SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER

California Whitewater Rafting in 1 & 2 Day Trips

Our Most Popular River Trip Since 1980!
Cascading down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Gold Rush Country, flows the scenic South Fork of the American River. Just a short drive east of Sacramento or west of Tahoe, the South Fork of the American offers over 30 exhilarating rapids and a great deal of fun and enjoyment. Whether this will be your first time or you are a whitewater veteran, the South Fork of the American will provide an exciting and thrilling adventure for your family and friends.

California Outdoor Recreation Family Fun Vacation

Minimum age for all participants: 6 years old  Youths are ages 6 - 16.

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

NEW 2008 SOUTH FORK SPECIALS CLICK HERE >>>

When: April - September

½ Day - 8 miles Upper Chili Bar Run South Fork American River 1 Day - 15 miles Lower Gorge Run South Fork American River 1 Day Whole River - 21 miles South Fork American River 2 Day - 21 miles South Fork American River 1 Day Ultra Package - 15 & 21 miles South Fork American River 1 & 2 Day Family Midweek Specials - 15 & 21 miles South Fork American River

Class: III - Whitewater Rating System South Fork American River Stream Flow Data Group Discounts South Fork American River American Whitewater Campground - B & B, Hotels & Motels American Whitewater River Store & River Gear Rentals American Whitewater First Class Menu Arrival Information for South Fork American River Slide show on the South Fork American River Check out the South Fork American River Video Photo Gallery for the South Fork American River Download South Fork American River Driving Directions PDF GPS Navigation to Coloma California - AWE Campground Gift Certificate for the gift of FUN... from American Whitewater

The El Dorado County Visitors Authority has an excellent site with lots of information about the South Fork of the American River and the surrounding area. Check out their South Fork American River Map and their Virtual Tour with a rapid by rapid description of the South Fork. The El Dorado County Visitors Authority has also made available a South Fork American River Access Map for people interested in exploring the South Fork.

Join American Whitewater for two days of fun, sun, and whitewater on the South Fork of the American River, one of the most popular whitewater rafting trips in the world!

South Fork Specials - CLICK HERE

• Camping  
• Where: Chili Bar to Salmon Falls
• Length: 21 miles
• Class: III

Your South Fork American river voyage begins with your arrival the day before your trip at our deluxe on-river campground, complete with indoor restrooms and free hot showers, swimming pool, volleyball court, and more. The first day of your trip begins with a hearty breakfast then, after an informative safety talk, you're off to the American River for a day of fun, laughter, excitement, and lots of exhilarating whitewater.

The first few rapids you'll encounter on the lower stretch are small but spirited and will allow you to practice your new paddling skills. Then a huge deli-style lunch to match those big, outdoor appetites will be set out for you by the side of the river. After lunch we're off to challenge "The Gorge" and experience the excitement of outstanding rapids such as Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar.

At the end of the day's rafting, cold beverages and transportation back to camp await you. At camp you can enjoy some tasty hors d'oeuvres, a hot shower, volleyball, and free time until we serve a delicious healthy dinner that will satisfy the heartiest appetite. Later we'll watch a slide show featuring YOU going through Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar Rapids. Then you'll relax as the campfire is lit, and music and camaraderie begin around the warmth of the flames.

The second day of your American River adventure begins with the aroma of fresh coffee hinting at the hearty breakfast being prepared by our gourmet cook. Then the thrills start swiftly on the upper stretch with more outstanding whitewater including rapids such as Meatgrinder, Triple Threat and Troublemaker. A tasty lunch completes your unforgettable 21 mile trip. You'll leave with memories of beautiful scenery, the satisfaction of challenges met and shared with friends old and new, and the fun and exhilaration of whitewater rafting.

Monday & Thursday starts preferred for midweek two day trips. (No water on Wednesdays.)

Be sure to check out the special group rates and family trips.

Back to the Top

South Fork Specials - CLICK HERE

• Where: Chili Bar to Salmon Falls
• Length: 21 miles
• Class: III

Are you looking for a super full day on the river that's just packed with fun, excitement, and thrills? Then this is the trip for you! You'll raft the entire length of the American River South Fork in a wet and wild one-day trip, have a hearty deli lunch along the river, and enjoy cold beverages at the take-out. (Camping the night prior to your trip is FREE.)*

Offered on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday for groups of 1 - 9.  Groups of 10+ can start any day except Wednesday.

Back to the Top

South Fork Specials - CLICK HERE

• Where: Coloma to Salmon Falls
• Length: 15 miles
• Class: III

We'll meet you at our riverside campground and, following a safety talk, you'll be on your way for a day of fun on the exciting Gorge Run. Your trip begins just below Troublemaker Rapid and you'll raft past James Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. This trip includes a hearty lunch served beside the river, cold beverages at the end of your trip, and a shuttle back to camp. (Camping the night prior to your trip is FREE.)*

Offered Monday, Thursday, and Saturday for groups of 1 - 9.  Groups of 10+ can start any day except Wednesday.

Back to the Top

South Fork Specials - CLICK HERE

• Where: Chili Bar to Coloma
• Length: 8 miles
• Class: III

If your time is limited but you still want to experience the joy of rafting, then this trip is just for you. You'll raft the Chili Bar Run which quickly puts you into some challenging rapids including Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, and Troublemaker. (Lunch is not included but can be added for $7/person.) (Camping the night prior to your trip is FREE.)*

Offered Tuesday, Friday, & Sunday for groups of 1 - 9.  Groups of 10+ can start any day except Wednesday.

* Additional night's camping and meals are available. Please inquire for details.

Back to the Top

Add $45/adult & $41/youth, ages 6 - 16, to your One Day Trip.

South Fork Specials - CLICK HERE

Enjoy our one-day Gorge Run or Whole River trip with lunch PLUS

• 2 Day's camping  
• Length: 15 or 21 miles
• Dinner
• 2 Breakfasts
• Use of thick foam sleeping pads

Arrive the day before your trip at our comfortable campsite. Enjoy a tasty hot breakfast the morning of your trip, raft the invigorating Gorge Run or Whole River* Run complete with a deli lunch served along the river, then, back at camp, you'll have our hearty dinner and all the fixings! Camp that night, have another great breakfast the next morning, and then depart at your leisure.

*If you are adding the Ultra Package to your Whole River Trip, your dinner may be served on the day prior to your trip. 

On midweek trips receive a 50% discount on rental gear.

Back to the Top

Back to the Top

Small Group Special:

• 5 paid rafters, 6th is half fare

Big Group Discount:

• With every 11 paid rafters, 12th is free and so on.
• Plus a discount of $5 on 1-day trips and $10 on 2-day trips.
• With 18 rafters, 1 is free and 1 is half fare.
• 22 paid rafters, 23rd and 24th are free etc.
• 22 paid rafters: a per person discount of
  • $20.00 on two-day trips
  • $10.00 on one-day trips

Group discounts apply only to rafters paying full fare, not special rates

Back to the Top

For two day trips you can arrive at the campground anytime after 5:00 PM the evening before your trip. 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 or tent.

For one day and half day trips, if not camping prior to your trip, arrive at 8:45 AM (later arrival times available by prior arrangement), and for whole river trips arrive at 8:30 AM, having already had breakfast. Breakfast and additional camping can be added. Please inquire.

Free camping the night before all Half Day and One Day Trips. Additional camping $10/person/day Sunday - Thursday & $12/person/day Friday & Saturday.

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

All South Fork trips: Single bookings OK, minimum age - 6 years, youth are ages 6-16.

Custom bus trips are available for larger groups midweek or weekend

Back to the Top

Click here for a version

Take the Plunge
Find Out More About California River Rafting...