Lower North Fork American River Rafting

Lower North Fork American River Rafting:

This special spring and early summer class 2+ rafting trip is great for beginners and kids as young as 6. It is a wonderful run for secluded rafting and inflatable kayaks. Flowing freely from the Sierra Nevada Mountains during the snow melt, this 9.5 mile trip on the lower section of the North Fork American River twists and turns thru an intimate canyon lined with oaks, alders and pines. At times, colorful wildflowers like the California poppy and lupine are breathtaking. After the first 4 miles, the only things that otherwise that might be seen are deer, or the occasional gold miner. This trip is a great alternative to the South Fork American River when a big snow pack results in higher water flows on that Class 3 run, or it may be added to the Chamberlain Falls class 4 run for those wanting a longer trip, or even a wilderness camp overnight trip.

Lower North Fork American River Rafting – ½ day or 1 day raft trip:

The rafting trip begins below Shirttail Creek in this pristine and secluded canyon, and some of the more exciting rapids are to be found in the first few miles. Rapids named 1 ½ and 2 ½ are Class 2, with rapid 3 ½ and Bend & Brake following, both of which verge on class 3 at higher flows. About 4 miles down, at Ponderosa Bridge, most other rafters will be taking off the river, as this is the end of the more difficult upstream Class 4 run. Soon after the bridge is a trail on river right that leads to some beautiful waterfalls and a trail follows the right bank for about 1 mile. This section of river is even more remote, and if opting for the 1 day trip, we stop along the river for lunch, maybe at Codfish Creek, where it is possible to camp overnight. You are now deep into the wilderness of the Auburn State Recreation Area, and encounter another couple of class 2 rapids. We take out at the upper end of Lake Clementine and return to our meeting location.

Multi-day rafting trip combinations with the Lower North Fork American River:

• Lower Middle Fork American/South Fork American Lotus Run Rafting Combo

Lower North Fork American River Summary/Location:

The North Fork American River starts its journey west from the headwaters in the Granite Chief Wilderness between the ski areas of Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley. For most of its length it is protected by federal Wild and Scenic status, and the river freely tumbles through steep gorges on the Tahoe National Forest into the defacto wilderness of the Auburn State Recreation Area. This run is located just before the river flows into Lake Clementine, east of Auburn, off I80, less than 1 hr east of Sacramento.

Class: 2-2+
Length: 9.5 miles (1/2 day or 1 day trip)

Season: April – June (depending on snow pack) 
Elevation: approx. 900 ft 
Location: Meeting in Auburn or Colfax, off I-80, between Sacramento & Truckee

Lower North Fork American River, Distances/Times for travel:

The North Fork American River - where to go and where to stay:

• Lower North Fork American River Area Information
• Lower North Fork American River Map & Directions

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