American River rafting and Yuba River Rafting - Combination Trips
For exciting Class 4 and Class 4/5 whitewater rafting adventures for 2-4 days, we combine some great runs on the Middle Fork American, North Fork American and North Fork Yuba Rivers. These great American River rafting and Yuba rafting trips provide spring and early summer whitewater on more than 50 miles of river. Our most popular spring rafting combination is for 2 days, starting with the "Maytag" Class 4 run on the North Fork Yuba River and finishing with the Chamberlain Falls Class 4 run on the North Fork American River. This rafting trip takes advantage of our secluded camp site on the North Fork Yuba River.
Thanks to the huge snow pack in the Sierra's and a cool May, we will be able to offer these trips well into July in 2011. See California Rafting River Conditions for the latest predictions. Also check out Hot Deals for possible discounts that might be available.
North Fork Yuba River rafting :
This river is an uncrowded California whitewater rafting gem, with just 3 outfitters permitted to offer trips. We are one of the original companies who pioneered this river for commercial rafting in 1981. The Maytag run on the North Yuba River is a 9 mile rafting trip, with an introductory 2 miles of Class 2-3 rapids. This section provides an ideal step-up for the Class 3 paddler or a first-time Class 4 run for the active and adventurous. After braving some Class 4 rapids, most paddlers are then ready for the highlight of the trip - the Class 5 'Maytag' (video below). We always stop and scout the rapid, so all clients have the option of walking around. The Class 4 Son of Maytag falls is just below Maytag, with more Class 3 action from here to the take-out. Enjoy our secluded camp in the forest on multi-day rafting trips. Located at the northern most end of the fabled Mother Lode highway, State Route 49, the river runs through the heavily forested Tahoe National Forest. Nearby are rustic and charming gold mining towns of Downieville and Sierra City.
North Fork American River rafting :
The Chamberlain Falls run on the North Fork American River is a clear, free-flowing aqua 
jewel in the Sierra mountains that makes whitewater rafting an inspiration. The rivers’ polished gray rocks, nearly continuous pool and drop rapids and unsurpassed back country scenery provide a wilderness experience you will never forget. Previous paddling experience and competent swimming ability are required unless its the the 2nd day of a multi-day day rafting trip. We run a 9 mile section, and the action starts quickly with ‘Slaughter’s Sluice’ less than ½ mile from put-in. The most difficult rapid - 'Chamberlain Falls' is encountered next, and great Class 4 action continues with ‘Tongue & Groove’, ‘Zig-Zag’, ‘Achilles’ Heel’, ‘Bogus Thunder’, ‘Grand Slalom’ and a series of three river wide ledges called ‘Staircase’. Some Class 3 rapids follow and then a welcome float of Class 1-2 rapids until the take-out. Not for the timid during high water run-off.
Middle Fork American River rafting:
This is a beautiful all summer wilderness rafting trip that is eligible for Federal Wild & Scenic status. It is suitable for the active, fit and adventurous first-timer and is also a great choice for those seeking a step-up from the more crowded South Fork American. It flows through steep, rugged and forested canyons within the Tahoe National Forest and into the Auburn State Recreation Area. The famed 'Tunnel Chute' (video below) is encountered early in the trip and this is followed by numerous Class 3 and 4 rapids which provide trips of 1 to 3 days on this river alone. Combine with the North Fork American in the spring for action packed Class 4 rafting.
Camping on our overnight Yuba/American Combo Trips:
On these combination rafting trips we usually camp at our Forest Service site on the North Fork Yuba River, which has rustic facilities with no showers, but is nestled amongst the pines and firs of the Tahoe National Forest at approx. 2500 foot elevation. Camping is also available close to the North American at Rollins Lake in Colfax, which does provide more facilities with hot showers and electric hook-ups available if required. We can also arrange for your group to camp at either of these locations the night prior to your raft trip.
Meals on our overnight rafting trips:
Though they cannot be officially claimed as gourmet, our meals always consist of plentiful, fresh and wholesome ingredients. Clients often comment on the great spread that the guides rustle up on the banks of the river. Please check out our MEALS page for samples of what we will serve. On our multi-day trips you receive all meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day (ie. 4 meals on a 2 day trip).
Other activities near to the Yuba River and American River rafting trips:
Each evening, while the guides prepare dinner, clients can set-up their camp, fish, hike or simply relax around the camp fire. All of these rivers provide great hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities, and quaint, historic villages and towns nearby. See individual river area information links at the end of the page for more details.
Additional Information for Yuba River and American River raft trip combinations:
Professional photographers take photos of the action at the largest rapids on these rivers are usually viewable and available for purchase online. See whitewater photos for links to the photographers web sites and contact information for purchase.
Wetsuits may be required, usually at least through Memorial weekend. As the Yuba and North American are un-dammed rivers and are at their peak in the spring, early reservations are required for these rivers. Check with the office regarding rental costs, and to make reservations. Your height and weight are usually required. Also check the ‘what to bring’ list carefully for these early spring trips.
Summary,
Class: 4-5,
Elevation: 1100-4240 ft
Length: 18-35 miles / 2-4 days
Season: April – early July (depending on snow pack)
Location: Meeting in Indian Valley off Hwy 49, between Nevada City and Downieville or in Auburn off I80
Distances/Times for travel if meeting at the North Fork Yuba River:
1hr N of Grass Valley (35 miles). |
PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME DURING BUSY HOLIDAY PERIODS
California White Water Rafting - The North Fork Yuba River Rafting:
North Fork Yuba River Rafting - Area Information
North Fork Yuba River Rafting - Map and Directions
North Fork American River Rafting - Area Information
North Fork American River rafting - Map and Directions
Other Multi-day Class 4 and Class 5 Rafting Trips:
Try the Cal Salmon and Scott in the most northern part of California for great Class 4 and 5 action. Both are un-dammed rivers so available during snow-melt only. The Upper Klamath (Class 4+) and Burnt Ranch Gorge (Class 5) can be combined during the summer, but flows on Burnt Ranch vary depending on snow pack so call in May for update on flows/releases.
