles NE of San Francisco 1 hr/(53
miles E. of Sacramento 45 mins/31 miles E of Roseville 43 mins/32 miles E
of Folsom 2 ½ hrs/164 miles NE of San Jose 1 ¾ hrs/98 miles
N. of Stockton 2 hrs/115 miles SE of Chico 1 ¾ hrs/72 miles W of
S. Lake Tahoe 1 ½ hrs/82 miles SW of Truckee 1 hr 54 mins/(114
miles SW. of Reno 4+ hrs/152 miles NW of El Portal/Yosemite |
PLEASE ALLOW
EXTRA TIME DURING BUSY HOLIDAY PERIODS
Please click on
the area map below for a more detailed map and directions to the South Fork
American River.

California White Water Rafting - The South Fork
American River Printer Friendly Version of
this Page|
South Fork
American Area Information |
South Fork American Map
and Directions |
South Fork
American/Middle Fork American River Combo |