South Fork American River / Middle Fork American River Rafting Combo
The combo trip on the South Fork American River and Middle Fork American River is an ideal rafting trip for those wanting to warm up on some Class 3 rapids, before stepping up to the more exciting Class4 action on the Middle Fork American River on the 2nd or 3rd day. Great trip for adventurous first time rafters.
The South Fork American River is an exciting, fun Class 3 run, with memorable rapids like Bouncing Rock, Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar. The river flows through the green and gold foothills of California's Gold Rush Country and has served as an introduction to river rafting for countless beginners and continues to lure veterans back year after year. On the combo trip with the Middle Fork American River, you can select 1-2 days of Class 4 action on the 2nd or 3rd day. The itinerary for the 2 day combo follows.
First day of a South American/Middle Fork American River Rafting Combo:
We meet you after breakfast at Rivers Bend Resort in Coloma/Lotus. Our guides will give an orientation talk and paddling instruction, and lifejackets are fitted. Before lunch we raft an easier section of river, allowing time to hone your paddling skills for the exciting Class 3 rapids to follow on the South Fork American 'Gorge'. Lunch is taken at the camp, and we launch the rafts again. In the next 9 miles, we tackle rapids like Bouncing Rock, Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar, and then take-out at Folsom reservoir where cold drinks are served and we transport you back to camp, usually by 5:00 pm
In the evening of a South American/Middle Fork American River Combo:
Back at camp after the rafting trip, you can set-up camp, swim, play volleyball or just relax on the river bank. In the early evening, your guides will serve dinner accompanied by a moderate amount or wine and beer. You can then realax around the camp fire or check the photos of the days action. Professional photographers film at several of the major rapids. Ask your guide for a coupon and order your South Fork American River photos before you leave Coloma, as they are not available online.
Second day of a South American/Middle Fork American River Combo:
Personal gear is packed while the guides prepare a continental breakfast. We have to depart early from camp around 8:00 am due to the length of the Middle Fork American River run and we caravan to Auburn. From here, we transport you through Foresthill to the put-in below Oxbow Reservoir. The famed 'Tunnel Chute' is encountered early in the trip, and this is followed by numerous Class 3 rapids and the Class 4+ 'Kanaka'. Lunch is served on a beach during the 7 mile stretch of Class 2, before the 'Ruck-a-Chucky' portage. There are also the additional Class 4 rapids of 'Chunder' and 'Parallel Parking' and more Class 3 to the take-out. You will normally be back in Auburn by 5:00 pm, close to I80 for your journey home. Photos for your Middle Fork American River trip are available online and the can be accessed via our whitewater photo links page. 
For longer combo rafting trips on the American River:
We can combine sections of the American River for trips of 3-5 days. You can include the Chili Bar run on the South Fork, spend a night in the Middle Fork Canyon, raft another 7 miles on the Middle Fork American River, or in the spring, add 9 miles of Class 4 on the North Fork American River.
Class: 3-4
Length:28, 38 or 44 mile trips in 2-5 days, April - Oct
Location: Meeting in Coloma, off Highway 49 between Placerville & Auburn, and ending between Foresthill & Auburn.
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
Distances/Times for travel for meeting for the South American/Middle Fork American Rafting combo:
15 mins/12 miles N. of Placerville 45 mins/31 miles E of Roseville 1 hr/(53 miles E. of Sacramento 1 ½ hrs/82 miles SW of Truckee 1 ¾ hrs/98 miles N. of Stockton 1 3/4 hrs/72 miles W. of S. Lake Tahoe 1 hr 54 mins/114 miles SW of Reno 2 ¼ hrs/134 miles NE of San Francisco |
PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME DURING BUSY
HOLIDAY PERIODS
Please click on map for a detailed map and directions to the South Fork area.
