South Fork Rafting Trip Options
Shorter on time but big on adventure, this trip packs in plenty of excitement with splashy Class III rapids and classic California scenery. Choose between two different sections of the river - both offer fun waves, calm pools, and a great way to experience the South Fork in just a few hours.
Sample Itinerary
- Meet in early afternoon (mid-morning in spring), in Lotus
- Sign-in, instruction
- Class II warm-up rapids
- Class III rapids, the "Gorge"
- Take-out in Folsom Lake, shuttle
- Trip ends late afternoon (early afternoon in spring)
This trip begins with mellow Class II rapids, giving you time to warm-up before we reach the Class III whitewater of the "Gorge." Your paddling skills will be tested in Fowler's Rock Rapid, the first Class III rapid we encounter. After Fowler's, the whitewater continues at a perfect pace, one Class III rapid after another, until late afternoon when we reach our take-out in Folsom Lake.
The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, water release schedules, time of year, and other factors. Contact us if you have any questions.
Sample Itinerary
- Meet mid-morning in Lotus
- Sign-in, shuttle, instruction
- Class III rapids
- Class II rapids, take-out in early afternoon
The action begins right after put-in with Class III Meatgrinder Rapid--the longest rapid on the river. The fast pace continues until you reach the last Class III challenge of the day--Troublemaker Rapid. After this wild, S-turn rapid, you'll begin a more leisurely three-mile Class II section to take-out in Lotus.
The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, water release schedules, time of year, and other factors. Contact us if you have any questions.
Mon - Fri: $119 - $154
Sat & Sun: $129 - $164
1-Day Trips
Spend the day rafting one of the South Fork’s two thrilling sections - Upper or Lower - for a well-paced mix of splashy Class III rapids and scenic floating. A relaxing riverside lunch adds to the experience, giving you time to recharge before heading back into the flow of the river.
Sample Itinerary
- Meet mid-morning to late morning in Lotus
- Sign-in, instruction
- Class II warm-up rapids
- Riverside lunch
- Class III rapids, the "Gorge"
- Take-out in Folsom Lake, shuttle
- Trip ends mid-afternoon to late afternoon
On the Lower "Gorge", your trip begins with easy Class II rapids, the perfect warm-up for the Class III whitewater that waits downstream. Before we get to the big stuff, we break for a delicious riverside lunch. After lunch, we're back in the rafts, paddling the Class III whitewater of the "Gorge". Our Class III challenge begins with Fowler's Rock Rapid and culminates with rapids like Hospital Bar and Recovery Room. Any trip through the rapid-filled "Gorge" is an eventful one! Reaching Folsom Lake in the late afternoon, we float to our take-out.
The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, water release schedules, time of year, and other factors. Contact us if you have any questions.
Sample Itinerary
- Meet mid-morning in Lotus
- Sign-in, shuttle, instruction
- Class III rapids
- Riverside lunch
- Class II rapids, take-out in early to mid-afternoon
The whitewater action on Upper "Chili Bar" starts just around the corner from put-in with Class III, Meatgrinder Rapid. The Class III whitewater keeps coming at a fast pace until we reach our last Class III rapid of the day--Troublemaker. After Troublemaker, we break for lunch in the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. Having filled our bellies, we raft the final three miles through an easier Class II section to our take-out in Lotus.
The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, water release schedules, time of year, and other factors. Contact us if you have any questions.
Mon - Fri: $169
Sat & Sun: $184
2-Day Trips
Unplug and settle into the rhythm of the river with two days of paddling, camping, and camaraderie. You’ll raft both sections of the South Fork and enjoy an overnight stay at our car-accessible riverside camp - complete with meals, stargazing, and time to connect with your crew.
DAY ONE: Lower "Gorge" Section
- Meet mid-morning to late morning in Lotus
- Sign-in, instruction
- Class II warm-up rapids
- Riverside lunch
- Class III rapids, the "Gorge"
- Take-out in Folsom Lake, shuttle
- Set up camp, shower, relax
- Dinner, campfire, dessert, revelry!
- Fall asleep under the stars
Your trip begins with easy Class II rapids, the perfect warm-up for the Class III whitewater that waits downstream. Before we get to the big stuff, we break for a delicious riverside lunch. After lunch, we're back in the rafts, paddling the Class III whitewater of the "Gorge".
Our Class III challenge begins with Fowler's Rock Rapid and culminates with rapids like Hospital Bar and Recovery Room. Any trip through the rapid-filled "Gorge" is an eventful one! Reaching Folsom Lake in the late afternoon, we float to our take-out. At night you’ll relax camping at Camp Lotus along the South Fork of the American River and enjoy a freshly prepared meal.
DAY TWO: Upper "Chili Bar" Section
- Coffee, lounging
- Breakfast, break camp
- Shuttle to put-in, board rafts
- Class III rapids
- Riverside lunch
- Class II rapids, take-out in early to mid-afternoon
Just around the corner from put-in, the Class III whitewater begins with Meatgrinder Rapid. The Class III whitewater keeps coming at a fast pace until we reach our last Class III rapid of the day--Troublemaker. After Troublemaker, we break for lunch in the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. Having filled our bellies, we raft the final three miles through an easier Class II section to our take-out in Lotus.
The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, water release schedules, time of year, and other factors. Contact us if you have any questions.
Mon - Fri: $379
Sat & Sun: $419
