South Fork American River Rafting Trips

BEFORE YOU GO

Prepare For Your Trip

Knowing what to wear, what to bring, and what's provided makes trip planning smooth and easy. Find all the essential details for a comfortable and well-prepared experience on the river.

Guest Involvement

During normal water flows, All-Outdoors runs paddle raft trips on the South Fork. In a paddle raft, each guest and the professional guide have a paddle and navigate the river, working as a coordinated team. If paddling doesn't sound inviting, you may request an oar raft. In an oar raft, a professional guide steers the boat with oars while guests simply enjoy the ride. If you would like the option to paddle or not, we also use oar-paddle combination rafts (a professional guide steers the boat with oars while simultaneously calling commands to paddlers in the boat). Please call our office far in advance of your trip to request either an oar raft or oar-paddle raft (subject to availability and additional charges may apply). Swimming ability is not a requirement during normal river flows on the South Fork American.

THE RIVER

The Rapids:

Exhilarating, Not Intimidating

Though the rapids have overwhelming names like "Troublemaker" and "Satan's Cesspool," they are not too intimidating themselves. Exciting enough to get your heart pumping and put a smile on your face… but still reasonable enough for kids as young as eight years old to enjoy. Most consist of large waves or swift bends in the river. And all of them are followed by calm pools, which makes it easy to re-group and get prepared for the next thrill ride.

The South Fork American River offers all the qualities that make river rafting incredibly fun: lively, approachable rapids, splashing waves, and classic California scenery.

The River Scenery:

Rolling Sierra Nevada Foothills

The South Fork lies in the golden hillsides of the Sierra Nevada foothills, just forty miles east of Sacramento. The river winds through the tiny hamlet of Coloma--the town where gold was first discovered in California in 1848. The remainder of the river flows through a picturesque canyon-- in the spring, the hills are sprinkled with blooming wildflowers; in the summer, the hillsides bend toward the sky in a creamy caramel hue. Oak, willow and pine trees dot the riverbanks. Ducks and geese float quietly in the calm pools.

TYPICAL RAFTING SEASON

April - October (all itineraries), year-round (Half-Day trips only) *

April through May the melting snow in the Sierra makes the water levels on the South Fork climb-- sometimes as high as 5-6,000 cubic feet per second (normal flows hover around 1,200 cfs). This makes for an exhilarating ride. Rapids that are usually tame grow and become more challenging. The current picks up speed and the hydraulics get larger.

In contrast, during the months of June-Oct, river flows are usually at a consistent, less intimidating level. This is the best time for families, first-time rafters, and groups to raft the South Fork. For a unique rafting experience, water releases are guaranteed Nov-Mar on the weekends.

* Season length, river flows, and days of water releases may vary. For this year's flow predictions and real-time water levels go to the River Flows page.

MEALS ON THE RIVER

Freshly prepared riverside feasts

On our 1-Day trips, we provide a gourmet riverside picnic consisting of a "build-your-own" deli-style lunch that includes all the fixings you’ll need to assemble the perfect sandwich. Fresh fruit, chips, and a sweet treat help round out your meal before you get back on the water.

On Half-Day trips, offered in the morning on the Upper “Chili Bar” section or in the afternoon on the Lower “Gorge” section, a light snack such as a granola bar or trail mix is served right on the raft, since we don’t stop along the shore.

On 2-Day trips, our meals are freshly prepared with a selection of healthy ingredients. Dinner will typically begin with beverages and hors d'oeuvres in camp while your guides prepare your hearty main entrees and a tasty dessert. When you wake up the next morning you have your choice of cowboy coffee or tea while your guides prepare a filling continental or classic camp breakfast.

We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and encourage you to let us know your needs when you make your reservation or complete your online registration.

GROUP RAFTING TRIPS

Make it a group adventure to remember. Whether you’re organizing a weekend with friends or planning a company-wide retreat, we specialize in hosting exciting, well-organized rafting trips for groups of all sizes—up to 300 people.

What Kind of Trip Are You Planning?

Choose the option that best fits your group:

• A fun day on the river rafting with friends
• A memorable family rafting trip
• A family reunion that everyone will talk about
• A corporate off-site or executive retreat
• An adventurous birthday party trip
• A one-of-a-kind class reunion
• A unique bachelorette party idea
• A bachelor party with a splash

RAFTING SPECIALS

Looking for a deal? We offer several ways to save on your rafting trip - whether you’re rafting with kids, planning a group rafting trip, or just hunting for the best value. We also have exclusive offers for returning rafters!

Start here to find the best deal for your next California whitewater adventure. Please note that only one discount can be applied per person and must be mentioned at the time of reservation.

Rafting Specials

RIVER FAQs

Is the South Fork American River good for first-time rafters?

Yes. The South Fork American River is one of California’s most popular choices for first-time rafters, offering splashy fun for everyone with approachable Class II–III rapids and a well-paced flow. Its crowd-pleasing whitewater delivers excitement without being overwhelming, making it an ideal introduction to guided rafting.

Can non-swimmers go rafting on the South Fork American River?

Yes. At normal flows, non-swimmers can go rafting on the South Fork American River, which is widely chosen by first-time guests and families. When the river is running higher than normal, which can occur during spring in big snowpack years, swimming ability becomes required; in those years, non-swimmers should plan their trip for the summer months once flows return to normal levels.

What ages can raft the South Fork American River?

Children are typically able to raft the South Fork American River starting at age 7, depending on conditions. For families with younger children who are not quite ready for Class III whitewater, the Tom Sawyer Float offers a gentler option designed specifically for kids ages 5-7 and their families.

How long is a South Fork American River rafting trip?

South Fork American River rafting trips range from Half-Day to 2-Day itineraries. Half-Day Trips are offered as a morning option on the Upper “Chili Bar” Section or an afternoon option on the Lower “Gorge” Section. 1-Day Trips run on either section, typically starting in the morning to mid-morning and finishing in the early to late afternoon, while 2-Day Trips begin mid-morning on day one and wrap up in the early afternoon on day two.

When is the best time to raft the South Fork American River?

The South Fork American River rafting season runs from April through the end of October, supported by reliable releases from upstream reservoirs. The best time to go depends on your schedule and the type of experience you’re looking for. Early spring features green hillsides, wildflowers, and a quieter feel, while later spring can bring higher flows during big snowmelt years and the potential for a more energetic ride. Summer is the most popular period, with warm, sunny days and mild evenings, and fall returns to a calmer pace while flows remain excellent thanks to regulated reservoir releases.

What is camping like on a 2-Day South Fork American River rafting trip?

Camping on a 2-Day South Fork American River rafting trip takes place at our comfortable, car-accessible riverside camp, making overnight rafting easy and approachable. Guests enjoy prepared meals along with amenities such as hot showers, flush toilets, electricity, and a small general store. Unlike wilderness overnight trips, this camp-based experience is well suited for first-time or casual campers who want to spend the night by the river without backcountry camping logistics.

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