North Fork American River

North Fork American River - 1 Day Rafting Trip

Auburn, CA /

/

PRICING
Weekdays
  • $149 – adult
  • $139 – youth (14-17)
Weekends
  • $169 – adult
  • $159 – youth (14-17)
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Class 4 Spring Action! Swimming skills required.

The North Fork American River provides a fun yet challenging white water rafting. These trips are available in the spring when the free flowing river is getting ideal flows from the snowpack in the Sierra’s. They are not for first time rafters and swimming skills are required.

We meet in Auburn, California in the morning and depart to the put in near Colfax. The shuttles are off-road so we have top notch vans to get you there safely. Upon arrival you will see what makes this river so special, the water is emerald green and there are amazing rocks lining the banks of the river. The water is typically cold (it is snowmelt) so depending on water levels and air temperature, wet suits may be mandatory.

The rapids are close together, and action packed with big drops and large boulders in the river to avoid. The Chamberlain Falls run has many Class 4-4+ rapids and is a must do for any adventure seeker!

This trip can also be combined with the South Fork American River for a 2 day Camping & Rafting vacation, due to it’s spring availability and adventurous aspect it is a popular trip for Bachelor Party Groups as well.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Perfect trip for return rafters!
  • Stunning rock walls & turquoise water
  • A delightful riverside lunch as we relax and enjoy the quiet of the day
  • Great guides: skilled and ready to provide a safe and fun outdoor adventure
TRIP ITENERARY

Upon meeting you in Auburn, CA, close to Sacramento, Lake Tahoe & Sacramento. We will shuttle you to the put-in launch site near Colfax. You will be given your pre-trip instruction and necessary equipment.

The challenge on this North Fork American River 1 day rafting trip starts right from the beginning. We negotiate a Class III-IV gorge with a series of boulder slalom rapids called ‘Slaughter Sluice’ less than 1/2 mile from put-in. Soon after is the 8′ vertical drop of the Class 4+ ‘Chamberlain Falls’. In short order comes more Class 4 rapids named ‘Tongue & Groove’, ‘Zig-Zag’, ‘Achilles Heel’, ‘Bogus Thunder’, and ‘Grand Slalom’. Take a deep breath as here comes the Class 4+ ‘Devil’s Staircase’, a series of 3 river wide ledges.

We will take a well-deserved river side lunch stop, and relax a little after all these intense Class 4 rapids.

Directions

Meeting Location

Crooked Lane Brewing Company in Auburn, CA

Address: 536 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, CA 95603

We have a reserved set of parking spaces located at Crooked Lane Brewing Company in Auburn, CA. There are several ways to enter the parking lot, but we have found the easiest way is via Highway 49. Please park in these designated spaces to the right side of the building (looking from Highway 49 towards the large covered patio with the columns). Our staff member will also be there to greet you.

At the end of your rafting trip there are cold drinks and food available at Crooked Lane. Delivery is also available from most restaurants in town. To extend your stay, we recommend the Springhill Suites in Auburn (a preferred partner of Raft California).

The North Fork American River provides a fun yet challenging white water rafting. These trips are available in the spring when the free flowing river is getting ideal flows from the snowpack in the Sierra’s. They are not for first time rafters and swimming skills are required.

We meet in Auburn, California in the morning and depart to the put in near Colfax. The shuttles are off-road so we have top notch vans to get you there safely. Upon arrival you will see what makes this river so special, the water is emerald green and there are amazing rocks lining the banks of the river. The water is typically cold (it is snowmelt) so depending on water levels and air temperature, wet suits may be mandatory.

The rapids are close together, and action packed with big drops and large boulders in the river to avoid. The Chamberlain Falls run has many Class 4-4+ rapids and is a must do for any adventure seeker!

This trip can also be combined with the South Fork American River for a 2 day Camping & Rafting vacation, due to it’s spring availability and adventurous aspect it is a popular trip for Bachelor Party Groups as well.

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
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