SOUTH FORK AMERICAN
Rating: Class
3
Distance: 21
River Miles
Season: April-Early
October
Location: 8
Miles north of Placerville, CA
In the heart of the Gold Rush country, the South Fork of the American River is
the most popular river in California, and for good reason. Ideal for groups,
families or first-timers, exciting class 3 rapids alternate with calm stretches
for practicing new skills or enjoying a swim. Cascading its way from the Sierras
and flowing through the town of Coloma, where gold was discovered in 1848, the
river tumbles through beautiful scenery rich with history and wildlife. After
your rafting adventure, enjoy volleyball, horseshoes, gold panning and excellent
fishing. Or, simply relax along the river at our secluded 40-acre camp complete
with an outdoor dining area, restrooms, hot showers and changing facilities.
The South Fork is ideal for families. Click Here for information about our Family
Discount and Shared Parenting Trips.
Two-Day Trips -
21 miles
Our first day of rafting begins with a quick "how to" paddling lesson.
The rapids start out small but lively, which gives you a chance to warm up and
get to know your crew and guide. After a hearty lunch, we prepare for the "Gorge," where
the river narrows, the canyon walls become steeper and boats twist and turn over
an exciting series of rapids including "Satan's Cesspool," "Bouncing
Rock" and "Hospital Bar."
At the end of the day hot showers await you, and you have a chance to relax and
swap survival stories with friends, old and new. Help yourself to a cold glass
of beer, wine or soda while our guides prepare a fabulous steak, lobster and
chicken dinner. Following dinner we provide an entertaining slide show of the
days rafting adventure with you as the featured star! Later, a lively combination
of storytelling and singing will unfold around the campfire.
The second day kicks off with a superb breakfast before departing for the "Chili
Bar" run and more whitewater! The rapids start out wet and wild as we encounter "Meatgrinder" only
minutes after launching. From here it's on to "Rock Garden" and "Triple
Threat" before reaching the infamous "Troublemaker. " Back at
camp you are served a delicious lunch as you savor your adventure and enjoy the
camaraderie of your fellow paddlers before saying farewell until the next time!
One-Day Trips -
14 miles
Our one-day trips consist of a full day of rafting on the "Gorge" section,
a hearty lunch on the river, and ice cold refreshments at the end of the day.
Full River - One-Day Trips -
21 miles
Full river trips combine our one-day and half-day trips into 21miles of whitewater
excitement. This trip is recommended only for those who don't mind a "lot" of
paddling.
We recommend this as a Spring run trip.
Half-Day Trips - 7 miles
These trips take place on the "Chili Bar" section and are for those
who desire a short, "no frills" whitewater adventure. Lunch is not
included.
Family Discount
Trips
Rafting is a terrific opportunity for families to share in an outdoor adventure.
On these specially scheduled family trips, each full-paying adult can take
one youth on the South Fork of the American River for half-price (age 7-16).
No other discounts apply on these trips. Families with more than one child
per adult must contact our office prior to reserving space. Trips are available
on the following dates:
One-day and two-day trips begin Tuesdays: Contact us for trip dates.
Return to top of page.
Shared Parenting Trips
For those parents who wish to enjoy a couple days of rafting and camping but
have children too young to raft, Whitewater Connection offers a program that
provides a practical solution. Available on the South Fork of the American,
one parent pays full price for a two-day trip and the other parent pays $46.50
for camping and meals (children included). Mom rafts the first day, Dad the
second, with each parent spending "quality" family time at our riverside
camp fishing, swimming or exploring the adjacent Marshall Gold Discovery State
Park. The whole family is together at each meal except the first day's lunch.
Call our office for more details.
Youth Discounts
Children under 16 and accompanied by an adult receive a 10% discount. This
does not apply to the transportation portion of trips.
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