North Fork American River Rafting
North Fork American River Rafting
The North Fork of the American River begins its journey as a mild, meandering stream before building into a thrilling, fast-paced adventure. This gentle start of our North Fork rafting trip quickly gives way to the class IV “Chamberlin Falls Gorge,” where the river plunges into a steep canyon, weaving between house-sized boulders and cascading over waterfalls up to eight feet high. Fed by Sierra snowmelt, the North Fork of the American River transforms into a technical, adrenaline-pumping whitewater experience with nearly nonstop rapids.
Its crystal-clear waters and dramatic scenery make it one of the most beautiful rivers in the Sierras. However, this adventure is not for beginners—it’s suited for experienced rafters in strong physical condition. Choose from half-day, 1-day, or 2-day rafting trips to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of the North Fork of the American River.
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Intermediate
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Advanced
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14+ Years
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1/2 Day
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1 Day
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Group Discounts Available
North Fork American River Rafting Trips
North Fork American River Rafting Experience
More Information
Trip Highlights
Rafting Season
March through May: Experience the thrill of springtime rafting on the North Fork of the American River, powered by pristine Sierra Nevada snowmelt. March through May offers the perfect conditions, with high, clear flows that make this free-flowing river an adventurer’s dream. Thanks to the North Fork’s natural flow—uninterrupted by dams—the rafting season varies with the snowpack. In exceptional years, you might even enjoy this incredible river into late June. For the best experience, plan your trip early in the season to catch North Fork whitewater rafting at its most exhilarating!
Experience Level
The North Fork rafting trip is a demanding adventure. It’s suited for experienced rafters who must be in excellent physical condition.
Rapids
- “Entrance Exam”: after a quick warm-up, this rapid begins and it’s on
- “Slaughters Sluice”: a quarter mile of drop after drop
- “Chamberlain Falls”: the canyon narrows and drops over an eight-foot falls
- “Tongue and Grove”: rock jumbles clog the river – do we go left or center?
- “Bogus Thunder Falls”: the crux of the run, this rapid requires precise timing and a bit of luck
- “Staircase Falls”: a triple drop all wrapped up into one rapid, the first two set you up for the third and biggest drop of the 3
Scenery
The North Fork of the American River is a stunning sight as spring breathes life into the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape. The rivers crystal-clear water rushes through the canyon, over smooth granite boulders. Hills filled with golden poppies, purple Lupin, and pine forests line the riverbanks and fresh, crisp air remind us why rafting the North Fork is breathtaking haven for a rafting adventure.
Group Discounts
Applied automatically at checkout (except for the returning guest discount), our group discounts for rafting the North Fork of the American River are some of the best around!
- 20% discount for returning guests
- 10% discount for 6+ people
- 15% discount for 12+ people
- 20% discount for 24+ people
Customizable Rafting
Like all of our whitewater rafting experiences, our North Fork of the American River rafting trips are customizable according to the needs of your group.
Do you have accessibility requests or specific trip objectives?
Call us at 530-888-6515 to discuss how we can create a spectacular South Fork American river rafting experience for your group.
North Fork River Rafting Map
Download Your Trip Information
North Fork Trip Information PDF Downloads
Check-In Times
Please be on time! We only wait a short time for late arrivals.
North Fork 1-Day
- 9:00 AM on weekdays
- Weekend times vary. Please call us to obtain specific date start times.
North Fork 2-Day
- After 5:30 PM the night before your trip
Directions
Address
All North Fork Trips meet behind the Raley’s in Auburn, CA.
Directions from Sacramento
- Take Interstate 80 east toward Reno.
- Drive past the town of Roseville to Auburn and exit at Foresthill Rd. Exit #121.
- Turn right from off ramp and then immediate left onto Lincoln Way.
- Turn right almost immediately into the Raley’s Supermarket.
- Drive around right side of Raley’s and Park BEHIND the Store.
- Look for the Whitewater Excitement van(s). With Blue Rafts on top.
Directions from Reno/North Lake Tahoe
- Take Interstate 80 West to Auburn
- Exit at Foresthill Rd. Exit #121
- Turn left and cross over the freeway.
- Turn left at the second signal onto Lincoln Way.
- Turn right almost immediately into the Raley’s Supermarket.
- Drive around right side of Raley’s and Park BEHIND the Store.
- Look for the Whitewater Excitement van(s). With Blue Rafts on top.
What To Bring
What Is Provided
- Expert, professional guides to ensure a safe and memorable adventure.
- Top-quality gear, including inflatable rafts, paddles, helmets, and personal flotation devices (PFDs).
- Wetsuits and splash jackets are provided for spring trips as needed.
- Convenient transportation to and from the river.
- Refreshing drinks and snacks to wrap up your trip.
What To Bring
- River clothing – very casual clothing you should expect to get wet!
- Bathing suit/swim trunks
- Lightweight quick-drying top (rash guard works well)
- Lightweight windbreaker for cool mornings
- Sweatshirt for cool evenings
- River sandals or old tennis shoes (no flip-flops or bare feet allowed)
- Hat with visor (optional under helmet)
- Sunglasses with retaining device so they don’t end up in the river
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip protection
- Bottle of water (drinks provided at lunch and end of trip)
- Inexpensive waterproof camera (professional pictures are taken at one rapid)
- Dry clothes for the trip home, to be left in your car
Camping Items
- Tent and ground cloth (not needed if you reserved a 4-person dome tent or a 5-person deluxe cabin tent with us – call to book: 1-800-750-2386)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Shirt
- Sweatshirt or light jacket
- Dry shoes
- Flashlight
- Lantern
- Insect repellent
- Food, snacks, and drinks (see above for what we provide on your trip)
- Campfire wood (when campfires are permitted, please call for current conditions)
What Not To Bring
- Pets
- Fireworks
- Firearms
- High-pressure water guns
Places To Stay In The Area
Campgrounds
Our Private Camp Area, Only For Our Guests
Our private campground is on the bank of the South Fork of the American River.
Our shared facilities include:
- Tent and RV sites (no hookups)
- Bathrooms with hot showers
- Flush toilets, sinks, and mirrors
- Recreation areas with volleyball and horseshoe pits
Reservations:
- Reservations are required
- To reserve, call our office at 1-800-750-2386
- If your group is small, you may be assigned to a shared site with another group
Cost:
- $15 per person per night
Other Campgrounds
Mineral Bar Campgrounds (800) 444-7275
Lodging
Hotels / Motels
Marriott – Springhill Suites, Auburn (530) 492-5656
Holiday Inn, Auburn (530) 887-8787
Best Western, Auburn (800) 201-0121
Where To Eat
Local Eateries
Auburn Alehouse (530) 885-2537 (15 min away)
They serve great food including, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish & chips, beer, beverages and much more.
Pasquale’s (530) 878-5222 (15 min away)
Family-run Italian Ristorante. Great outdoor summer dining experience serving great Italian pasta dishes, pizza, salads, local beer, and wine.
Pizzeria Luba (530) 537-2200 (15 min away)
Great pizza with naturally leavened dough and locally sourced ingredients.
Local Heroes (530) 820-3030 (15 min away)
One of the best local burger places in town!
Weather
Weather Info
Our area can experience extreme changes in weather, especially in April, May, and June, so please check the weather for Coloma, CA before your trip
Average Area Air and Water Temperatures
| Month | Air (Day) °F | Air (Night) °F | Water Temp. °F |
| May | 75-79 | 50-54 | 60 |
| June | 80-90 | 54-60 | 63 |
| July | 90-105 | 60-70 | 65 |
| August | 85-105 | 60-70 | 68 |
| September | 80-100 | 55-50 | 70 |
