This trip gives you the opportunity to enjoy a day of Challenging Class IV-IV+ rapids while rafting in a beautiful high-walled river canyon. In the spring the California poppies and blue lupine grow out of the granite walls that line the river. Plummeting out of the Desolation Valley basin near Lake Tahoe is the free-flowing North Fork American River, with some of California's most exciting springtime technical rapids.
From the moment we enter the river, the ride is challenging and exciting. The upper five mile stretch of river has an average gradient drop of 50' per mile through a steep and narrow granite canyon, offering spectacular whitewater and great vistas -- when we have a moment! Turns are tight and technical; Chamberlain Falls is a thrilling drop! These first five miles are continuous class IV rapids, including Chamberlain Falls, Staircase Falls, and Bogus thunder.
- One of the spectacular features of the North Fork River Canyon is the narrow canyon, the 1000’- high cliff walls, the gorgeous California poppies and purple lupine that grow out of the rock walls.
- Because of the free flowing nature of the North Fork American River, it is runnable only in the late spring-early summer when the Sierra snows are melting. This is THE YEAR to experience the North Fork American. We plan on being on the North Fork early April through early-mid-June.
We meet you in the town of Auburn the morning of your trip. The Meeting Times vary from day to day, though you will be told when you register for the trip what time we meet you. You will leave your cars at the meeting place in Auburn, board our shuttle vehicles, and depart for the Put-In, a 30-minute drive through a beautiful, and isolated section of the canyon.
At the Put-In, Iowa Hill Bridge, you will receive 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, get your wetsuits and helmets, and launch your boats into an easy stretch of river, giving you a chance to warm up and practice your paddling.
The first 5 miles are non-stop Class IV rapids. Slaughter’s Sluice, Chamberlain Falls, Tongue and Groove, Bogus Thunder, and Staircase just a few of the names of the class IV-IV+ rapids you will hear your guides talking about. About noon, you will be very hungry, so we will beach the boats and enjoy a hearty lunch.
Lunch includes a variety of deli meats, cheeses, breads, condiments, vegetables, fruit, chips, cookies, lemonade, ice tea, and water. After lunch, we re-board our rafts, paddle through a few more Class IV rapids, and then enter the more mellow stretch of river. You can now truly enjoy the spectacular scenery, and talk non-stop about your spectacular runs!
We usually arrive at the take-out about 3 P.M., depending on what time we put-in, At the Take-Out, Ponderosa Way Bridge, you may change into your dry clothes, enjoy a beverage, and drive the 30-minutes back to Auburn. Our kayaking-photographer will give you a slide show of the day’s run and you may order photos and CDs.
Camping the night prior to your trip: You may camp with us at our South Fork American River Campground the night prior to your trip for an additional charge.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Minimum deposit: $75.00
Price Includes:
- 1 day of rafting
- 1 meal (deli lunch)
Also see tour packages in:
USA
California
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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