530.626.7385

More South Fork American River Trips

South Fork American - 1 Day Full River Rafting Trip

Lotus, CA /

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  • Trip Time: 8:00am - 4:30/5:00pm
  • Trip Length: 21 miles
  • Meals: Lunch
  • Camping: available
  • Min. Age 8 years
PRICES STARTING AT
Weekdays

$149 – adults (ages 14+)
$139 – kids (7-13)

Weekends

$169 – adults (ages 14+)
$159 – kids (7-13)

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DEALS

1 Day Full River | South Fork American River Rafting

Join Raft California for a full day of Class 2-3+ American River whitewater adventure! The South Fork American River is 21 miles long, on this trip you raft the entire river from Chili Bar dam down to Folsom Lake. The trips meets at our South Fork American River Campground & Outpost in Lotus, CA just off Historic Highway 49. We till shuttle you to/from the river and lunch is provided mid-day.

There are many Class 3 rapids to encounter first thing in the morning. The action continues for the first 7 miles ending with the iconic Troublemaker Rapid (Class 3+). We float past the Marshall Gold Discovery Park and continue with a mellow afternoon float back to camp for lunch.

The afternoon we tackle the Gorge section of the South Fork American River known for the big Class 3+ rapids Satan’s Cesspool & Hospital Bar, along with many other Class 2-3 action along the way.

We end in Folsom lake where our shuttle will bring you back to our outpost/campground. There is the option to camp the night before or after your trip making it a nice vacation with some riverside R&R.

Trip Information

  • Best California River for first-time rafters as well as experienced paddlers, families with kids, groups of friends, and company team-building outings
  • Best 1 day trip deal – all 21 miles of whitewater excitement!
  • Wonderful day of rafting with lunch along the riverbank
  • Our luxury riverside camp has a nice camp store, which provides last-minute items that you may have forgotten including t-shirts, shorts and other sportswear
  • Experienced guides: skilled and ready to provide a safe and fun outdoor adventure

Get ready for a great day on the river! At 8:00a.m. we gather for orientation and safety information before heading for the river where you will receive your paddle and your life jacket. We launch our boats, practice paddling skills with our guides, and head for great rapids such as Meatgrinder, Race Horse Bend, Triple Threat, and Troublemaker.

Mid river, back at the orginal camp meeting location a big barbecue lunch awaits.

After lunch we continue on and tackle even more Class III whitewater  rapids named Satan’s Cesspool, Bouncing Rock, Hospital Bar and more.  Finishing up at Folsom Reservoir we shuttle you back to camp usually finishing up around 4 to 5:00 PM. You will head home with fond farewells relaxed and full of memories from a great river trip experience.

  • Kids ages 8 and up
  • non-swimmers

Please note this is a full day of physical activity, we offer 1/2 day trip options on the Upper Chili Bar and Lower Gorge if you are looking for a shorter day.

Included with this trip:

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft
  • Shuttle back to camp (and your vehicle) at the end of the trip

Required Items:

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

Suggested Items:

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

DO NOT BRING:

  • Wallets
  • Expensive jewelry
  • Pets

  • 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.

Hotel Options:

Directions

Meeting Location:

Tributary Whitewater – American River Outpost
6500 Hwy 49
Lotus, CA 95651

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.

 © 2022, Tributary Whitewater LLC, All Rights Reserved

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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