Many of our American River rafting trips are available throughout the summer with guaranteed white water flows from April through September.
Try something new this summer and get out of your comfort zone. The beauty of rafting? It’s an outdoor adventure that everyone experiences together – in the same raft – at the same time – no matter their age. There is something about teamwork and trying something new together that brings you closer – laughing and paddling in the rapids along the way.
There are many options when it comes to white water rafting on the American River. Each section of river provides a different white water 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. Not sure where to start? Contact us and we can help you find the one that best fits.
Looking for an outdoor adventure that the whole family can enjoy? White water rafting on the South Fork of the American River is the perfect choice. Trips feature 1/2-day, 1-day and multi-day adventures down this California classic. Majority of our offerings feature rafting trips for ages 7+, are perfect for groups, first timers and non-swimmers. We also have a 1/2 day, fun and splashy Class II option for ages 4+, our Discovery Run. Check out the full list of rafting trips on the South Fork here.
This is a trip made for young families! Bring the kiddos (ages 4+) on this mellow Class 2 trip. We meet in the afternoon and head down the river at the warmest part of the day. Perfect river rafting trip for young families and older generations and great rafting introduction for children. Learn more about the Lower Middle Fork here.
For those looking for a bit more spice, whitewater rafting on Middle Fork of the American River can’t be beat! Make memories you’ll be talking about for years to come on this fun and rowdy section of river. Brace yourself for a wild ride as you navigate the Class IV white water rapids, including the famed Tunnel Chute, and prepare to paddle through intense rapids, embrace the challenge, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Beginners are welcome (ages 14+) and swimming skills are required. Check out rafting options on the Middle Fork here.
If your searching for some big water, spice and a rafting trip you’ll always remember – the North Fork is it! This 1-day trip brings the heat right from the start. This section of river doesn’t run each year and has a short window (April & May). Beginners are welcome (ages 14+) and swimming skills are required. Check out rafting options on the North Fork here.
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.
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.
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, American River rafting 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.
Whitewater rafting trips are located close to Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay Area. Escape the city into the wilderness. American River rafting is one of the greatest adventures you will ever experience.
If you have any questions or would like to book about one of our American River white water 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 white water rafting Sacramento adventures! We can’t wait to see you out on the American River!
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.
Join us for a California classic – American River rafting!
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 an excellent choice for white water rafting Sacramento, accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.
Middle Fork American River rafting trips are fed all summer long by snow melt captured in upstream reservoirs.
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 American River rafting segment flows west towards Sacramento. This section of river is a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
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.
North Fork American River rafting offers fantastic, challenging, whitewater rafting trips through steep walled canyons in the spring.
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.
North Fork American River rafting offers fantastic, challenging, whitewater rafting trips through steep walled canyons in the spring.
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 American River rafting segment flows west towards Sacramento. This section of river is a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
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 an excellent choice for white water rafting Sacramento, accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.
Middle Fork American River rafting trips are fed all summer long by snow melt captured in upstream reservoirs.
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.
Join us for a California classic – American River rafting!
We launch trips on many different rivers in California, Oregon and Idaho. For questions give our main office a call – we would love to talk with you about our trips and rivers.
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Our vision is to create a sustainable and equitable reality where our rivers are enjoyed and protected, a place where families and friends can be inspired and challenged.
Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running rivers since we were first founded in 1978. Since we opened 40+ years ago we have expanded to include Adventure Connection, Mariah Wilderness Expeditions, High Desert River Outfitters, Canyon Outfitters and are the parent company of Raft California and Raft Oregon. While some things have changed over the years, Tributary remains a family-run small business with the same passion for the river and the mission of leading others to experience it.
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