Why raft on only 1 river? On the South, Middle, and North Forks of the American river, you can choose the rivers you want, the number of days, and experience a river rafting adventure that you will always remember. Our most popular combo trip is our South Middle two-day combo. However, whatever trip you choose, you will raft different rivers each day, spend 2 or 3 nights at our private camp area right on the river, and enjoy 5 (or 8 for 3 Day trips) meals cooked by our own dedicated camp cook, Cheryl.
Where Excitement meets Ease
Whitewater rafting on the different forks of the American River has no equal. Our different combo options give plenty of whitewater action, an awesome camping experience, and lots of time to just sit back and relax while our dedicated cook prepares all your meals. It’s a thrilling adventure that is considered safe for children ages 12+ and adults of all ages and experience levels.
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The launch point for this crowd-pleasing river adventure is located near Coloma, CA, just a short drive from:
- Sacramento (1 hour driving)
- Lake Tahoe (1.5 hours)
- San Francisco Bay Area (2.5 hours)
Rapids Highlights on the Combo Trip
- Length: 29-39 miles (varies by trip)
- 2 different rivers in 2 days
- “The Gorge”: rapids come non-stop for 6 miles, with breaks after the big ones
- “Satan’s Cesspool”: a guest favorite for sure
- “Hospital Bar” – a giant wave awaits you
- “The Middle Fork”: Our day 2 adventure begins
- “Tunnel Chute” – most famous rapid of them all
- “Kanaka Falls”: a class 4+ drops that gets your heart pumping
- One of the most beautiful river canyons in California
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unsurpassed Scenery
Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills, both the South, Middle, and North Forks of the American River rafting experiences offers plenty of calm water and rest stops along the way, allowing you to take in the thriving flora and fauna of one of California’s most unique ecosystems. The rivers flow through some of the most remote canyons in the US, giving us a glimpse of the days of old.
super fun, Experienced Guides and Flexible Trip Itineraries
Service and connection to our guests and to the river experience remains our passion. We are proud to offer some of the most knowledgeable, fun, and attentive guides for your rafting journey along the American River. For almost 40 years, our family-owned company has been taking groups and individuals of every experience level down the river. We’re humbled to have received many positive testimonials over the years.
Our trips are customizable according to the needs of your group. Call us to discuss any accessibility concerns or trip objectives and we will help you design a truly spectacular Combo river rafting experience. Participants on our combo trips must be in good physical condition, know how to swim, and on the adventurous side.
Two-Day and Three-Day trips are available.
Whitewater Excitement’s private campground offers riverside camping with modern bathroom facilities (hot showers, flush toilets), right on the riverbank. We do not use public campgrounds or off-river campsites for our trips.
When to Plan Your Adventure
The season for whitewater rafting on the American lasts from early March through October, depending on the different combo trip you choose. South/North Fork trips start as early as March, while our South/Middle trips begin Memorial Day weekend.
Spring: March begins our South/ North Combo trips. Memorial Day kicks off the Middle Fork season. The wildflowers are out and crowds are low.
Summer: Peak season is June through Labor Day weekend. Temperatures are very warm; hydro-dams give us controlled steady releases for continuous whitewater fun.
Fall: Lasts until October. Great flows and warm temperatures. A great time to try a trip on the South and Middle Forks of the American.
Group Discount on All Trips
We offer one of the best group discounts in the industry! Pay for five rafters and the 6th person is free. This discount is applied automatically at checkout on all of our trips.
Scroll below to see our full list of standard trips on the South Fork.
Ready to book your rafting trip on the South Fork American River?
- Call us at 1-800-750-2386 to speak to a real person; or,
- Reserve your trip directly with our online booking system.
Not sure what trips are available, or looking for something you don’t see?
- Call us at 1-800-750-2386 to speak to a real person; or,
- Fill out our online trip availability form and receive a response within 24 hours with more options and details.
