Multi-Day South Fork American River Rafting

We’ll meet up at River’s Bend at 12:30 pm sharp and start by setting you up with your helmet, paddle and personal flotation device. The head guide will deliver a short safety briefing to the whole group before we assign a guide for each raft.
Once onboard your guide will conduct a quick in-water orientation and give some tips on paddling technique and rafting teamwork. Then we’ll be ready to hit the rapids!

Once we set off all boats will stay together as we head down the river starting with a fairly relaxed pace. You’ll have some time to get ready for Fowler’s Rock which is your first challenge. Don’t worry, your guide will prepare you before every rapid.

We’ll keep heading downriver and hitting a lot of fun rapids along the way in preparation for Hospital Bar. Our last big rapid is the super-fun, bonus, Surprise Rapid! Once you’ve conquered this then it’ll be smooth sailing into Lake Folsom, arriving around 4:30 pm.

Then we’ll bus you back to River’s Bend where your campsite will be prepared and waiting for you. Enjoy the hot showers, clean restrooms and potable water. Relax by the river and prepare for a delicious dinner prepared by our Chef on staff. Unwind under the stars and enjoy a nice cozy fire!

The American River is rich in gold-country history, but the stars are the beauty of the river itself. Our campground is nestled in between mature California Oaks right along the banks of the river. Here you will enjoy an appetizing dinner prepared by our Chef on staff, have access to clean restrooms, hot showers and potable water. We have fire pits to unwind by to keep you warm or make some s’mores! This experience is the perfect way to get away for a peaceful weekend vacation, family trip, or just an amazing addition to any California road trip!

When you awake you will be greeted by the sound of the river flowing by. Before we set off from camp you will enjoy a local artisanal breakfast crafted by Sierra Rizing Bakery. We offer freshly baked pastries, an assortment of fruit, and hand-crafted coffee.

When it’s time, we will board a shuttle for a quick drive down scenic Highway 49, where we will pass by the Marshall Gold Discovery Historic State Park. When we arrive at put-in we will give you a safety refresher before setting off for the thrilling Chili Bar section of the South Fork!

You’ll have about ten minutes to prepare before you hit Meatgrinder! Don’t worry, your guide will prepare you before every rapid. This Class III rapid is long and exciting and will be your first challenge of the day. Next, we’ll cruise through a few smaller rapids towards the Triple Threat! We’ll keep heading down the scenic and pristine river through more Class III rapids until we get to the South Fork’s infamous Troublemaker, get ready to smash it and don’t forget to smile for the photographer!

The next part of the trip is at a more relaxed pace, cruising through Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Your guide will tell you about the history of this area as you pass the old mill and various mining trails. Plus you can even swim in the smaller rapids!

We’ll get everyone back to River’s Bend between 12:30 and 1:30 pm where we’ll have snacks and ice-cold drinks waiting for you!

• Start times are based on dam releases that provide sufficient water for rafting so don’t be late! Let us know ASAP if you’re at ANY risk of being late!
• Let us know well in advance if you’ve booked separately from your friends but want to be together.
• We recommend bringing additional cool weather clothing in April, May, September & October.
• Photographers are a separate entity and cannot be guaranteed.
• If you have a request for a specific guide, let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to organize it.
• If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know prior to your trip.
• Youths and people under 90lbs require a different life jacket. Please let us know in advance.