WHITE WATER RAFTINGNear American River

We offer a wide range of American River whitewater rafting trips located in Gold Country just east of Sacramento, California near Lake Tahoe.

Many of our American River whitewater rapid rafting trips are available throughout the summer with guaranteed flows from April through September. 

There are many options when it comes to white water rafting on the American River including runs on the South Fork American, Lower Middle Fork American, Middle Fork American and North Fork American. Each section of river provides a different adventure tailored to ability level, experience, and age. Our experienced guides have extensive knowledge navigating every mile of the American River, ensuring that your group experiences a fun and safe river rafting trip.

Camping is available to all our American River rafting guests in our private campground located directly on the river. Site options include tent spaces and canvas glamping tents to rent. Multi-day rafting trips include two nights of camping with their booking. Groups are welcome! Note that weekends we do fill up, so be sure to plan and book in advance.

American River Rafting Trips for All Ages

The South Fork American River and Middle Fork American RiverLower Middle Fork American River have the most reliable flows and longest season for whitewater rafting in California. The three forks of the American River (South Fork, Middle Fork and North Fork) are truly an exceptional resource. Trips range from Class II (for ages 4+) to Class III (ages 8+) and Class IV (ages 14+), offering something for everyone.

Whitewater rafting trips are located close to SacramentoLake Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay Area. Escape the city into the wilderness. River rafting is one of the greatest adventures you will ever experience.

Family Whitewater Rafting for Ages 4+ on the American River

Looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure that the whole family can enjoy? Whitewater rafting on the American River is the perfect choice. Splash through waves, navigate gentle drops, and enjoy the laughter and shared thrills as you make your way downstream. Professional guides are available to ensure your family’s safety and provide expert instruction, making it an ideal introduction to whitewater rafting for children and beginners. With its diverse sections and range of rapids, the American River offers options suitable for families with varying levels of rafting experience. Create lasting memories as you navigate the exciting rapids, bond with your loved ones, and immerse yourselves in the stunning natural beauty of California’s river landscapes.

Class IV Rapids of the Middle Fork and North Fork American River

For thrill-seeking adventurers, whitewater rafting on the North Fork and Middle Forks of the American River are experiences like no other. Located in the heart of California’s stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, these two sections offer a challenging and adrenaline-pumping journey through its powerful rapids. Brace yourself for a wild ride as you navigate the Class IV and V rapids and prepare to paddle through intense rapids, embrace the challenge, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

About the American River

The American River is located in Northern California, primarily flowing through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It is one of the major rivers in California and stretches approximately 120 miles from its headwaters in the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe, to its confluence with the Sacramento River near Sacramento. The American River basin encompasses various counties, including El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and parts of Alpine and Amador. The river is known for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and significance in California’s history and water supply.

If you have any questions or would like to book about one of our whitewater rafting day trips, give us a call at the phone number above.  We look forward to helping you and your family & friends begin the first of many whitewater rafting adventures! We can’t wait to see you out on the American River!

RIVER RAFTING ON THE South Fork American River

Dates: March
- October

The South Fork of the American River is located in Northern California, only 30 minutes from Sacramento. It is one of the major tributaries of the American River and flows through the Sierra Nevada mountain range before spilling into Folsom Reservoir.

The South Fork is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and camping. The river passes through areas in El Dorado County, providing access to the diverse landscapes of the Sierra Nevada region.

  • Three rafting sections with six diverse white water trip experiences
  • Several specialty rafting trip options including winetasting, ropes course, a live band, a creative workshop and a yoga retreat.
  • Take 50% off kids on mid-week whitewater rafting trips. (Mondays through Thursdays.) Learn more. 
  • River trips include the popular Gorge Run and Chili Bar sections
  • Variety levels to choose from – Class II to Class III+
  • Rafting for kids as young as 4 and  accommodations for guests of varying abilities and needs
  • Long season – provides great rafting and white water the entire summer and through Labor Day weekend
  • Camping is available before or after any South Fork American River rafting trip at our private campground
  • Close to major cities such as Sacramento and San Francisco
  • Professional photography companies shoot at the major rapids on the river. You can view your photos online after your trip

RIVER RAFTING ON THE Middle Fork American River

Dates: June
- September

The Middle Fork is one of the main tributaries of the American River located in Northern California.  The proximity of the American River to Sacramento and San Francisco makes the Middle Fork American River accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.

  • Fast paced, fun and challenging Class IV rapids
  • Renowned “Tunnel Chute,” a man-made marvel from the Gold Rush Era with a 90-foot rock tunnel and a 6-foot drop
  • Ability to camp at our private campground right on the river
  • Raft the Wild & Scenic River section

RIVER RAFTING ON THE Lower Middle Fork American River

Dates: April
- September

The Lower Middle Fork of the American River is a picturesque and ecologically significant waterway located in Northern California. Flowing through the Sierra Nevada foothills, this segment of the American River west towards Sacramento this section of river is a  perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

  • Perfect river rafting trip for young families and older generations
  • Great rafting introduction for children
  • We are one of the few outfitters that offer this section of river
  • Available all summer long, perfect for summer breaks
  • Inflatable kayaks available for rent
  • Mellow section of the American River
  • Small group sizes

RIVER RAFTING ON THE North Fork American River

Dates: April
- May

The North Fork of the American River is located in Northern California, 30 minutes east of Sacramento. The river flows through the Sierra Nevada mountain range (near Lake Tahoe) and is a tributary of the American River.

It offers fantastic, challenging, whitewater rafting trips through steep walled canyons in the spring.

  • Challenging Class IV rafting
  • Free-flowing limited spring season rafting trip
  • Clear cold water (don’t worry the Class IV adrenaline helps)
  • Steep walled canyon
  • Raft the Wild & Scenic section
  • Close to Sacramento, San Francisco and Lake Tahoe

RIVER RAFTING ON THE North Fork American River

Dates: April
- May

The North Fork of the American River is located in Northern California, 30 minutes east of Sacramento. The river flows through the Sierra Nevada mountain range (near Lake Tahoe) and is a tributary of the American River.

It offers fantastic, challenging, whitewater rafting trips through steep walled canyons in the spring.

  • Challenging Class IV rafting
  • Free-flowing limited spring season rafting trip
  • Clear cold water (don’t worry the Class IV adrenaline helps)
  • Steep walled canyon
  • Raft the Wild & Scenic section
  • Close to Sacramento, San Francisco and Lake Tahoe

RIVER RAFTING ON THE Lower Middle Fork American River

Dates: April
- September

The Lower Middle Fork of the American River is a picturesque and ecologically significant waterway located in Northern California. Flowing through the Sierra Nevada foothills, this segment of the American River west towards Sacramento this section of river is a  perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

  • Perfect river rafting trip for young families and older generations
  • Great rafting introduction for children
  • We are one of the few outfitters that offer this section of river
  • Available all summer long, perfect for summer breaks
  • Inflatable kayaks available for rent
  • Mellow section of the American River
  • Small group sizes

RIVER RAFTING ON THE Middle Fork American River

Dates: June
- September

The Middle Fork is one of the main tributaries of the American River located in Northern California.  The proximity of the American River to Sacramento and San Francisco makes the Middle Fork American River accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.

  • Fast paced, fun and challenging Class IV rapids
  • Renowned “Tunnel Chute,” a man-made marvel from the Gold Rush Era with a 90-foot rock tunnel and a 6-foot drop
  • Ability to camp at our private campground right on the river
  • Raft the Wild & Scenic River section

RIVER RAFTING ON THE South Fork American River

Dates: March
- October

The South Fork of the American River is located in Northern California, only 30 minutes from Sacramento. It is one of the major tributaries of the American River and flows through the Sierra Nevada mountain range before spilling into Folsom Reservoir.

The South Fork is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and camping. The river passes through areas in El Dorado County, providing access to the diverse landscapes of the Sierra Nevada region.

  • Three rafting sections with six diverse white water trip experiences
  • Several specialty rafting trip options including winetasting, ropes course, a live band, a creative workshop and a yoga retreat.
  • Take 50% off kids on mid-week whitewater rafting trips. (Mondays through Thursdays.) Learn more. 
  • River trips include the popular Gorge Run and Chili Bar sections
  • Variety levels to choose from – Class II to Class III+
  • Rafting for kids as young as 4 and  accommodations for guests of varying abilities and needs
  • Long season – provides great rafting and white water the entire summer and through Labor Day weekend
  • Camping is available before or after any South Fork American River rafting trip at our private campground
  • Close to major cities such as Sacramento and San Francisco
  • Professional photography companies shoot at the major rapids on the river. You can view your photos online after your trip