Guiding California white water rafting trips for 30 years!

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 California whitewater rafting rivers. 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. All of the South Fork American River trips meet at our camp in the Coloma/Lotus area and will start with an orientation & safety talk. Life jackets will be fitted and paddling instruction is given. Each raft will be manned by a professional, skilled river guide.

South Fork American River Rafting - Gorge ‘Lower’ raft trip:

We meet at 10:30 am and put-in at the Hwy 49 bridge for a 13 mile 1 day rafting adventure. The pace is fairly gentle to start, with some Class 2 rapids to warm up on. We pull into camp for lunch and after a great spread prepared by your talented river guides, we launch again and 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 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:

We meet at 8:30 am and transport your group to the top of the South Fork American River near Placerville. The rafting action begins quickly with Meatgrinder rapid and continues for the next 5+ miles with Racehorse Bend, 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 8:30 - 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 option. It includes the 2 sections above and meets at 8:30 am. Lunch is served at our riverside camp and we return at approx. 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. This is a particularly great run during higher spring flows.

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 pitta sandwich. Tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, sprouts, chips and salsa, fresh fruit, cookies, vegetables & dip are included. On 2 day trips, a pitta bread lunch with chicken sald is very poular. 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.

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.

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:

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 Area Information

South Fork American Map and Directions

South Fork American/Middle Fork American River Combo

Printer Friendly Version of this Page