South Fork of the American River Rafting
The South Fork American River is one of the most popular rivers for whitewater rafting in California, and for good reason. When other California rafting trips have dried up, rafting on the South Fork American River is still providing an exciting and fun time. Great water releases are guaranteed and rafting trips are available from April through September. The South Fork American River flows through the rolling foothills in California's Gold Country and has many memorable rapids. The South Fork American River has served as an introduction to California rafting for countless beginners, but it is also exciting enough to lure many back year after year. There is a run suitable for nearly everyone, including families, corporate groups and youth groups.
We are expecting an incredible season for our South Fork American rafting trips with plenty of water throughout the summer into September. Check our HOT DEALS for great rafting discounts available (including Labor Day weekend). Currently we have no guaranteed water on Wednesdays throughout the season, but will get great water every other day!
Our meeting location for all of the South Fork American River rafting trips is at our camp in the Coloma/Lotus area. Each rafting trip will start with an orientation & safety talk. Life jackets will be fitted and paddling instruction given. Each raft will be manned by a professional, skilled river guide.
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 our camp if you are staying overnight. See our photos page for more detailed information. It is important to order your South Fork American River Rafting photos BEFORE you leave the area, as they are not available on line. Ask you guide for a coupon.
South Fork American River Rafting - Gorge ‘Lower’ raft trip:
On our 1 day, 13 mile "Gorge" rafting adventure, we meet at our camp at 10:30 am and transport you to the put-in at the Hwy 49 bridge. The pace is fairly gentle to start, with some Class 2 rapids to warm up on, and the guides give paddling instruction. We pull into camp for LUNCH, and after a great spread prepared by your talented river guides, we launch again. The rafts then 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 lower South Fork American River rafting 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 Rafting - Lotus Run (for younger kids & seniors):
This short, 4 mile Class 2 only section can be run by kids as young as 4 yrs and can include those with disabilities, or feeling their age (or just plain nervous). See Lotus Run page for full description.
South Fork American River Rafting - Chili Bar ‘Upper’ raft trip:
This 11 mile 1 day "Upper" or "Chili Bar" rafting trip, meets at our camp at 8:45 am and we transport your group to the upper reaches of the South Fork American River near Placerville. The rafting action begins quickly with the Class 3 Meatgrinder rapid and continues for the next 5+ miles with Racehorse Bend, Rock Garden, 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 8:45 - 1:00 pm, with no stops and no lunch.
South Fork American River Rafting - 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 "whole river" option. It includes the 2 sections above and meets at 8:45 am. LUNCH is served at our riverside camp and we return to the camp at approx. 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. This is a particularly great run during higher flows during the snow melt..
South Fork American River Rafting - 2 day raft 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 on the South Fork American River, 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, or simply relax with a cold drink In the early evening, your your guides prepare your 3 course DINNER which is accompanied with a moderate amount of beer, wine, and soft drinks. After dinner, the days 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. 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 homeward journey from your California whitewater adventure.
Camping and additional American River Rafting trips:
To extend your stay, camping can be arranged before or after any of our South Fork 
American River rafting trips, or if you think you might be ready for a step up in excitement after a day or so, consider the South Fork/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 yet another exciting 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 1 hr/(53 miles E. of Sacramento 1 ½ hrs/82 miles SW of Truckee 1 ¾ hrs/72 miles W of S. Lake Tahoe 1 ¾ hrs/98 miles N. of Stockton <2 hrs/84 miles N. of Sonora, Columbia, Angels Camp, Jamestown 2 hrs/115 miles SE of Chico 2 ¼ hrs/134 miles NE of San Francisco |
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.
Other options for Class 3 California rafting trips:
Options for more adventurous rafting trips:
- Middle Fork American River
- South Fork American/Middle Fork American River Combo (Also see Family Specials)
- South Fork American/North Fork American River Combo
- Upper Sacramento River
- North Fork Yuba/North Fork American River Combo
- Adventurous/Intermediate Rafting Trips
