South Fork American River Rafting

Welcome to our South Fork American river rafting adventures .  Genuine whitewater rafting experiences that are fun for families, youth and scouts, and everyone in between..

Where Excitement meets Ease – Our south fork american river rafting.  Our South Fork River Rafting trips are a sure way to fall in love with the rivers, rapids, and experience of the outdoors. In fact, of all of the white water rafting trips in California, this river offers the most for groups and families of all ages and experience levels.  Moreover, with fifty rapids in just 21 miles, making it an excellent choice for first timers and intermediate river rafters. In addition, it promises some exciting Class 3 rapids. It’s a thrilling run that is considered great for children ages 7+ and adults of all ages and experience levels.

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)

Highlights –  South Fork american river rafting

  • Length: 11-21 miles (Varies varies by trip)
  • “Meatgrinder Rapid”: longest (but not the wildest!) on the river
  • “Triple Threat Rapid”: three rollicking rapids, right in a row
  • “Troublemaker”: most powerful rapid, but not the biggest
  • “Swimmer’s Rapid”: a fun, small wave train that leads to a huge pond to recover in
  • “The Gorge”: rapids come non-stop for 6 miles, with breaks after the big ones
  • “Hospital Bar”: biggest wave during your South Fork rafting day
  • “Satan’s Cesspool”: a guest favorite!
  • Check Availability Form

Spectacular Scenery

Located in the beautiful Sierra foothills, the South Fork of the American River rafting experience offers plenty of calm water.  Equally important are meal and rest stops along the way. This allows you to take in the thriving flora and fauna of one of California’s most unique ecosystems. The South Fork American river flows through Coloma State Park, also, the original site of gold discovery in California in 1848.

White water rafting South Fork of the American River means you’ll be able bring home photos of you and your group in the midst of the biggest rapids around.

Attentive, Experienced Guides and Flexible Trip Itineraries

Service and connection to our guests and to the river experience remain our passion. We are proud to offer some of the most knowledgeable, fun, and attentive guides for your South Fork American River rafting trip. 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.

Furthermore, 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 South Fork American river rafting experience. For instance, Half-day, Full Day, and Two-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 South Fork lasts from early March through October.

Spring: Early March through Memorial Day. Higher water flows due to snowmelt and/or rain. 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 American River.

Group Discount on All Trips

We offer some of the best group discounts around! Starting at groups of 6 people, these discounts will be applied automatically at checkout.

Scroll below to see our full list of standard trips on the South Fork, and make sure to view our South Fork American river rafting reviews below.

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 Check Availability form and receive a response within 24 hours with more options and details.

South Fork American river rafting map

  • South Fork American river action.

    South Fork American River Gorge Run Day Trip

    Description: The South Fork American river Gorge Run is our most popular 1 Day trip that we offer. It is perfect for first timers, families … Learn more

    • River: South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 1 Day
    • Class: III
    • Min. age: 7
    • Skill: Adventurous First Timer, First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp - Lotus, CA (Map)
    STARTING AT $130
    Book now!
  • 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 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
We are accepting reservations for the 2024 rafting season and we cant wait!Learn More