Lower Middle Fork American / Lower North Fork American Rafting, Class 2, 2 day
This special spring and early summer class 2+ American River rafting trip is great for beginners and kids as young as 6. It is a wonderful multi-day trip offering almost wilderness seclusion in the Auburn State Recreation Area located in the Gold Country. Inflatable kayaks may at times be supplied for some added adventure for the older youths and adults to share, so the trip can accommodate a diverse group. This trip is a great alternative to the South Fork American River when a big snow pack results in higher water flows, restricting some youths and non-swimmers to Class 2 rapids. 
Both days of this rafting trip are more relaxed, mellower, and much less traveled than the nearby South Fork American River. They are close to civilization, yet it is possible to feel that you are really getting away from it all.
On the first day, we meet in Auburn and run the Lower Middle Fork American River. We will stop for lunch, after taking an optional side hike up the American Canyon Creek to a shady dell with waterfalls. This section of river is available as a ½ day afternoon trip throughout the summer months when regular summer releases prevent us meeting earlier to make a day trip out of this secluded 7 mile trip.
We will normally camp overnight at our private camp area in the nearby Coloma/Lotus area on the South Fork American River, and enjoy dinner, a great camp fire and breakfast the next morning. See our Meals page for sample menus.
On the 2nd day, we would head back through Auburn for a 9.5 mile rafting trip on the Lower North Fork American River. This is a free flowing run, which takes us even deeper into the Auburn State Recreation Area, as it twists and turns thru an intimate canyon lined with oaks, alders and pines.
We have lunch on the river take out at the upper end of Lake Clementine and return to Auburn for your journey home, hotel nearby, or another optional nights camping or .
Class: 2
Length: 16.5, 2 days, May-June
Elevation: 700-900 ft
Location: Meeting in Auburn, California. Off I-80, between Sacramento and Truckee
Lower Middle/North Fork American River Rafting, Distances/Times for travel:
¾ hr E. of Sacramento (36 miles), 1 hr W of Truckee, 2½ hrs NE of San Francisco (123 miles), |
PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME ON
BUSY HOLIDAY WEEKENDS
Other Class 2 easy rafting options for overnight trips:
- Lower Middle American/South Fork American Lotus Run Combo
- East Fork Carson River (usually spring run through June only)
- Trinity River (available as a custom trip, skipping Class 3 section)
- Lower Klamath River (available as a custom trip, or younger kids can be hiked around some Class 3 rapids)
- Family Specials (2-4 day trips on selected dates, kids 20-50% discount)
