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.