South Fork of the
American River Rafting
The South Fork American River is
the most popular of the American River rafting trips available, and also one of the most reliable rivers for California whitewater rafting, with great water being released from April into October. 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. This American River rafting trip is
also exciting enough to lure many back year after year, but is suitable for nearly everyone, including families (kids from
7-8 yrs), corporate groups and youth groups.
Check our News & Hot Deals page for early season discounts which have been extended at least through mid-June and also on Fathers Day. Water levels are really great right now! Monday specials are available throughout the season and we still have space on all our Family Special 2-4 day trips where kids raft for 1/2 price. Please note that there are going to be no scheduled trips on Wednesdays after May as it designated as a dry day ie. "fish flow" releases only, not adequate for rafting. However, we will have great water every other day!
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 trip ends 9 miles later 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 - 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 spring flows.
.
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 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.

We serve
lunch on all our 1 day trips (Gorge, Chili Bar or Whole River) and also both days of our 2 day trips. Our usual lunch will consist of a deli-style spread with a selection of
breads, meats and cheeses, or a pita sandwich. Tomatoes, avocados, lettuce,
sprouts, chips and salsa, fresh fruit, cookies, vegetables & dip are
included. On 2 day trips, a pita bread lunch with chicken salad is very popular. 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.
Our meeting location for all of the South Fork American River rafting trips is at our camp in the Coloma/Lotus area and 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.
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 trips, or if you
think you might be ready for a step up in excitement after a day or so, 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 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 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.

American River Rafting - The South Fork
American River
South Fork
American Rafting - Area Information
South Fork American Rafting - Map
and Directions
Other options for 2 or more days for the more adventurous:
South Fork
American/Middle Fork American River Combo
South Fork American/North Fork American River Combo
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