BEST VALUE WITH LUNCH
South Fork American River Gorge Run 1-Day Trip
- 1 Day
- All Experience Levels
- 7+ years
- From $119 - $149
South Fork American River Rafting
South Fork American River Rafting
Get ready for your whitewater rafting adventure on the South Fork of the American River, where calm waters meet thrilling whitewater! The South Fork is California’s #1 whitewater rafting destination, promising unforgettable excitement and lifelong memories. With Class III rapids, and easy access to the Coloma, CA launch point from cities like Sacramento and San Francisco, it’s the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors.
Bring your crew—family, friends, a scout troop, or a youth group—and join us for a trip full of fun, thrills, and great vibes. Our South Fork whitewater rafting adventures are exciting enough for seasoned rafters but friendly for first-timers and kids 7+!
Don’t take our word for it—read our South Fork American River rafting reviews below and choose your trip!
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All Experience Levels
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1/2 Day
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Group Discounts Available
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7+ years
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Good for Families
South Fork American River Rafting Trips
See What A South Fork Rafting Experience Looks Like
More Information
Trip Highlights
Rafting Seasons
The season for whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River lasts from early March through October.
Spring (early March through Memorial Day): Spring is an ideal time to enjoy fewer crowds, blooming wildflowers, and the fresh energy of the season! Sometimes spring can bring exciting flows from snowmelt and rain, adding extra adventure to the rapids. When that happens we may raise the minimum rafting age to 12 years old.
Summer (June through Labor Day weekend): Warm summer days make the river the perfect escape to beat the heat and cool off. Controlled releases from hydro-dams ensure steady flows for nonstop whitewater excitement!
Fall (post-Labor Day through October): Enjoy excellent flows, warm weather, and stunning fall colors. With fewer crowds, it’s the perfect time to experience the beauty and thrill of the American River!
Rapids
The South Fork of the American River has many memorable rapids. Here are some of our favorites:
- “Meatgrinder Rapid”: the 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!
Scenery
Nestled in the stunning Sierra Nevada foothills, the South Fork of the American River offers a rafting experience like no other.
With stretches of calm water perfect for relaxation, you’ll have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant flora and fauna of one of California’s most diverse ecosystems.
As the river winds through Coloma, CA it flows past the historic Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park—the very site where gold was first discovered in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush.
Surrounded by rolling hills, lush oak woodlands, and scenic vistas, the South Fork of the American River is a haven for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers alike. Rafting it is one of the best ways to experience it all.
Group Discounts
Applied automatically at checkout (except for the returning guest discount), our group discounts for rafting the South Fork of the American River are some of the best around!
- 15% discount for returning guests
- 5% discount for 6+ people
- 10% discount for 12+ people
- 15% discount for 24+ people
Customizable Rafting
Like all of our whitewater rafting experiences, our South 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.
Photos
White water rafting the South Fork of the American River with us means you can bring home photos of you and your group going through the rapids.
South Fork River Rafting Map
Download Your Trip Information
South Fork Trip Information PDF Downloads
South Fork AM Half Day
South Fork PM Half Day
South Fork Whole River
South Fork Gorge Run
South Fork Chili Bar Run
South Fork Young Rafters
South Fork Young Rafter Overnight
Check-in Times
All check-ins are at the Whitewater Excitement Camp Store.
Please be on time! We only wait a short time for late arrivals.
South Fork American River Half-Day Trips
- AM Half Day – 8:00 AM
- PM Half Day – 12:00 Noon
South Fork American River 1-Day Trips
- Whole River – 8:00 AM
- Gorge Run – 10:00 AM
- Chili Bar run – 9:00 AM
- Young Rafters Run – 9:30 AM
South Fork American River 2-Day Trips
- After 5:30 PM the night before your trip.
Please check the camping board upon arrival for your breakfast times.
Directions
Our Address
Whitewater Excitement Camp 6580 Highway 49, Lotus, CA 95651
***Always take directions with you. Cell service for mapping apps is limited to Verizon.**
Directions from Sacramento
- Take Highway 50 east towards Placerville and South Lake Tahoe.
- Exit Ponderosa Rd (Exit #37) in Shingle Springs. This is 1 mile past the town of Cameron Park.
- Turn left on Ponderosa Rd and cross over Highway 50.
- At the second stop light (immediately over the overpass), turn right on North Shingle Rd towards Coloma.
- Drive 4.5 miles and you’ll come to a curve in the road, keep left, this is Lotus Rd.
- Drive 7 miles on Lotus Rd. Lotus Rd will dead end into Highway 49.
- Turn left on Highway 49 and drive 1.7 miles.
- Start slowing down at the 1.5 mile mark.
- Look for the Whitewater Excitement sign on the left.
- Turn left into the driveway, stay to the right and follow the signs to the WWE parking area.
Directions from South Lake Tahoe
- Take Highway 50 west to Placerville.
- Turn right on Highway 49 (Spring Street, sign to Coloma).
- Follow Highway 49 to Coloma.
- Pass Marshall Gold State Park and you’ll cross a bridge over the river.
- Drive 1.5 miles past the bridge to the Whitewater Excitement sign on the left.
- Turn into the driveway, stay to the right and follow the signs to the WWE parking area
Directions from Auburn
- Exit Highway 49 Southbound towards Placerville/Cool.
- Follow Highway 49 down the canyon.
- At the bottom of the canyon turn right across the bridge and up to the town of Cool.
- Four miles past Cool is Pilot Hill.
- Drive 5.5 miles past the town of Pilot Hill and look for Whitewater Excitement sign on the right.
- Turn into the driveway, stay to the right and follow the signs to the WWE parking area.
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 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
Coloma Resort (530) 621-2267
Camp Lotus (530) 622-8672
Lodging
Hotels / Motels
Marriott – Springhill Suites, Auburn, CA 530-492-5656
Holiday Inn, Auburn (530) 887-8787
Motel 6, Cameron Park (530) 677-7177
Quality Inn, Cameron Park (530) 677-2203
Best Western, Auburn (800) 201-0121
Gold Country Inn, Placerville, CA (530) 622-3124
Mother Lode Motel, Placerville, CA (530) 622-0895
Cary House Historic Hotel, Placerville, CA (530) 622-4271
Bed & Breakfasts
Enchanted April Inn Cool, CA (916) 939-9144
Bella Vista Inn Placerville Placerville, CA (530) 622-3456
Cottages by the River
Coloma Cottages, Coloma, CA (530) 334-3479
Where To Eat
Local Eateries
American River Pizza (530) 887-1969 (10 min away)
Appetizers, BBQ ribs, salad bar, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, pasta, pizza, beer, local wines, beverages and more.
Troublemakers Beer Garden (530) 663-8723 (3 min away)
Great outdoor summer dining experience serving Roman-style pizza, salad, curry, rice bowls, local beer and wine.
Cafe Mahjaic (530) 622-9587 (5 min away)
New American, a mixture of all ethnic backgrounds. All foods, sauces, and breads are made from scratch using naturally raised organic meats and grains. Daily specials. Open Wednesday-Sunday
Sierra Rizing Bakery, Catering & Coffee House (530) 642-1308 (4 min away)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare with locally roasted coffee, fresh baked goods, soups, salads, pasta, pot pies, and more. Enjoy daily dinner specials, fine desserts, and espresso well into the evening. Open daily year-round.
Coloma Club Café (530)626-6390 (3 min away)
Opens at 6:30 AM. Great family-style eatery, full bar, and live music every weekend.
Other Options And Things To Do
Other Local Places Of Interest
James Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
This park is located where gold was discovered in California in 1848. There are historic trails wandering through the park, picnic tables by the river, and a gold rush history museum.
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 |
