Begin your whitewater adventuring on the Best California river with over 50 rapids and lots of fun and excitement - for individuals, families, kids, groups, first-time rafters, and experienced rafters alike. The river flows through the golden rolling hills of California gold rush country in the foothills of the High Sierra. You will delight at the view of the beautiful wildflowers in the spring and warm air in the summer!
The campsite is the largest and most beautiful on the river with several private campsites for groups of all sizes. Hot water showers, flush toilets, changing rooms and large shade trees add to your comfort. The steak and salmon dinners, delicious hors d'oeuvres, fine wines and beer wet the best appetites, and the volleyball court, horseshoe court and self-guided nature trail make your camping experience more comfortable and pleasing than you ever dreamed possible.
The Gorge Run: You launch from the campsite into a fun and easy section of the river, with time to warm up and practice your paddling before hitting some of the bigger Class III rapids in the Gorge. This 11-mile run is fun and exciting, just perfect for a beginning whitewater experience! Lunch along the riverbank is included.
The Chili Bar Run: You start at the top of the river for a day of rafting that meets all expectations! This ten-mile run starts right out in exciting Class III rapids that capture the thrill and fun of whitewater rafting from the top! The excitement peaks with Troublemaker at mile eight, one of the biggest rapids on the South Fork. On the one-day trip, you stop along the riverbank for a delicious lunch.
The Whole River: Combine both sections of the river for a very fun-filled day of whitewater rafting! You start earlier, stop mid-way for a hearty lunch, and raft the entire 21 miles of the South Fork in one day. You will be pleasantly tired and happy after a full day on the river!
Two-Day Trips: The trip starts with complimentary camping the night prior. After a hearty breakfast, you start the first morning with the Gorge Run, stopping part way down for a delicious lunch on the riverbank. You return to camp for late afternoon play and relaxation and wine tasting while your guides prepare a scrumptious dinner and campfire. At nightfall you watch slides of the boats negotiating the famous Satan’s Cesspool rapid, and head off to dream under the stars of more adventure to come!
After a hearty MARIAH breakfast on the second day, you head to the top of the river for the Chili Bar Run. You will enjoy many exciting rapids, ending your two-day trip back at camp for a barbeque lunch and fond farewells.
Trip Details
Duration
1/2 - 2 Days
Location
South Fork of American River
Season
April - Mid September
Trip Type
Paddle & Oar
Nearest City
58 Miles from Sacramento, CA
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
California, United States
Rated Classes
III
Guest Capacity
96
Minimum Age Limit
7
Distance Traveled
10-21 Miles
Inflatable Kayaks
Limited Number Available
Additional Activities
Fishing, Swimming, Off River Hiking/Exploring, Volleyball, Horseshoes, Nature Trail, Ping Pong
Dining
One Day Trip: Includes lunch.
Two Day Trip: Includes five meals plus appetizers and wine tasting.
About Liquor
Beer and wine provided for evening.
Rates
$77.00 - $285.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)