2 Day Combination Rafting Trip

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BOOK THIS TRIP!
  • Location: Lotus, CA / Near Sacramento
  • Level: Class IV, Advanced,
  • Dates: April - May
BOOK THIS TRIP!
  • River Miles: 22 miles
  • Trip Time: 4:00-8:00pm Night Before / Ends around 4:00pm
  • Ability:
  • Meals: 5 included
  • Camping: 2 Nights Included in our Private Campground
  • Min Age: 14 years
Prices Starting At

$339 Adult (14+)

More North Fork American River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

Double down with this fantastic American River combo trip! Raft on Class 2-3+ rapids on the South Fork American River day one (Gorge section), followed by the more challenging Class 4+ North Fork American River on day two. This white water rafting trip is perfect for those seeking active days on the river, ramping up the challenge day over day.

Reminisce about the day’s adventure as you enjoy 2 nights of camping at our South Fork American Riverside Camp in Lotus, CA. We will transport you to/from the rivers as needed and provide 5 tasty meals! Yup, we prep and cook them for you as well.

This 2 day rafting trip is only available in the Spring. Can’t join us in the spring? Check out our South Fork / Middle Fork combo trip for a double down summer option.

 

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 rafting companies operating under Permits from the County of El Dorado.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Rare spring river rafting trip
  • Trip combines South Fork American (Class III) and North Fork American River (Class IV)
  • Great for experienced paddlers
  • Camp 2 nights at our private South Fork American riverside camp
  • Glamping tents available
  • Enjoy campground amenities, games, horseshoes, camp store, campfire circle, hot showers and flush toilets
  • Great guides: skilled and ready to provide a safe and fun outdoor adventure

River Map

Trip Itinerary

Once you arrive as our guest please know you are now what we consider “River Time”. This means we try and stick to a schedule, but times are merely a guideline and may not be exact once we start our adventure. Times below may vary, but not much!

The night before your rafting adventure begins:

4:00-8:00PM – Check in to our South Fork American River campground for camping the night before you start rafting. Dinner is not included.

Day 1

  • 7:00AM Coffee, tea and drinks are available in the kitchen
  • 7:30AM Breakfast
  • Mid-Morning (10:00am ish) Load shuttle for a short ride up to the put in
  • Lunch around Noon
  • More Rafting after lunch on the Gorge section of the South Fork American River. You will blast thru several Class 3+ rapids including Satan’s Cesspool & Hospital Bar Rapids!
  • Arrive @ take out around 4:00pm where we load the gear up and shuttle everyone back to camp. There is time for showers and some riverside relaxation while your guides prepare your appetizers. Drinks are also available.
  • Dinner is served around 6:30PM followed by campfire and riverside chats (campfire not guaranteed due to possible high fire danger)
  • 10:00PM Quiet Hours begin until 7:00AM the following morning, that just means no loud partying, music or noises…it’s not a bedtime!

 

Day 2

  • 7:00AM Coffee, tea and drinks are available in the kitchen
  • 7:15AM Breakfast
  • 8:00AM Load shuttle to the North Fork American River!
  • 9:30AM Arrive @ Iowa Hill put in. There is another pre-trip safety talk as we are about to tackle more challenging rapids today.
  • The big Class IV action starts right out the gate on this trip with some of the most iconic rapids on the American River – Chamberlain Falls, Zig Zag, Bogus Thunder & Staircase rapids. Once we pass Shirttail Canyon Creek, the river mellows allowing us to catch our breath and revel over our accomplishments from the morning. We will stop for a riverside lunch after the Big Class IV rapids.
  • We are usually on our way back to camp by 4:00pm which is about a 50 minute shuttle ride.
  • Back you are welcome to take a shower before you depart.
  • Camping for an additional evening is a popular option for folks after this trip and is available at the same South Fork Campground.

Traveling to the ,

Where to Meet

Tributary Outpost & Private Campground on the American River

6500 CA-49
Lotus, CA 95651

Where To Stay

Camping

  • Tributary Campground – Lotus, CA
    Many of our multi-day American River trips include camping at our private campground, located directly on the South Fork of the American River. Extend your trip and camp with us at our private riverside campground before or after your rafting adventure.
  • 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

What Should I Bring

Spring Rafting

  • Wetsuit or Drysuit (you can also rent wetsuit/splash top from us)
  • This is a spring rafting trip – DO NOT WEAR COTTON! We suggest you wear polypro and wool materials.

Upgrade your camping experience and rent a Glamping Tent.

For Rafting

  • Required Items
    • Re-usable 20oz or more water bottle
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Cell Phones
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

For Camping

  • Linens
    • Blankets
    • Pillow
    • Sleeping bag
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camp chair

 

Click here for a full detailed list of what to wear and what to bring.

What Does Tributary Provide

Included with Rafting

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft
  • Shuttles to/from camp

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

  • Tent
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Cot
  • Dry Bag for your gear
  • 2 nights camping
  • 5 meals
    • Day 1 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
    • Day 2 – breakfast & lunch

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Tributary Whitewater
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the Rivers we run

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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Tributary Whitewater Tours is a permitted outfitter under the National Forest Service, the CA Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Nevada County, El Dorado County and Bureau of Land Management. Tributary Whitewater Tours is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.
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