The “South Fork” is California’s most popular rafting trip. Cascading through the historic Gold Country all season long, it offers non-stop Class II and III rapids and a scenic backdrop of golden rolling hills sprinkled wit the deep green of oak and pine.
Your two-day trip begins at Chili Bar, the put-in for an exciting descent full of big rapids like Meatgrinder and Troublemaker. Around noon, break for a satisfying picnic and maybe a refreshing swim, then it’s back in the boats to take on a series of smaller rapids. Reaching O.A.R.S. base camp resort, you’ll have volleyball and horseshoes, or lounging in the dappled shade of a stately oak tree. Evening brings a dynamite dinner of barbecued steak and chicken, Mediterranean pasta or Dutch oven lasagna, and a slide show of your day on the river.
Arise the next morning to breakfast, coffee, and a hot shower, then prepare to run The Gorge, an exciting whitewater stretch that’s chock-full of Class III rapids like Satan’s Cesspool and Hospital Bar.
Your one-day trip puts in at Lotus, a few miles upstream from The Gorge. Practice paddling on some Class II rapids before entering The Gorge, where you’ll enjoy a full afternoon of continuous whitewater action. A New York-style deli or BBQ lunch is included in your trip.
Half-day trips run through The Gorge and do not include lunch.
For adventure with a touch of elegance, ask about the South Fork B&B Holiday.
Trip Details
Duration
1 or 2 Days
Location
American River
Season
June - September
Trip Type
Paddle & Oar
Nearest City
Sacramento, CA
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
California, United States
Rated Classes
III
Guest Capacity
75
Minimum Age Limit
7
Distance Traveled
13-21 Miles in 1-2 Days
Inflatable Kayaks
Available With Instruction Provided
Additional Activities
Fishing, Swimming, Volleyball, Horseshoes
Dining
All Meals Included
About Liquor
Beer/Wine Provided and/or BYOB for Evening
Rates
$99.00 - $312.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Additional Costs: $8 per person per day federal, state and local access fees.
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Trip Itinerary
Days 1-2: Join O.A.R.S. for this classic rafting trip in the scenic Gold Country. Scheduled releases keep the South Fork flowing from April through September, delivering miles of thrilling, non-stop whitewater that’s ideal for rafters of any experience level. The river’s close proximity to Sacramento, along with its fun, easy-to-handle whitewater and long season make it an extremely accessible trip; its gold rush history and beautiful scenery – rolling, grassy hills sprinkled with deep green oak and pine trees, rocky gorges and early-season wildflowers – make the South Fork as inviting a trip as it is obtainable.
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
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