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NORTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER

American River Whitewater Rafting in California 1 & 2 Day Trips

- Class 5 Spring Rafting at its BEST!

When: April 17 - May 23 (depending on the snow pack which, as of January, looks good for a long season.)

The North Fork American River, located an easy drive from San Francisco, Reno, or Tahoe, is the ideal one-day Spring run for those with previous rafting experience. South Fork and Middle Fork veterans desiring more challenging whitewater won't want to miss the North Fork American this year.

The North Fork American features almost continuous technical whitewater rapids. You'll slalom through Chamberlain Falls, Bogus Thunder, Staircase, and many more. While a hearty deli lunch is served along the river, you can enjoy the spring wildflower display, lush foliage, and abundant wildlife. The last few miles of your adventure offer a slower pace allowing you to catch your breath, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the canyon.

  • FREE use of wetsuit, paddle jacket, and booties. Save $20 – 27!
  • FREE camping at our deluxe Coloma campsite the night prior to your one-day trip. Save $10!  50% Discount off additional nights: Only $5/person/day Sunday - Thursday & $6/person/day Friday & Saturday.
  • FREE 4-person rental tent use (set up) complete with foam sleeping pad. Save $16 – 25!
  • PLUS a safety Kayak or Paddle Cat will accompany your trip.

North Fork Specials - CLICK HERE

Continental breakfast available for those camping in Coloma for $5.50 each.

All North Fork trips:
Single bookings OK.  Minimum age: 14 years.  Youth are ages 14 - 16.

Auburn meeting spot the morning of your trip is available off Hwy. 80 by prior arrangement! Please inquire.

Or you can camp for FREE in Coloma the night before with FREE use of rental tents and thick foam sleeping pads. It's your choice!

The North Fork American River is not dam controlled so it is runable only in April, May, and early June (in years with above-average snow pack).

A 7% Government Land & River Use Fee is added to all trip prices.

NORTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER TRIPS

1 Day - 9 or 11 miles North Fork American River
1 Day Double - 18 or 22 miles North Fork American River
2 Day Combo - 17 - 26 miles North & South Forks American River
2 Day Super Combo - 30 - 32 miles North & South Forks American River


California's Finest Class V Whitewater!

NORTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER INFORMATION

Class: IV & V - Whitewater Rating System
North Fork American River Stream Flow Data
North Fork American River Group Discounts
Arrival Times for North Fork American River
American Whitewater Campground - B & B, Hotels & Motels
American Whitewater River Store & River Gear Rentals
food American Whitewater First Class Menu
Slideshow Middle Fork American River Slide show on the North Fork American River great whitewater action shots
Video Check out the North Fork American River Video
Photo Gallery North Fork American River Photo Gallery
Get FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader Download North Fork American River Driving Directions PDF
GPS Navigation to Coloma California - AWE Campground
Purchase a Gift Certificate Gift Certificate for the gift of FUN... from American Whitewater
.

  ONE DAY - NORTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER TRIP

1 Day
Monday - Friday
Saturday or Sunday
Cost Per Person
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
$124.00
$114.00
$134.00
$124.00

North Fork Specials - CLICK HERE

  • Where: Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Bridge or Lake Clementine
  • Length: 9 or 11 Miles*
  • Class: IV - V

The North Fork American features almost continuous technical whitewater rapids. You'll slalom through Chamberlain Falls, Bogus Thunder, Staircase, and many more. While a hearty deli lunch is served along the river, you can enjoy the spring wildflower display, lush foliage, and abundant wildlife. The last few miles of your adventure offer a slower pace allowing you to catch your breath, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the canyon.

For the most excitement and fun, we still have midweek and weekend raft trips available on the Class V North Fork American through the end of May and possibly into June.

  ONE DAY DOUBLE - NORTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER TRIP

Double River 1 Day
Monday - Friday
Weekends
Cost Per Person
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
$149.00
$139.00
Available on some Weekends

North Fork Specials - CLICK HERE

  • Where: Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Bridge or Lake Clementine
  • Length: 18 or 22 Miles*
  • Class: IV - V

What could be better than running the Class V North Fork of the American River? Running it twice in the same day! This trip has enough whitewater for anyone and everyone.

Groups of 8 or more can raft anytime, and smaller and single bookings can join one of our existing midweek or weekend trips.

Please call for availability:

800-825-3205

  TWO DAY COMBO - NORTH FORK & SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER

2 Day Combo
Monday - Thursday
Friday & Sunday
Saturday
Cost Per Person
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
$249.00
$229.00
$259.00
$239.00
$269.00
$249.00

North Fork Specials - CLICK HERE

  • Where: North & South Forks of the American River
  • Length: 17 - 26 Miles*
  • Class: III - V
  • Two Nights Camping 
  • Five Meals

This two-day celebration of high water action is our most popular springtime run. On the first day we'll raft the South Fork which is truly spectacular at high water flows. Big standing waves abound and the excitement and thrills of the rapids will truly amaze you. The second day we journey to the Class V North Fork for rapids that are even more challenging. Join us for two fun-filled days of whitewater adventures you'll long remember. (Trip may be run in reverse order, i.e., North Fork on day one.)

All North Fork trips include:  Free rental of wetsuit, paddle jacket and booties, one night's free camping for 1-day trips, and free rental of 4-person tents.

  TWO DAY SUPER COMBO - NORTH FORK & SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER

2 Day Super Combo
Monday - Thursday
Friday & Sunday
Saturday
Cost Per Person
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
Adult
Youth
$268.00
$248.00
$288.00
$268.00
$298.00
$278.00

North Fork Specials - CLICK HERE

  • Where: North & South Forks of the American River
  • Length: 30 - 32 Miles
  • Class: III - V
  • Two Nights Camping  
  • Five Meals

The Super Combo is the best Spring trip we offer with LOTS of river time, fun and action.  Raft two exciting rapid-filled days with your friends on the North Fork the first day, then the whole river run of the South Fork on the next day. That's 30 or 32 total river miles of thrilling whitewater. By FAR the most bang for your BUCK.  (Trip may be run in reverse order, i.e., South Fork on day one.)

 

NOTE: On all North Fork trips prior Class III experience is recommended and you must be in good physical shape. Wetsuit, paddle jackets and booties are required and rentals are provided free of charge.

Dear Jon & Nancy,
I've been rafting with your company on the American River since 1996 and have always enjoyed it very much. The guides, the location, the facilities, and food have always combined to make the trip a lot of fun. This year my son Erik and I had the best trip we've ever taken. Our guide Ana is the best guide we've ever had and she made the trip a lot of fun. I will definitely request her next year when we're planning to do both the Middle and South Forks. I hope you continue to employ people with her qualities. Thanks very much, and we'll see you next year.
Sincerely,
J.B., Cameron Park, CA


  NORTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER ARRIVAL TIMES

For two day trips, you can arrive at the campground the night before your trip anytime after 5:00 PM. Our greeter will be there to welcome you from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. (Until 1:00 AM on Fridays). After 10:00 PM look for the signs directing you to your camping area.

For one day trips, if not camping, American Whitewater's Reservations staff will advise your party of their North Fork arrival times at camp or the Auburn departure point. Please confirm all arrival times with the Reservations Staff. Breakfast can be added for those camping. 

* Trip length is dependent on water level. Visit our Stream flow data page for more information.

NOTE:
The North Fork American is not dam controlled, thus raftable flows are projected to be April through May. Trips after May are possible if water flows are adequate. At this time it is too early to be more precise. Please call for details.

Bus Rafting Trips Custom bus trips are available for larger groups midweek or weekend

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