The South Fork American is an exciting, fun Class 3 run, with memorable rapids like Bouncing Rock, Satan’s Cesspool and Hospital Bar. The river flows through the green and gold foothills of California's Gold Rush Country and has served as an introduction to river rafting for countless beginners and continues to lure veterans back year after year. When combined with the Middle Fork American, the second day is spent on the 17-mile wilderness run of the Middle Fork American with a step-up to Class 4 action.
On the first morning, you’ll meet after breakfast at Camp Lotus. Your guides will give an orientation talk and paddling instruction and everybody is fitted with life jackets. Then you’ll head towards the 'Gorge'. Lunch is taken on the river and usually consists of a deli-style spread with a selection of breads, meats, cheeses, tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, sprouts, chips and salsa, fresh fruit, cookies and vegetables with dip. After tackling the exciting Class 3 rapids like Bouncing Rock, Satan’s Cesspool and Hospital Bar, take-out at Folsom reservoir where cold drinks are served and you are transported back to camp, usually by 5:30pm.
In the evening, while the guides prepare dinner, guests can set-up their camp, swim, play volleyball and check out the photos in nearby Coloma. Professional photographers film at several of the major rapids and have proofs ready to view by late afternoon. Dinner will normally be served around 7:30pm. Appetizers of vegetables, dip, cheese and crackers are served, followed by barbecued chicken, baked potatoes, mixed salad, stir-fried vegetables and garlic bread. Leave room for Dutch-oven baked desserts served with whipped cream.
Next morning, an early start is required due to the length of the Middle Fork run. Personal gear can be packed while the guides prepare breakfast which will usually be a continental breakfast with fresh fruit, pastries, muffins, orange juice, milk, tea, hot chocolate and coffee. You caravan through Auburn to the top of the take-out road and from there you’ll be transported through Foresthill to the put-in. The famed 'Tunnel Chute' is encountered early in the trip (all clients have the option to walk around this rapid) and this is followed by numerous Class 3 rapids and the Class 4+ ‘Kanaka’. Lunch is served on a beach during the seven-mile stretch of Class 2, before the ‘Ruck-a-Chucky’ portage. There are also the additional Class 4 rapids of ‘Chunder’ and ‘Parallel Parking’ and more Class 3 to the take-out. You will normally be back at your vehicles by 5:30pm, you can browse the photographs and with just a short drive will be in Auburn to start your journey home.
For trips of three to four days, you can include the Chili Bar run on the South Fork, another seven miles on the Middle Fork, or in the spring nine miles of Class 4 on the North Fork American.
Trip Details
Duration
2-4 Days
Location
American River
Season
April to October
Trip Type
Paddle
Nearest City
Coloma, CA
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
California, United States
Rated Classes
II-IV
Guest Capacity
30
Minimum Age Limit
12
Distance Traveled
28, 38 or 44 Miles
Additional Activities
Fishing, Swimming, Off River Hiking/Exploring, Volleyball, Horseshoes, Gold Panning
Dining
All Meals Included
About Liquor
Beer and Wine Provided for Evening and/or BYOB
Rates
$223.00 - $268.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
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