American River Rafting: Trips for All Ages
One of the most popular rivers in America for whitewater rafting, and the shining star in California’s rafting scene, American River whitewater rafting has something to offer people of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a lazy day with a rafting trip floating down a gentle emerald river in the middle of the beautiful Sierra Foothills, or whether you’re in the market for some adrenaline pumping rapids, whitewater rafting the American River in California has something for everyone.
As one of the most popular rivers for whitewater rafting in California, there are many different routes that you can take down it. Located a short drive from many close population centers, including the Bay Area, Modesto, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and Reno, the American River whitewater is in a prime area for a bustling whitewater rafting community to be built up around it. Right in the middle of Gold Rush Country, the small towns of Coloma and Lotus are meccas of rafting on the American River.
Rafting the American River gives you three forks to choose from, which all offer a variety of experiences, and we cater to whatever you’re looking for in a whitewater rafting excursion, whether for you and your adult friends, or for your young children or aging parents.
The South Fork of the American River: Something For Everyone
Rafting trips on the South Fork of the American River are perfect for everyone, and are the most popular fork of by far--which isn’t to say that you’ll find the river too crowded. There is plenty of room to relax and enjoy the trip, even during the busy season, without being worried about the South Fork of the American River being densely packed with adventure lovers.
Our half-day whitewater trips down the South Fork of the American River include both the “Upper” Chili Bar Run, a trip of ten miles which goes through class 2 and class 3 rapids including the Meat Grinder, the Triple Threat, and the Troublemaker Rapid--the largest class 3 rapid on the South Fork.
Or you could spend half a day river rafting on the “Lower Gorge” Run, an eleven mile trip which is a little more leisurely in the beginning of the trip with class 2 rapids but finishes with the best whitewater on the river with a stretch of class 3 rapids that included Bouncing Rock, Hospital Bar, Haystack, and the scarily named Satan’s Cesspool.
Both of these half day journeys whitewater rafting the American River along this picturesque part of the California landscape run from March through November and last approximately 3.5 hours.
But there are full-day whitewater rafting options, too, along the South Fork of the American River, including a 13 mile Gorge section, and a 21 mile trip that sees a little bit of everything. And if none of these options are enough to satisfy you, there are multi-day options on an American River rafting trip where you will float down 11 miles, camp on the shore with a delicious dinner and breakfast, and then start the morning off right--straight into whitewater.
Middle Fork of the American River
If you’re looking to raise the ante a little bit and see what California whitewater rafting is really all about, then taking a whitewater trip on the Middle Fork of the American River will serve up thrills and chills for both the intermediate and expert rafters. With rapids in the class 3 and class 4 range, you will wake up quickly in the morning with the raucous Good Morning rapid--and you’ll need it to prepare you for Tunnel Chute, which offers almost five miles straight of class 3 and class 4 rapids for whitewater rafters. But after you make it through that? It’s smooth sailing with time to splash and play and enjoy the river to the fullest till lunch.
Further down Middle Fork you’ll find an rapid that only the professionals take: you’ll hike down the shore past Rack-a-Chucky Falls while your guides navigate the impressive class 6 rapid dive off the waterfall.
Of course, if you’re interested in taking your time on river rafting nirvana we can stretch that same trip into two days with a pleasant and leisurely camp in the middle, with drinks and great food and games, where you and your whitewater rafting group can really enjoy the California adventureland that is the Middle Fork of the American River rafting.
Lower Middle Fork of the American River
But that’s not to say that the Middle Fork is only for the brave and experienced. Take the Lower Middle Fork of the American River rafting for an easy trip specially made for families with youngsters as little as age four. Easy rapids class 1 and class 2 will give your family enough splash and fun to feel like you’ve been on the river without ever really worrying you’ll get tossed from the boat. This is a bucolic tour down one of the choicest river stretches on the American
North Fork.
North Fork of the American River
The roughest whitewater rafting ride on the American River yet, this is a trip for the most adventurous whitewater rafters in California. With water that is turquoise green and massive boulders blocking your path, you’ll be in awe of the landscape at the same time you’re navigating the difficulties of the environment. Class 4 rapids and above are on the menu for this rough rapid ride, and we’ll gear you up in wetsuits, booties, splash tips, and fleece tops at no extra charge.
Whitewater Rafting the American River: Neverending Fun
American River rafting is truly a prized gem in the crown of the California outdoors experience, and whether you’re coming up for a day trip from Sacramento or flying in from the East Coast to see what all the fuss is about in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, the American River will deliver a day (or two) that you’ll never forget. You’ll get soaked. You’ll laugh. You’ll brave dangerous rocks and come out the other side with a rush of adrenaline shooting up your spine.
The American River is truly a whitewater rafting experience for people of all ages and skill levels.