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More North Fork American River Trips

North Fork American River - 1 Day Rafting Trip

Auburn, CA /

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  • Trip Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm
  • Trip Length: 9 miles
  • Meals: Lunch Included
  • Camping: Available
  • Min. Age 13-14 years
PRICES STARTING AT
Weekdays
  • $149 – adults (all ages 14+)
Weekends
  • $169 – adults (all ages 14+)
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DEALS

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 Information

  • 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

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.

  • Return rafters
  • Active first time rafters
  • Kids ages 14-16+ (flow dependent and the final call will be at your river guides discretion)
  • All participants much have strong swimming skills

Included with this trip:

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft
  • Shuttle to/from Crooked Lane Brewing Company

Required Items:

  • Re-usable 20oz or more water bottle (filled with ice water)
  • shoes (no flip flops)
  • 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.

Suggested Items:

  • sunglasses (with a strap)
  • baseball hat
  • sunscreen
  • Cell Phone (at your risk, it will sink)

DO NOT BRING:

  • Wallets
  • Expensive jewelry
  • Pets

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).

Get In Touch
530.626.7385
Tributary Whitewater
Incredible River Experiences

We launch trips on many different rivers in California, Oregon and Idaho. For questions give our main office a call – we would love to talk with you about our trips and rivers.

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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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