Day 1: Lake Kayaking
Meet at 8:00am at the campsite, River’s Bend Resort, next to the O.A.R.S. River Store – from the parking lot, walk past the photo board and up the trail, following the signs up the trail to River’s Bend.
Once all the families have arrived, depart for a day of lake kayaking. This morning, go from foothills to mountains via a 1.5-hour shuttle to Silver Lake in the Sierra high country. After your guides present a thorough demonstration of kayaking techniques and safety procedures, you’ll be on your way. Paddle the alpine waters of Silver Lake, a deep blue jewel nestled in a wilderness where surrounding evergreen forests shelter deer, eagles, elk and bear, and the frosted peaks of the majestic Sierra touch the clouds above you. Spend the day kayaking this pristine mountain lake – you’ll find that no amount of time is too much to explore this place. If you’re a beginning kayaker, the tranquil waters of Silver Lake are a great place to learn – in fact, most guests have never paddled before.
After returning from your day of kayaking, the guides will show you the camp. At this time you will be provided any equipment you have chosen to rent and they will assist you in setting up your tents. You can then take a swim, join a game of volleyball or horseshoes or just sit back and relax as the guides prepare hors d’oeuvres and dinner. Save room for a wonderful dessert! Day 2: Rafting: Gorge Run
Rise in the morning to fresh coffee or hot chocolate and a hearty breakfast, eager to begin the first day of rafting. Meet at the O.A.R.S. store and take a short shuttle to the put-in, where boats and the crew await. You will have a thorough safety talk and begin our adventure. Warm up on a few class II rapids before stopping for lunch.
Following the river as it spills through the narrow granite walls of the Gorge, rolling waves, boulder gardens and thrilling drops keep you busy paddling through rapids such as Fowlers Rock, Satan’s Cesspool and Hospital Bar.
As you reach flat water and Salmon Falls Bridge, the trip draws to a close. From the take-out point, there is a short, steep hill from the river's edge to where shuttle vehicles wait. Although guides very much appreciate any help in carrying the rafts and other equipment up to the vehicles, it is not required or even encouraged if you are not in good physical condition.
After enjoying a cold soda or juice from the cooler, return to River’s Bend by approximately 5:00pm for another great dinner and the chance to rest up for the next day’s activities. After a tempting desert, you may have the opportunity to watch a slide show of the day’s adventure. Day 3: Rafting: Chili Bar Run
Wake up to the aroma of fresh coffee, tea or hot chocolate with a hearty breakfast. Then shuttle up to Chili Bar for another day of exciting rapids. After launching, review your paddling skills as you quickly get to Meatgrinder, the longest rapid on the river, and then on to Racehorse bend, Triple Threat and Trouble Maker.
A morning of paddling inspires a hearty appetite, and lunchtime is as welcome as the next exhilarating rapid. Today, the lunch spot is in Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, the exact place where the American River revealed the first of its hidden riches in 1848. Sit in the shade of an oak tree with a deli sandwich piled high with fresh meats, cheeses, and veggies, or perhaps tasty taco salad in a roll-your-own burrito, accompanied by fresh fruit, cookies, cold lemonade, and water. After feasting and relaxing on the beach, plus some interpretive information on this historic lunch spot, you’re ready to continue our river journey.
Back at the campsite at River’s Bend, you’ll soon be enjoying pleasing hors d’oeuvres and a cold drink – delicious as these treats are, they always taste better after a day on the river! Take a swim or a shower, join a game of volleyball or horseshoes, or sit back with that novel you’ve been wanting to finish as the guides prepare dinner. The evening meal is served at about 7:00pm, and you see that the guides aren’t only talented in their whitewater skills – their delicious barbecued steak and chicken, Mediterranean pasta or Dutch oven lasagna are always a big hit. After a tempting dessert, gather together for conversation, stories and laughter. Day 4: Tour & Inflatable Kayaking
Another great breakfast is on tap to begin the final day. Take a break from the river this morning and join the group for a tour of Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, birthplace of the California Gold Rush and home of Sutter’s Mill, museums, hiking trails and gold panning. The kids will love it as they learn the art of panning for gold right on the banks of the river. After a morning full of fun, reunite at the campsite for lunch. From here, head back to the river, and board inflatable kayaks. These one- and two-person boats are a great way to meet the river, up close and personal. Spend the afternoon paddling (solo or with a buddy) the 2.5-mile stretch back to camp. Day 4: Alternate Option
For those families with children age 14 or over, you may choose to run the Class IV Middle Fork of the American, instead of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park tour and Inflatable Kayaking on the South Fork American. This option requires a $50/person additional fee. All folks should be in good physical condition for this river trip. |
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