• Choose Your Trip

    Let's go Rafting!

    We offer a wide variety of California Whitewater Rafting trips. We suggest choosing by location, duration, or difficulty.  Need A little more help making your choice?

    LET'S GET STARTED

    CALIFORNIA RAFTING

    OREGON RAFTING

    GUIDE SCHOOL!

    Choose By TRip Area

    • American River
    • Gold Country
    • Northern California
    • Oregon
    • Sacramento
    • San Francisco Bay Area
    • SoCal / Los Angeles
    • Tahoe/Reno
    • Yosemite

    Choose By DIFFICULTY

    Low Spice Beginner Trips (Class II
    Medium Spice INtermediate Trips (Class III)
    Full Spice Advanced Trips (Class IV)
    Too Hot Advanced Trips (Class V)

    CHOOSE BY LENGTH

    Single Day Trips Great for first timers!
    2 Day Trips Make it an overnighter!
    Half-Day Trips Fast n' Fun!
    Multi-Day Trips The ultimate experience
  • Rafting Prices

    RAFT TRIP PRICING

    We offer a wide variety of rafting trip pricing that can fit any budget! From half-day quick runs to multi-day overnight adventures, we’re looking forward to getting you on the water.

    DEALS & DISCOUNTS
    VIEW ALL PRICING

    GROUP DISCOUNTS

    We offer the following group discounts for our California white water rafting adventures. You can also check out some of our most popular group rafting trips:

    • 5% off with 6-11 people
    • 10% off with 12-17 people
    • 15% off with 18-23 people
    • 20% off with 24-29 people
    • 25% off with 30+ people
    Learn More

    FAMILY RAFTING SPECIALS

    20-50% off Overnight vacations on selected weekday summer dates. Options for American River, Klamath, Carson and more!

    Learn More
  • Camping
  • Photos

    GET YOUR PHOTOS!

    Did you have an awesome trip? Our action photography partners have your pics ready to go, choose by provider.

    CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO AND PHOTO GALLERY

    American River Trip Photos

    powered by

    Truckee River Trip Photos

    powered by

    Trinity River Trip Photos

    powered by

    Oregon River Trip Photos

    powered by
  • Resources

    About Us

    Who are these Tributary Whitewater folks anyway?

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions about our rafting trips.

    WHAT TO BRING

    Rafting, camping, or both? Check out our gear guide.

    GIFT
    CERTIFICATES

    This season, skip the stuff... gift the gift of rafting.

    OFFICIAL
    BLOG

    Keep up with the news on our official blog.

    Contact us.

    • 800-672-3846
    • Contact Us
    • 6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
    SEND US A MESSAGE

South Fork American River RAFTING TRIPS

Lotus-Coloma (CA Highway 49 between Auburn and Placerville) /

Level: Beginner to Intermediate /
Class 2-3+
  • Minimum Age: 6-8 yrs for Class 3, 4 yrs for Class 2 (at regular summer flows)
  • Trip Length: 4-25 miles, ¼-3 days
  • Season: April-September
  • Elevation: 500-930 Ft
  • Trip Pricing: $99-$349
View Trips
  • View Map
  • Area Info

Class 2 & 3 Rafting Trips on the South American River

The South Fork American River rafting trips are some of the most popular in California, and for very good reasons.

This river has served as an introduction to California whitewater rafting for countless beginners. It is also exciting enough to lure many back year after year. There are trips suitable for everyone, including families, corporate groups, scouts and youth groups. Raft for just a few hours or spend 2-4 days. See below for all your rafting options.

2 Day Ropes & Rafting Adventure

Lotus, CA /
2 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$329
- TRIP DETAILS -

Wine Tasting Tour / South Fork American River Rafting - 2 Day Trip

Lotus, CA /
2 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$399
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American River – ½ Day AM Chili Bar Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /
Half Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$99
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American - 1 Day Full River Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /
1 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$139
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork / Middle Fork American River - 2 Day Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /
2 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$319
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American River – 2 day Wilderness Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /
2 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$319
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American River - 2 Day Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /
2 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$279
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American Lotus Run

Lotus, CA /
Half Day
Low Spice: Beginner (Class II)
starting at
$79
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American River – ½ Day PM Gorge Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /
Half Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at
$99
- TRIP DETAILS -

Rafting for all ages!!

There are many memorable rapids as the South Fork American river winds its way through the scenic green and gold foothills of California’s Gold Rush Country. It passes through the historic town of Coloma and the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

When other California rafting trips have dried up, the South Fork American River is still providing an exciting and fun time. Great water releases are guaranteed past Labor Day weekend.

All South Fork American River rafting trips meet at our camp in the Coloma-Lotus area. Each rafting trip starts with an orientation and a safety talk. Personal flotation devices are fitted and paddling instruction is given. A professional, skilled river guide is on board every raft to help steer you safely down the river, as you power the raft with your paddle.

Camping can be arranged before or after any of our South Fork American River trips. Multi-day trip options include 1-2 nights camping.

Professional photography companies shoot at the major rapids on the river. You can view your photos online after your trip.

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.

FAQ's

What class is troublemaker on the American River?

Troublemaker Rapid on the South Fork American River is a Class 3+ rapid at normal flows (usually 1500-1800 cfs). At times in the spring the flows can surge up to 6000+ cfs, which raises the class to a 4+ or more.

What river runs through Coloma CA?

The South Fork American River runs through Coloma, California. This section of river is popular for day recreation, kayaking, white water rafting and fishing.

Where is the South Fork American River?

The South Fork American River is located in Northern California, between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. The river starts from the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and flows into Folsom Lake.

Where does the South Fork American River start?

The South Fork American River watershed begins in the Desolation Wilderness and flows thru the rolling hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. There are many access points along the river for boaters to raft and kayak down the river.

What class rapids are on the American River?

The South Fork American River rapids are rated Class 2-3+ during normal summer flows (1500-1800cfs). During spring snowmelt the flows may get into the Class 4+ range, making for some excellent high water trips.

How long does it take to raft the American River?

Rafting trips on the South Fork American River can be as short as a few hours or several days with camping. Trips are offered as 1/2 day, full day, and 2 day overnight rafting trips.

What does a class 3 rapid look like?

Class 3 rapids are rated as “Difficult” according to the International Scale of River Difficulty and are classified as “Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks, eddies, rapids with passages that are clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering.”

Image of the Class 3 Troublemaker Rapid on the South Fork American River

Where should I stay?

Camping:

  • Raft California Campground – Lotus, CA
    Camp with us @ our private riverside campground. This is the same location for our river trips and overnight trips with meals and camping included are also available on certain dates.
  • Consumnes River Ranch – Plymouth, CA
    One of our preferred partners! This is an amazing private property on the Consumnes River with tent camping, glamping cabins, stone barn for weddings and more.

Hotel Options:

  • SpringHill Suites – Auburn, CA
    Beautiful new hotel with views of the mountains! They are a preferred partner with Raft California & offer a discounted rate (click the link to view prices/availability)
  • Best Western Plus Placerville Inn – Placerville, CA

Meeting Location

Tributary Whitewater Tours / raftcalifornia.com
South Fork American River Campground
6500 CA-49 (Historic Highway 49)
Lotus, CA 95651

Great option for rafting near Lake Tahoe, Sacramento & the Bay Area!

Ropes Course & South Fork American River Rafting - 2 Day Trip News

How long does it take to raft the South Fork American River?

Blog / Rafting Locations / Rafting News / Rafting Trip Planning / River Rafting California / River Trips
April 3, 2022

American River Glamping

Family Rafting / Rafting News / Rafting Specials / Rafting Trip Planning / River Rafting California
March 28, 2021

A Reflection on the 2020 Rafting Season

Rafting Lifestyle / Rafting News / Rafting Trip Planning
January 24, 2021

About Tributary Whitewater

Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running white water rafting trips in Northern California & beyond since 1978. The company was originally founded by Dan Buckley, an integral player in the development of white water rafting in California. Dan Buckley’s love to share the excitement, wonder, and natural beauty that rivers have to offer with others lives on with the current owner, Jeremiah Copper.

Tributary continues to be an industry leader in the west coast rafting industry. We offer more rivers than any other outfitter, giving us the ability to accommodate younger kids down to ages 4 (thru our own experience as parents). Our team is one a kind, and everyone in our staff, from guides, to drivers, to the folks answering the phones – we all have a passion for what we do.

The rivers call to us for different reasons, be that extreme white water, fishing, enjoying nature or just experiencing new things & places. There is magic in every river trip. For some, you may first see a bald eagle in flight for the first time, or maybe conquer your first Class 5 rapid. We are here to help you choose your perfect adventure, for any excitement level.

Get In Touch
Tributary Whitewater Tours
6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
800-672-3846
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube
Contact Us

RAFTING NEWS

How long does it take to raft the South Fork American River?

April 3, 2022

Middle Fork American River Rafting Trips – Summer 2022 Update

March 17, 2022

How to Become a River Guide

January 14, 2022

We’re Hiring – Join the Tributary Team in 2022

January 7, 2022

keep calm and paddle on