We rate the California’s South Fork of the American River as the best river in California for both first-time and more experienced rafters. California’s South Fork of the American River has become the most popular river in California for individuals, families, groups of friends and company recreation trips, available daily from April through September.
The river offers a wide range of adventures, with over 50 exciting rapids interspersed with calm, slower stretches where we can enjoy the beauty of the river canyon.
- Since our campground is located halfway down the river, at Mile 10.5, we are able to launch our boats from our Campground.
- The 1-Day Gorge Run is the most popular 1-Day trip because the river starts out gently, giving you 3 miles to warm up, practice in Class I-II rapids, and swim one of the rapids before entering the Gorge where all the big Class III rapids are located.
- Our luxury riverside campground has a well-equipment camp store which provides last-minute items you may have forgotten, flush toilets, and hot-water showers.
By 10 A.M., we will meet you at our campground on the South Fork of the American River. Just park your car, follow the main path into the kitchen area, and you will be greeted by your Head Guide. You will then gather at the picnic tables for the Trip Orientation, a thorough, 30-minute presentation given by your Head Guide.
He/she will go over the safety features of the trip, and demonstrate paddle techniques. You will be introduced to your guides, launch your boats from our campsite and begin rafting a fun and easy three-mile section of the river, with time to warm up and practice your paddling in the many Class I-II rapids in this stretch.
You will even have a chance to swim one of the easier rapids. We may decide to shuttle you to the Hwy 49 Access Area, three miles upstream from our camp, in which case we will then be able to have lunch at the Mariah Campground.
About noon we stop for a hearty and nutritious picnic lunch at our private lunch site on the Cronin Ranch. Lunch includes a variety of deli meats, cheeses, breads, condiments, vegetables, fruit, chips, cookies, lemonade, ice tea, and water. We always have peanut butter and jelly.
After lunch, we re-board our boats and continue rafting into the Gorge, where we'll tackle fun and challenging class III rapids like Satan's Cesspool, Hospital Bar and Recovery Room. Keep a smile on your face and your paddle in the water, because our kayaking-photographer will be looking for the best shots to take, for viewing back at camp.
After the last rapid we will get a motorized tow to our take-out at Salmon Falls, Lake Folsom. We will load the boats onto our trailers, grab a cold soda or water, and board the Mariah vehicles for the 30-minute drive back to camp. Back at camp, our photographer will present the slide show of the day's rafting.
You may take a shower, buy a souvenir t-shirt, and say farewell to the new friends you've made on California's South Fork of the American River rafting trip. You should be ready to depart for your next destination by 4 P.M.
Camping the Night Prior to your Trip: You may camp with us the night prior to your trip and join us for breakfast for an additional charge. Many of our guests who have time for just one day of rafting, take advantage of this opportunity to camp in order to experience the thrill of sleeping out-of-doors.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Minimum deposit: $50.00
- Minimum age: 7
Price includes:
- 1 day of rafting
- 1 meal (deli lunch)
Also see tour packages in:
USA
California
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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