Guiding California white water rafting trips for 30+ years!

American River Rafting and North Yuba River Rafting Combo's

The Middle Fork American, North Fork American and North Fork Yuba River can be combined in various ways to create exciting Class 4 or Class 4/5 rafting adventures for 2-4 days or more. Our most popular spring rafting combination is a 2 day combo, starting with the "Maytag" Class 4 run on the North Fork Yuba River and finishing with the Chamberlain Falls Class 4 run on the North Fork American River. This takes advantage of our secluded camp site on the North Fork Yuba River and provides 2 superb days of rafting.

The North Fork Yuba River

This river is an uncrowded gem, with just 3 outfitters permitted to offer trips. We are North Fork Yuba River, Maytag rapid one of the original companies who pioneered this river for commercial rafting in 1981. Located at the northern most end of the fabled Mother Lode highway, State Route 49, the river runs through the heavily forested Tahoe National Forest. Nearby are rustic and charming gold mining towns of Downieville and Sierra City. The Maytag run on the North Yuba River is a 9 mile run, with an introductory 2 miles of Class 2-3 rapids. This section provides an ideal step-up for the Class 3 paddler or a first-time Class 4 run for the active and adventurous. After braving some Class 4 rapids, most paddlers are then ready for the highlight of the trip - the Class 5 'Maytag'. We always stop and scout the rapid, so all clients have the option of walking around. The Class 4 Son of Maytag falls is just below Maytag, with more Class 3 action from here to the take-out. Enjoy our secluded camp in the forest on multi-day trips.

The North Fork American River

The Chamberlain Falls run on the North Fork American River is a clear, free-flowing aqua North Fork American River, Chamberlain Falls rapid jewel in the Sierra mountains that makes rafting an inspiration. The rivers’ polished gray rocks, nearly continuous pool and drop rapids and unsurpassed backcountry scenery provide a wilderness experience you will never forget. Paddle experience and competent swimming ability are requirements for paddle raft participation. We run a 9 mile section, and the action starts quickly with ‘Slaughter’s Sluice’ less than ½ mile from put-in. The most difficult rapid - 'Chamberlain Falls' is encountered next, and great Class 4 action continues with ‘Tongue & Groove’, ‘Zig-Zag’, ‘Achilles’ Heel’, ‘Bogus Thunder’, ‘Grand Slalom’ and a series of three river wide ledges called ‘Staircase’. Some Class 3 rapids follow and then a welcome float of Class 1-2 rapids until the take-out. Not for the timid during high water run-off.

The Middle Fork American River

This is a beautiful all summer wilderness run that is eligible for Federal Wild & Scenic Middle Fork American River, Tunnel Chute rapid status. It is suitable for the active, fit and adventurous first-timer and is also a great choice for those seeking a step-up from the more crowded South Fork American. It flows through steep, rugged and forested canyons within the Tahoe National Forest and into the Auburn State Recreation Area. The famed 'Tunnel Chute' is encountered early in the trip and this is followed by numerous Class 3 and 4 rapids which provide trips of 1 to 3 days on this river alone. Combine with the North Fork American in the spring for action packed Class 4 rafting.

Camping on our Yuba and American River raft trip combos:

will either be at our Forest Service site on the North Fork Yuba River, which has rustic facilities with no showers, but is nestled amongst the pines and firs of the Tahoe National Forest at approx. 2500 foot elevation. Camping is also available close to the North American at Rollins Lake in Colfax, which does provide more facilities with hot showers and electric hook-ups available if required. We can also arrange for your group to camp at either of these locations the night prior to your trip.

Meals on our Yuba River and American River raft trip combos:

Though they cannot be officially claimed as gourmet, our meals always consist of plentiful, fresh and wholesome ingredients. Clients often comment on the great spread that the guides rustle up on the banks of the river.

Lunch is served on the river each day, 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. Other lunches offered may be pita bread with chicken or shrimp salad or river burritos.

Dinners will start with appetizers of vegetables, dip, cheese and crackers. The main entrée may be marinated tri-tip steak or barbequed chicken, Dutch-Oven lasagna or any alternatives that may be requested in advance of the trip. We also serve plentiful side dishes of mixed salad, fresh vegetables, baked potatoes and garlic bread. Leave room for our Dutch oven baked or other delectable desserts. A moderate amount of wine & beer is available and also coffee, tea & soda.

Breakfast will be eggs and hash-brown potatoes or pancakes served with sausage or bacon. You can also feast on fresh fruit, pastries, muffins, orange juice, milk, tea and coffee.

Other activities while on your Yuba River and American River raft trip combo:

Each evening, while the guides prepare dinner, clients can set-up their camp, fish, hike or simply relax around the camp fire. All of these rivers provide great hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities, and quaint, historic villages and towns nearby. See individual river area information for more details.

Photographs of your Yuba River and American River raft trip combo:

Professional photographers usually take photos of the action at the largest rapids. Most of these are now available on-line, and you can check them out via our web site at www.whitewatertours.com/photo_links.htm.

Other Multi-day Class 4 and Class 4/5 rafting combination trips:

Try the Cal Salmon and Scott in the most northern part of California for great Class 4 and 5 action. Both are un-dammed rivers so available during snow-melt only. The Upper Klamath (Class 4+) and Burnt Ranch Gorge (Class 5) can be combined during the summer, but flows on Burnt Ranch vary depending on snow pack so call in May for update on flows/releases.

Wetsuits may be required, usually at least through Memorial weekend. As the Yuba and North American are un-dammed rivers and are at their peak in the spring, early reservations are required for these rivers. Check with the office regarding rental costs, and to make reservations. Your height and weight are usually required. Also check the ‘what to bring’ list carefully for these early spring trips.

Class: 4-5,

Elevation: 1100-4240 ft
Length: 18-35 miles / 2-4 days

Season: April – early July (depending on snow pack)
Location: Meeting in Indian Valley off Hwy 49, between Nevada City and Downieville or in Auburn off I80