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 nine-mile near wilderness run of the North Fork American with a step-up to Class 4 action.
On the first morning, you 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, you take-out at Folsom reservoir where cold drinks are served and you’re transported back to camp, usually by 5:30pm
In the evening, while the guides prepare dinner, clients 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 or tri-tip steak, baked potatoes, mixed salad, stir-fried vegetables and garlic bread. Leave room for Dutch-oven baked desserts served with whipped cream.
Next morning, TWT usually gets an early start due to having to travel to the North Fork river. Personal gear can be packed while the guides prepare breakfast which may be a continental breakfast or scrambled eggs with hash browns and fresh fruit, pastries, muffins, orange juice, milk, tea, hot chocolate and coffee. Caravan through Auburn to the top of the take-out road and from there we transport you up near Colfax to the put-in. The action starts quickly with ‘Slaughter’s Sluice’ less than half mile from put-in. The most difficult rapid - 'Chamberlain Falls' is encountered next, and great Class 4 action continues with ‘Tongue & Groove’, ‘Zig-Zag’, ‘Achilles’ Heel’, ‘Bogus Thunder’, ‘Grand Slalom’ and a series of three river wide ledges called ‘Staircase’. Some Class 3 rapids follow and then a welcome float of Class 1-2 rapids until the take-out. Lunch is served on the river during the trip and sometimes a quarter mile hike up Indian Creek to a nice waterfall may be possible. Professional photographers usually take photos and some of the major rapids and slides may be available at the top of the take-out road.
For trips of three to four days, you can include the Chili Bar run on the South Fork or another 17 miles of Class 4 on the Middle Fork American.
Trip Details
Duration
2-4 Days
Location
American River
Season
April to Mid-June
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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