North Fork American
River Rafting Trips

2025 Season: April - mid-May

Trip Options: 1-Day

Who Should Go:
Adventurous Go-Getters

Difficulty: Class IV+ |
Fast-Paced Intricate Whitewater

Meet Place: Lotus, CA
(1hr from Sacramento)

Per-Person Rate: $234

Usual Min Age: 15 years old

California’s Springtime Thrill Ride

Tucked deep in a rugged granite canyon, this legendary spring run is the most challenging of the American River’s three forks - fast, technical, and incredibly rewarding.

Class IV+ whitewater with a steep gradient and big, technical drops

A boulder-strewn canyon that creates an exciting, slalom-like course

Clear green water framed by wildflowers and towering canyon walls

A free-flowing Sierra river with limited availability each spring

Best for adventurous paddlers with previous rafting experience

The North Fork American River delivers a high-adrenaline ride through one of California’s most stunning springtime canyons.

North Fork American 1-Day Rafting Trip

Trip Pricing

$234 All Departures

Book Now

Sample Itinerary

Meet mid-morning in Lotus
Sign-in, shuttle, instruction
Class IV+ rapids
Riverside lunch
Class IV+ rapids
Class I-III rapids
Take-out, shuttle
Trip ends late afternoon

Your trip begins immediately with a quarter-mile long series of waves, obstacles, and complicated maneuvers. This fast start culminates with a jolting ride through Class IV+ Chamberlain Falls rapid--a careening bend in the river followed by a commanding, sheer drop. Welcome to the first two minutes of every North Fork trip! The Class IV whitewater keeps coming, challenging your paddling skills with each rapid.

Midway through the trip, we break for a satisfying lunch. Here you'll have time to really take in the magnificence of the North Fork canyon--sheer, narrow, stunning. Back to the whitewater, you'll slice through long, complicated Staircase rapid. Soon after, you'll get a chance to relax while leisurely floating through Class II-III rapids to our take-out.

The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, time of year, and other factors. Contact us if you have any questions.

More about the North Fork American

Getting There

Before You Go

The River

Typical Season

Meals on the River

Group Rafting

Rafting Specials

GETTING THERE

Meet Place for North Fork American River Trips

The All-Outdoors River Center in Lotus, CA (1026 Lotus Rd) View on map

Note: If you plan to use a GPS navigation system or online mapping service, please use in conjunction with the driving directions we provide.

Meet Time

9:00 am for most trips

This time may change. Please refer to the information sent to you in your Trip Confirmation email, check with your group’s organizer, or contact our office. Plan to be on time; guests that arrive late may miss their trip.

Where to Stay / Points of Interest

Local Information

Driving Directions to the North Fork American

Traveling east from the Bay Area and Sacramento on Hwy 50:
Take the North Shingle Rd/Mother Lode Dr Exit # 37 (also called Ponderosa Rd), just after Cameron Park. Turn left over the freeway and take the first right onto North Shingle Rd (after 4.5 miles it becomes Lotus Rd). Travel 10.5 miles until you get to the first stop sign at Bassi Rd.

To get to the All-Outdoors River Center continue straight on Lotus Rd after the stop sign at Bassi Rd (DO NOT turn left on Bassi Rd). The entrance to our River Center is on Lotus Rd, the second driveway on the left after the River Store. The entrance is marked by a wooden sign and a metal sculpture of a school of fish. Park in the parking area and sign in at the All-Outdoors check-in area under the large oak tree.

Traveling west from South Lake Tahoe on Hwy 50:
From Hwy 50 turn right (north) onto Hwy 49/Spring Street in Placerville (this is the second stoplight in Placerville). On Hwy 49, take the bend in the road to the left and follow the signs to Coloma for 7 miles. Once in Coloma, Hwy 49 passes through Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. Continue straight through the park for a 1/2 mile to the stop sign at the intersection of Lotus Rd and Hwy 49.

To get to the All-Outdoors River Center, turn left at the stop sign onto Lotus Rd in Coloma just before the Hwy crosses over the South Fork of the American River. Travel ¾ of a mile past the small town of Lotus (3 old buildings on your right) and turn into the All-Outdoors River Center entrance on your right. If you go past our River Office or get to the stop sign at Bassi Rd, you have gone a block too far.

We encourage you to print and use our driving directions and not rely strictly on GPS navigation. GPS / cellular service is limited to nonexistent in outlying areas.

Previous | Next

I Simply Loved Every Part!

“There is no way to fully thank the All-Outdoors Team enough. What kind, fun, and enthusiastic people who run such a cohesive group. Me and my 5 person crew could not have been more pleased about going with them, and frankly I wouldn't go with any other company. They are people-focused and communicative while helping you to have fun (safely). Taking the 2 Day trip was definitely the way to go. I simply loved every part of the experience. Your team is the best!”

-Lauren from Carson City, NV

An Unforgettable Adventure

"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible rafting experience we had with your company. From start to finish, everything was exceptionally well-organized, and the entire team was professional, friendly, and attentive. Our guides made sure we were safe while ensuring we had an exhilarating adventure. Their knowledge and enthusiasm added so much to the overall experience, making it both fun and educational. The entire trip was an unforgettable adventure."

-Tatiana from Newbury Park, CA

Superior Service With All-Outdoors

"Service has always been superior with All-Outdoors. I’ve been booking my water rafting trips with them for the past 5 years. What makes the experience great is that they’re attentive to questions, handle first timers well, no hiccups when we arrive, and the employees seem genuinely happy to be there. The equipment is in good shape and I feel safe and the guides are capable and personable. The grounds are well kept and it’s an all out good time. I’d recommend from a novice to an experienced rafter."

-Makinya from San Leandro, CA

The Entire Event Was Impeccably Organized

"We brought a team of 30 people and it was an absolute blast. The entire event was impeccably organized, leaving me worry-free from start to finish. Communication was outstanding throughout the planning process, ensuring a seamless experience. I can't say enough good things about All-Outdoors and their staff. Their dedication to ensuring their guests have a great time is evident in every aspect of the experience."

-Michele from Sunnyvale, CA

The Only Rafting Company You Will Ever Need

"The Best Time Ever!!! All-Outdoors is the only rafting company you will ever need! The office staff is so kind, helpful, and communicative, and the guides are always top notch! This is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for an adventurous and fun outing. Our guides- Emma, Sam, and Wyatt- are so knowledgeable, kind, personable, and made everyone feel so cared for and safe. I truly cannot recommend All-Outdoors enough!"

-Elise from Novato, CA

I Have Used AO for Over 25 Years on 5 Different Rivers

"I have used All-Outdoors for over 25 years on about 5 different rivers (family, company, couples and even a bachelor party) and give them the highest recommendation. The guides are very professional and experienced and safety and fun are paramount in their minds. Cherry Creek has to be one of the most thrilling and beautiful rivers in the United States. It is hard to find a more exhilarating and memorable one day rafting trip."

-David from Danville, CA

What a Memorable Experience for Our 6 Kids

"If you want adventure in California, this needs to be on your list… What a memorable experience for our 6 kids. Unbelievable, adventure-filled experiences for life. AO was super accommodating, custom tailored, the guides were freaking amazing! Make sure you book with them."

-Ely from Fairfield, CA

Amazing!

"Would give 10 stars! The online booking process was easy and they checked in with us a couple times before the trip. Our guide Tyler was the best! Funny and informative, gave clear expectations and instructions. The actual rafting experience was so much fun! Everyone that went agreed that we'll need to do this again soon!"

-Ron from Oroville, CA

I Highly Recommend for Work Events

"I came for a two-day work retreat and loved it. It was a women's retreat and what a joy to have powerful, smart, personable female guides. They made the trip enjoyable and safe. The South Fork is a great introduction to rafting. I had the opportunity to chat with the owner Scott and he is such a nice guy, really invested in making the experience great for the guests. I highly recommend this company for work events as well as everybody else."

-Rebecca from Pleasanton, CA

Read & Write Reviews

North Fork American
River Rafting Trips

California’s Springtime Thrill Ride