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American River Rafting

2 of the BEST American River Rafting Trips in California

Raft the white water of the American River’s: South Fork, the Middle Fork, or both, with one of our 2-day trips! In addition, Whitewater rafting on the American River is the perfect getaway for families, friends, scout groups, church groups, and that corporate team building trip.

South Fork American River Whitewater Rafting Quick Info

  • Located only 3 hours from SF Bay Area and 1 hour from Sacramento
  • Class 3 Rapids – Fun for all ages and experience levels
  • 21 miles in length, can raft 11, 14, or the entire 21 miles in 1 or 2 days
  • Ages 7+ (4+ for Young Rafters Trip)
  • 1/2, 1, 2-day trips
  • Check Availability Form

South Fork of the American River whitewater Rafting Highlights

Our South Fork American River rafting trip, located near the famous Coloma Gold Discovery site, as well as, in the beautiful Lotus Valley.  The South Fork American river is by far the perfect introductory river trip out of all the trips we offer. For instance, t’s for groups of all ages. Our American river rafting trips on the South Fork is perfect for families, scout and church youth groups, corporate outings, and almost any group you have.  This American river rafting trips is near Sacramento area as well as the San Francisco Bay Area.

The South Fork American River rafting trips travel 21 miles from just below the Chili Bar dam to the upper reaches of Folsom Lake. We offer many different trip options on the South Fork.  From our Young Rafters Adventure to our Full River 21-mile 1-day trip.

We divide our white water rafting trips on American river into two sections. First is the Upper Chili Bar Section.  The next is the Lower Gorge Section. Each section has its own unique character and style of rapids. The lower section is 11 miles, while the upper section is 10. Each section has many class 3 rapids. Bring on the white water!

Middle Fork American River Whitewater Rafting Quick info

  • Located only 3 hours from SF Bay Area and 1 hour from Sacramento
  • Class 3 and Class 4 Rapids – adventurous beginners to expert rafters
  • 18 miles in length with the famous Tunnel Chute Rapid
  • Ages 12+
  • 1-day trips or 2- or 3-day Combo Trips
  • Check Availability Form

Middle Fork American River whitewater Rafting Highlights

Our American River rafting trip on the Middle Fork, located just outside the town of Auburn, CA.  Less than one hour from the greater Sacramento area,  In fact, it is a perfect choice for those adventurous beginners or experienced rafters looking for more of a challenge. The river is 18 miles in length and offers some of the only summertime class 4 rafting action.

Above all, folks river rafting on the American river,  should be in good physical condition, be able to swim (a requirement), and on the adventurous side. Highlighted by the famous “Tunnel Chute” rapid, the Middle Fork American river has that wilderness feel only minutes away from civilization.

A total wilderness river canyon awaits those challenging this exciting river. Winding through a very deep and almost inaccessible area, the Middle Fork offers that solitude that we rarely find these days, even on a river rafting adventure.

North Fork American River Whitewater Rafting Quick info

  • Located only 3 hours from SF Bay Area and 1 hour from Sacramento
  • Class 4 Rapids – adventurous beginners to expert rafters
  • 9 miles in length with over 7 Class 4 – 4+ Rapids!
  • Ages 14+
  • 1/2 day, 1-day trips or 2-day Combo Trips
  • Check Availability Form

North Fork American River whitewater Rafting Highlights

The North Fork American River is one of our most advanced rivers that we run trips on. Originating from the Sierra’s, this free-flowing, undammed river is perfect for those looking to raft the ultimate spring time river in California.  Furthermore, it is a very easy drive from the San Jose area as well as being only 45 minutes from Roseville, CA.

This 9 mile stretch can be done in a 1/2 day or 1 day trip.  In fact, it can be done twice in one day! The season for the North Fork is April-June, and can vary depending on the snow pack.

Again, rafters should be in good physical condition with good swimming ability for the North Fork. It is open to adventurous first timers and those who are interested in increasing the difficulty in river. Finally, set in a beautiful steep canyon with granite boulders, the North Fork American River should be on your California River Rafting to-do list!

See Trips

Why Choose Only 1 River? Do the American River Rafting trip Combo! Double fun!

Also offered on is one of our most popular 2-day trips: The South Middle 2-Day Combo.  White water raft two different rivers in two days. We raft the 14 mile Gorge Section of the South Fork American River on the first day. Then challenge the Class 3 and 4 rapids on 18 miles of the Middle Fork American River the second. Included are 2 nights of camping at our own private camp right on the banks of the American River. In addition, 2 days of whitewater rafting  on 2 different rivers.  Finally, 5 meals prepared by our own camp chef await you on this great getaway.

If you are looking for the most rafting in your two days off, try our Ultimate South Middle 2-Day Combo. Here you will raft the entire 21 miles of the South Fork American River.  Then head over and raft the 18 miles of the Middle Fork American River on your second day. You spend 2 days on the river, 2 nights of camping at our own private riverside base camp. You will also enjoy 5 wonderfully prepared meals by our own camp cooks.

For our Spring time rafter, our South North 2 Day combo combines both the 21 mile Class 3 South Fork Whole River Trip the first day, and the 9 mile Class 4+ North Fork the second day of this 2 day adventure. You will also join us for 2 nights of camping at our private campground and 5 fantastic meals prepared by our own camp cook.

Make Your California Rafting Reservation Today

Whitewater River rafting the American River can be the trip of your year. Get started now!

  • Call us at 1-800-750-2386 or
  • Make your reservation by booking online
  • Fill out our online Check Availability form and receive a response within 24 hours with more options and details.
  • Remember that we have our Preferred Guest Discount for those who have rafted with us before and …
  • Other great group discounts for groups of 6-11 and 12+.

River Rapid Map of South Fork American River

River Rapids Map of Middle Fork American River

  • rafters smiling after big rapid

    South Fork American River PM 1/2 Day Trip

    Description:   This is our most popular ½ day American River rafting trip.For those short on time, our Afternoon Half Day runs the “Gorge Section” of … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 1/2 Day
    • Class: III
    • Min. age: 7
    • Skill: First Timer
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp (Map)
    STARTING AT $105
    Book now!
  • camping on the american river

    South Fork American River Deluxe 2 Day Trip

    Description:  How does this sound? Spend two days whitewater rafting, two nights of camping out, and enjoy five gourmet meals, all at our own private … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 2 Days
    • Class: III
    • Min. age: 7
    • Skill: First Timer
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp - Lotus, CA (Map)
    STARTING AT $300
    Book now!
  • middle fork american rirver rafters just after huge rapid

    South Middle Fork American River Deluxe 2 Day Combo

    Description:Our most popular American river rafting trip.  Spend two days rafting two different rivers. Day 1 is the Gorge Run on the South Fork American and … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, Combination Trips, Middle Fork American River, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 2 Days
    • Class: III-IV
    • Min. age: 12
    • Skill: Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: Lotus, CA (Map)
    STARTING AT $330
    Book now!
  • rafters all smiling in rapid

    South Fork American River AM Half Day

    Description:   Our South Fork American River AM Half Day Express Trip is a 10 mile adventure that shoots you down  the “Upper” Chili Bar section … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 1/2 Day
    • Class: III
    • Min. age: 7
    • Skill: Adventurous First Timer, First Timer
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp - Lotus, CA (Map)
    STARTING AT $90
    Book now!
  • rafters high 5 after rapid

    Ultimate South Fork American 2 Day Trip

    Are you looking for more rafting and rapids in 2 days, then our Ultimate South Fork American 2 day trip is the perfect choice for … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 2 Days
    • Class: III
    • Min. age: 7
    • Skill: Adventurous First Timer, First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp - Lotus, CA (Map)
    STARTING AT $330
    Call to book 800.750.2386
  • rafts inside tunnel on middle fork american river

    Ultimate South Middle Fork American River 2 Day Combo

    Description: Maximum white water rafting option: Spend two FULL days rafting two different rivers, including the Whole River of the South Fork American river, 21 … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, Combination Trips, Middle Fork American River, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 2 Days
    • Class: III-IV
    • Min. age: 12
    • Skill: Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: Lotus, CA (Map)
    STARTING AT $360
    Call to book 800.750.2386
  • rafters holding up paddles in rapid

    Middle South Fork American River 2 Day Combo

    Description: The reverse of our  most popular American river rafting trip. We raft the Middle Fork American river the first day and then hit the … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, Combination Trips
    • Length: 2 Days
    • Class: III-IV
    • Min. age: 12
    • Skill: Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp (Map)
    STARTING AT $330
    Book now!
  • rafters all smilies after a big rapid

    South Fork American River Chili Bar 1 Day Trip

    Description: Raft the 10 Mile Chili Bar section of the South Fork of the American river.  “Meatgrinder”, “Triple Threat”, and Troublemaker are just some of … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 1 Day
    • Class: III
    • Min. age: 7
    • Skill: First Timer
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp (Map)
    STARTING AT $130
    Book now!
  • rafters paddling through rapid on south fork american river

    South Middle Fork American River 3 Day Combo

    Description:  For those wanting a longer of a whitewater vacation, our Three-Day South and Middle Combo trip is for you. Spend the first two days … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, Combination Trips, Middle Fork American River, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 3 Days
    • Class: III-IV
    • Min. age: 12
    • Skill: Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp (Map)
    STARTING AT $425
    Call to book 800.750.2386
  • family smiles in big rapid

    Ultimate Middle Fork American River 2 Day

    Description: Maximum white water rafting option: Spend two FULL days rafting 18 miles the Middle Fork American river, all 18 miles each day, two nights … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, Middle Fork American River
    • Length: 2 Days
    • Class: III-IV
    • Min. age: 12
    • Skill: Advanced, Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp - Lotus, CA (Map)
    STARTING AT $335
    Call to book 800.750.2386
We are accepting reservations for the 2024 rafting season and we cant wait!Learn More