Guiding California white water rafting trips for 30+ years!

SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER/NORTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER RAFTING COMBO

The combo rafting trip on the South Fork American River and North Fork American River is an ideal choice for those wanting to warm up on some Class 3 rapids, before stepping up to the more exciting Class 4 action on the North Fork American River on the 2nd or 3rd day. Great trip for adventurous first time rafters who are looking for an early season spring run. Season varies depending on snow pack.

The South Fork American River is an exciting, fun Class 3 rafting trip, 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 rafting trip with the North Fork American River, you also get to raft on one of the best Class 4 spring runs. This clear, free-flowing aqua jewel in the Sierra's 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. Paddle experience and competent swimming ability are requirements and particularly important at times of higher water, when eddies are scarce and large holes must be negotiated. The itinerary for the 2 day combo follows.

First day of a South American/North Fork American River Rafting Combo:

These spring runs on the South Fork American River often provide higher water levels than during the summer, which makes for additional excitement. 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 on the river and usually consists of a deli-style spread with a selection of breads, meats, cheeses, tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, sprouts, chips and salsa, fresh fruit, cookies and vegetables with dip. 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/North Fork American River Rafting Combo:

While the guides prepare dinner, clients can set-up their camp, swim, play volleyball and check out the photos in camp or nearby in Coloma. Professional photographers film at several of the major rapids, and we have a set up in camp to view the action of the day. Ask your guide for a coupon and order your South Fork American River photos before you leave Coloma, as they are not available online. In the early evening, appetizers of vegetables, dip, cheese and crackers are served, followed by barbecued chicken and/or tri-tip, baked potatoes, corn, mixed salad and garlic bread. Leave room for desert, which may be baked in Dutch-ovens, and/or tasty offerings like strawberry cheesecake, coconut cream pie and chocolate gateau.

Second day of a South American/North Fork American River Rafting Combo:

Personal gear is packed while the guides prepare breakfast and we depart from camp to travel to the North Fork American River. Usually we caravan to Auburn or Colfax and then we transport you to the put-in near Colfax. On this river, the challenge 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. Soon after come more Class 3-4 rapids named Tongue & Groove, Zig-Zag, Bogus Thunder, Grand Slalom and Devils Staircase. After more than 4 miles of intense Class4 action, we take a breather, do lunch, and can relax a little. 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.

Photos for your North Fork American River trip may be available online and the website can be accessed via www.whitewatertours.com/photo_links.htm. 

For longer or alternate 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 American River and add 1-3  days on the Middle Fork American River. For trips in June through September the South/Middle American Rafting Combo will usually be a more reliable option.

Class: 3-4
Length: 22, 33 or 39 mile trips in 2-4 days, April - June (depending on snow pack)
Location: Meeting in Coloma, off Highway 49 between Placerville & Auburn, and ending between Colfax & Auburn.

Distances/Times for travel for meeting for the South American/North Fork American combo:

PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME DURING BUSY

HOLIDAY PERIODS

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

Please click on map for a detailed map and directions to the South Fork American River area.

California White Water Rafting - South Fork American/North Fork American River Combo:

South Fork American/North Fork American Rafting - Area Information

South Fork American/North Fork American Rafting - Map and Directions

South Fork American River Rafting

North Fork American River Rafting

South American/Middle American River Rafting Combo

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