Kids Raft for 50% Off on the South Fork American River
A group of people in a rafting boat paddling through a whitewater rapid. Rocks surround the river.

2 Day Combination Rafting Trip

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Choose Your River

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+)

Pricing Note: This trip qualifies for group discounts. Please contact us to learn more and redeem.
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
Two rafting boats full of people floating down a river with whitewater rapids. Rocks surround the river. Green forested canyon in the background.
A group of people in a rafting boat paddling through a whitewater rapid. Large rocks in the river behind them with rocks and green foliage along the shore.
A group of people in a rafting boat floating down a river with whitewater rapids. Large rock walls surround the river.
A group of people sitting in camp chairs in a circle around a campfire at night. One person is standing in the middle telling a story.
A group of people in a rafting boat paddling through a whitewater rapid on a river.
A group of people in a rafting boat about to paddle down a steep whitewater rapid. There are large rocks in and around the river.
A group of people in a green rafting boat navigating whitewater while their boat is next to a rock wall.
People standing on dirt playing a game of giant Jenga that is stacked taller than the people standing up. Green trees and groups of people in the background.
A group of people on a rafting boat in the middle of a whitewater rapid. Rocks and green trees in the background.
A group of people in a rafting boat holding their paddles in the air splashing through a whitewater rapid.

River Map

North Fork American River rafting map and South Fork American River rafting map with rapid names and classes.

Trip Itinerary

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) Head 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 and head 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 Head 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.
  • After the day is done and we are back at camp we will say our fond farewells 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

For Rafting

  • Required Items
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Water and reusable water bottle
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Cell Phones
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

For Camping

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

 

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

Rafting shuttle services and fees included. For more information on trip shuttles click here.

What Does Tributary Provide

Spring Rafting

  • Wetsuits or drysuits are required during this trip
  • We provide a wetsuit, splash top and (if needed) a fleece
  • You may also bring your own personal wetsuit or drysuit
  • Learn more about our  wetsuit/splash tops here
  • DO NOT WEAR COTTON! We suggest you wear polypro and wool materials

Included with Rafting

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

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

  • 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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