South Fork American River / North Fork American River Rafting Combo
The combo rafting trip on the South Fork American River and North Fork American River is an ideal choice for those wanting to warm up on some Class 3 rapids, before stepping up to the more exciting Class 4 action on the North Fork American River on the 2nd or 3rd day. Great trip for adventurous first time rafters who are looking for an early season spring run. Season varies depending on snow pack.
The South Fork American River is an exciting, fun Class 3 rafting trip, with memorable rapids like Bouncing Rock, Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar. The river flows through the green and gold foothills of California's Gold Rush Country and has served as an introduction to river rafting for countless beginners and continues to lure veterans back year after year. On the combo rafting trip with the North Fork American River, you also get to raft on one of the best Class 4 spring runs. This clear, free-flowing aqua jewel in the Sierra's makes rafting an inspiration. The rivers’ polished gray rocks, nearly continuous pool and drop rapids and unsurpassed back country scenery provide a wilderness rafting experience you will never forget. Paddle experience and competent swimming ability are requirements and particularly important at times of higher water, when eddies are scarce and large holes must be negotiated. The itinerary for the 2 day combo follows.
First day of a South American/North Fork American River Rafting Combo:
These spring runs on the South Fork American River often provide higher water levels than during the summer, which makes for additional excitement. We meet you after breakfast at Rivers Bend Resort in Coloma/Lotus. Our guides will give an orientation talk and paddling instruction, and lifejackets are fitted. Before lunch we raft an easier section of river, allowing time to hone your paddling skills for the exciting Class 3 rapids to follow on the South Fork American 'Gorge'. Lunch is served at the camp and then we launch the rafts again. In the next 9 miles, we tackle rapids like Bouncing Rock, Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar, and then take-out at Folsom reservoir where cold drinks are served and we transport you back to camp, usually by 5:00 pm
In the evening of a South American/North Fork American River Rafting Combo:
After returning from your rafting trip to the camp, you can set-up your camp, swim, play volleyball or just relax. Professional photographers film at several of the major rapids, and we have a set up in camp to view the action of the day. Ask your guide for a coupon and order your South Fork American River photos before you leave Coloma, as they are not available online. In the early evening, you will be served dinner, with a moderate amount of wine and beer. You can then relax around the camp fire, or head to nearby Coloma where there may be a live band.
Second day of a South American/North Fork American River Rafting Combo: 
Personal gear is packed while the guides prepare breakfast and we depart from camp to travel to the North Fork American River. Usually we caravan to Auburn or Colfax and then we transport you to the put-in near Colfax. On this river, the challenge starts right from the beginning. First, we negotiate a Class III-IV gorge with a series of boulder slalom rapids called Slaughter Sluice before crashing over Chamberlain Falls. Soon after come more Class 3-4 rapids named Tongue & Groove, Zig-Zag, Bogus Thunder, Grand Slalom and Devils Staircase. After more than 4 miles of intense Class4 action, we take a breather, do lunch, and can relax a little. A picturesque side hike up Indian Creek to the falls may be scheduled. The second half of the trip is more mellow with frequent Class 2-3 rapids and we float through a tranquil, peaceful canyon and take the opportunity to admire the beautiful, clean water and polished granite.
Photos for your North Fork American River trip may be available online and the websites can be accessed via our whitewater photos link page..
Class: 3-4
Length: 22, 33 or 39 mile trips in 2-4 days, April - June (depending on snow pack)
Location: Meeting in Coloma, off Highway 49 between Placerville & Auburn, and ending between Colfax & Auburn.
Distances/Times for travel for meeting for the South American/North Fork American combo:
15 mins/12 miles N. of Placerville 45 mins/31 miles E of Roseville 1 hr/(53 miles E. of Sacramento 1 ½ hrs/82 miles SW of Truckee 1 ¾ hrs/98 miles N. of Stockton 1 3/4 hrs/72 miles W. of S. Lake Tahoe 1 hr 54 mins/114 miles SW of Reno 2 ½ hrs/134 miles NE of San Francisco |
PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME DURING BUSY
HOLIDAY PERIODS
NOTICE: Water flows in the South Fork American River result from releases from hydroelectric facilities located upstream. Such water releases are not subject to the control of El Dorado County or commercial rafting companies operating under permit from the County of El Dorado
Please click on map for a detailed map and directions to the South Fork American River area.
For alternate or longer rafting trips on the American River and other options:
We can combine sections of the American River for trips of 3-5 days. You can include the Chili Bar run on the South Fork American River and add 1-3 days on the Middle Fork American River. For trips from June through September the South/Middle American Rafting Combo will usually be a more reliable option.
If you feel comfortable tacking Class 4 rapids on the first day, then see these Intermediate options:
- Middle Fork American, Wilderness Camp overnight
- North Fork Yuba/North Fork American Combo
- Intermediate or more difficult rafting trips
