This trip will thrill you with nearly continuous, technical rapids all day long. Non-stop whitewater makes the North Fork the most challenging section of the American River. Journey through a narrow canyon with 1,000-foot high granite walls, intricate boulder gardens and hills covered with soft spring greenery and colorful wildflowers. A free flowing river, the North Fork depends solely on snowmelt for its water and therefore runs only in the early season, during April and May. Big name rapids include Chamberlain Falls (an eight-foot drop), Achilles’ Heel, and Bogus Thunder. Wet suits are mandatory – bring your own or rent one there.
Trip Details
Duration
Full Day
Location
American River
Season
April - June
Trip Type
Paddle & Oar
Nearest City
60 Miles from Sacramento, CA
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
California, United States
Rated Classes
IV
Guest Capacity
24
Minimum Age Limit
14
Distance Traveled
10 Miles
Dining
Lunch Included
Rates
$155.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Additional Costs: $8 per person federal, state and local access fees.
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Meet in Auburn, and once everybody’s arrived, take a 40-minute shuttle ride to the put-in at the Colfax-Iowa Hill Bridge, where boats and the rest of the O.A.R.S. crew await. Guides will present a thorough safety talk, and then the adventure begins.
Before traveling a half of a mile, the much anticipated stretch of Class IV whitewater begins as you enter the Chamberlain Falls Gorge. Slaughter’s Sluice is a lengthy series of boulder-choked rapids that leads to one of the river’s most formidable challenges: Chamberlain Falls, a crashing eight-foot drop.
Zig-Zag, Achilles Heal, and Bogus Thunder are among the continuous steep drops and boulder slaloms that you negotiate. After several miles of aggressive paddling through tumultuous whitewater, you near the end of the Class IV section – but not before facing Staircase, the river’s most infamous rapid and a right of passage as conquerors of the North Fork.
Lunchtime comes and you pull off the water for a delicious picnic. Knowing that a morning of hard paddling inspires a very hearty appetite, O.A.R.S. makes sure that lunches are always abundant and satisfying. Lounge on the side of the river with a deli sandwich piled high with fresh cold cuts, cheese and veggies or perhaps tasty taco salad, plus icy lemonade, water, fresh fruit and cookies. After feasting and relaxing on shore, the journey resumes.
Back on the water, float through an absolutely breathtaking exhibit of the Sierra Nevada’s striking scenery. 2000-foot canyon walls tower around you, creating an intimate gorge of polished granite, clear water, spring-green grasses, deep woods and brightly colored wildflowers.
As you reach the take-out point on Upper Lake Clementine, the river trip draws to a close. An O.A.R.S. shuttle will be waiting to give you a 30-minute ride back to Auburn and your vehicle.
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
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