Kids Raft for 50% Off on the South Fork American River
A group of people on a rafting boat floating down a calm river. A kid is about to jump in the river. Green trees in the background.

1/2 Day Afternoon River Rafting Trip

Choose Your River

BOOK THIS TRIP!
  • Location: Auburn, CA / Near Sacramento
  • Level: Class II, Easy,
  • Dates: April - Oct
BOOK THIS TRIP!
  • River Miles: 7 miles
  • Trip Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
  • Ability:
  • Meals: Not included
  • Camping: Available at our Private Campground
  • Min Age: 4+ years
Prices Starting At

Monday – Friday
$99 per person

Saturday & Sunday
$119 per person

Pricing Note: This trip qualifies for group discounts. Please contact us to learn more and redeem.
More Lower Middle Fork American River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

The Lower Middle Fork American River is the perfect afternoon Class II rafting trip for families with younger kids ages 4+.

We are the only outfitter to meet at Crooked Lane Brewing – home of the “River Daze” brew (see more info below)! Meet us in Auburn, CA at the brewery in the afternoon for a half day of rafting. This white water trip meanders thru the canyon walls for 7 miles in the Auburn State Recreation Area. There are several fun rapids along the way, but nothing more than a Class 2+ at regular flows making this the perfect trip for younger kids and others who want to explore this beautiful secluded canyon.

There is plenty of opportunity for swimming and possibly doing a hike, fishing, or stopping for snacks (not included, but you are welcome to bring your own).  We typically have you back to your vehicles by 5:00pm. Inflatable Kayaks are a fantastic addition for groups with teens and adventurous adults, these are available for rent.

We also offer overnight camping at our South Fork American River where you can bring your own tent, or rent a canvas glamping tent!

For a morning Class II rafting trip, suitable for young children please check out our South Fork American River Discovery Run.

About Crooked Lane Brewing

Crooked Lane Brewing is a family owned craft brewery in the heart of Auburn, CA. They offer an expansive selection of beers, ranging from Blonde Ale and American Red Ale to Kolsch, IPAs, Imperial Porter, Doppelbock, among others. Their events calendar is packed each month with Trivia Nights, Food Truck Events, Bingo Nights, Stand Up Comedy and Live Music. Recently, they’ve expanded their offerings with the introduction of an on-site kitchen, allowing visitors to pair their favorite brews with delicious meals. For those who prefer to enjoy Crooked Lane Brewing at home, the brewery provides pre-order and pickup services, as well as online purchasing options with delivery across California.

Partnership Brew – River Daze!

We’ve teamed up with Crooked Lane Brewing to create a beer to pair with your rafting trip! Celebrate the rafting season with a crushable hazy IPA. Now available! Pick up the newly brewed, newly canned, newly rebranded collaborative beer River Daze Hazy IPA at their Auburn brewery, where we meet for several of our American River rafting trips.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Best rafting trip for families with young kids (ages 4+) and older adults
  • Afternoon rafting adventure (we also have a morning rafting adventure suitable for young families)
  • Meet at Crooked Lane Brewery and cheers with a “River Daze” brew at the end of the day
  • Bring the grandparents and make it a multi-generational family trip!
  • Close to Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and the Bay Area
  • Mellow rapids
  • Secluded wilderness setting
  • Inflatable Kayak rentals typically available
  • All summer long! From Mid-May thru the end of September
A group of people in a rafting boat paddling through mellow whitewater on a river with green trees in the background.
A group of people in a rafting boat paddling through a whitewater rapid on a river with green trees in the background.
A group of people on a rafting boat floating down a calm river with green shrubs on the bank. Another rafting boat is in the background.

River Map

Lower Middle Fork American River Rafting Map with Rapids

Trip Itinerary

Noon – Meet @ Crooked Lane Brewing Co in Auburn, CA (We meet in the afternoon, so be sure to have a good lunch before you arrive. )

We transport you the Middle Fork American Canyon. You will get glimpses of the river flowing far below as we descend. At the Greenwood Bridge put-in (aka Ruck-a-Chucky Campground) you will receive personal flotation devices, paddles & helmets and pre-trip instruction. There is a professional river guide on each raft, and if you rented a kayak you will receive instructions on those as well.

Along this 7 mile river trip you will enjoy fun mellow Class 2 rapids including Fluffy Bunny Slippers, with lots of floating and swimming opportunities along the way.

Wildlife sightings occur often as there is far less boater traffic on this section of river and you may see ducks, others, deer, heron and fish. At certain times there are blackberry bushes offering the most amazing fruit, we will stop and pick some if we see them!

At the Mammoth Bar take-out we head back to our meeting location.

5:00pm Arrival back @ Crooked Lane where you can grab some food and cold drinks for the entire family

Traveling to the

Where to Meet

Meet at Crooked Lane Brewing Co

536 Grass Valley Hwy
Auburn, CA 95603

Flying In

The closest airport to Auburn is the Sacramento International Airport. From there, it is a 40-minute drive to Crooked Lane Brewing Company. You can also fly into Reno, Nevada, and then drive 1 hour and 30 minutes to Auburn, California.

What is the drive time?

From Auburn, California

Where To Stay

Tributary 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.

What Should I Bring

  • 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

 

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

Included with Rafting

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

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Get In Touch
CALL US: 530.626.7385
TEXT US: 760.270.8112
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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