30% OFF California 1/2 & 1 Day Trips through February 28
Tributary Whitewater Tours - Incredible River Experiences Logo
A group of people in a rafting boat paddling through a whitewater rapid. The river water is splashing the people in the boat.

1 Day Rafting Trip

Choose Your River

BOOK THIS TRIP!
  • Location: Lotus, CA / Near Sacramento
  • Level: Class III, Intermediate,
  • Dates: April - Oct
BOOK THIS TRIP!
  • River Miles: 13 miles
  • Trip Time: 10 am - 5 pm
  • Ability:
  • Meals: Lunch is Included
  • Camping: Available at Tributary's Private Campground
  • Min Age: 7 years
Prices Starting At

$139 per person

Pricing Note: This trip qualifies for our 50% off kids special and group discounts. Please contact us to redeem all offers.
30% OFF California 1/2 & 1 Day Trips through February 28
More South Fork American River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

Join us for a full day of Class 3 American River whitewater adventure on the South Fork American. If you are looking for a trip that is great for first-time rafters, quick paced and with non-stop action this is the river rafting trip for you!

The South Fork of the American River has become a “must do” for rafters of all abilities. This section of river is what you think of when you think of white water rafting. There are many Class 3 rapids to encounter throughout the entire day including Satan’s Cesspool & Hospital Bar. This classic trip has introduced many to the river and is the trip that brings them back to year over year.

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

  • Enjoy a day of rafting on the South Fork American River rafting!
  • Best California River for first-time rafters as well as experienced paddlers, families with kids, groups of friends, and company team-building outings
  • 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
A group of people in a green rafting boat holding their paddles in the air, paddling through a large whitewater rapid.
A group of people in a rafting boat paddling through whitewater rapids on a river surrounded with large rocks.
A family including kids are paddling in a rafting boat through small whitewater waves on a river surrounded by green shrubs.
A group of people in a rafting boat paddling through a whitewater rapid. Rocks in the background.
happy folks rafting on the south fork american river
People on a green rafting boat surrounded by a whitewater rapid, holding their paddles in the air and smiling while getting splashed by the river water.
A group of people in a rafting boat navigating a class three whitewater rapid on the American River.
A group of people in a green rafting boat navigating a whitewater rapid. There are rocks surrounding the river.
A group of people in a green rafting boat navigating whitewater on a river with rocks and shrubs behind them.
A group of people in a rafting boat in the middle of a whitewater rapid. Most people have their paddles in the air and are getting splashed by the water.

River Map

Trip Itinerary

Get ready for a great day on the river! At 10 am 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 classic rapids.

Mid river, back at the original 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 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.

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

  • 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
  • Lunch

From The Blog

From The Blog

No data was found
BOOK THIS TRIP