1-800-346-6277South Fork/Middle Fork of the American River Rafting Combo
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O.A.R.S. Connections
2 days
The South Fork of the American River, which runs through a beautiful river corridor of rolling, wooded hills and rocky gorges, is one of the most popular rafting runs in California! The Middle Fork of the American River offers an action-packed whitewater rafting trip among classic Sierra foothill scenery -- gigantic granite boulders and steep, pine-forested canyon walls with the added bonus of rafting through an underground tunnel.
Departure Dates
Selected Dates May - September
Price Book online now
$321 Weekdays!
$358 Weekends
Deposit: $60
Additional Costs:
$8 per person per day federal, state and local access fees
Sleep Kit/Tent $25/$30
River Rating  | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Class III - IV | 14 Yrs (16 during high water) |
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American River Rafting Combo - South Fork/Middle Fork: Overview
Combine a South Fork American River rafting trip with a Middle Fork American trip for the ultimate 2-day California rafting adventure! Raft through the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills of California’s scenic gold country on our South Fork & Middle Fork American River Combo, which begins on the fun Class III South Fork of the American River, then steps up to a day of aggressive paddling through action-packed Class IV whitewater on the Middle Fork of the American River. This classic California rafting trip offers more river miles than any other 2-day river rafting trip in the state.
American River Rafting Combo - South Fork/Middle Fork: Itinerary at a Glance
- Your 2-Day South Fork / Middle Fork American River Combo trip begins at our River's Bend Resort Campground where we take a short ride to the river put-in and board rafts for a day of fun and sun
- Spend the morning sharpening paddling skills in fun Class II rapids like Barking Dog and Current Divider
- Calm pools in-between rapids beckon the adventurous to jump in the river and cool off
- A delicious picnic is served alongside the river
- The river spills through the narrow granite walls of the Gorge bringing the challenge of some of the biggest, most exciting whitewater on the South Fork, including Fowler's Rock, Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar
- At River's Bend, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and cold drinks before a scrumptious evening meal
- Take a swim or a shower; join a game of volleyball or horseshoes while dinner is prepared. After dinner perhaps a cheerful campfire will encourage a gathering filled with conversation, stories and laughter
- Following a hearty breakfast the next morning we transfer to the Middle Fork American for a day of Class IV excitement
- After a hearty continental breakfast there will be a shuttle ride to the put-in location on the Middle Fork American
- Aptly named Good Morning, a big-wave Class III rapid gets our blood flowing and hearts pumping as our Middle Fork American River rafting trip through the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains begins
- The ominous roar of famous Tunnel Chute is the presage that we hear before the river rushes downward 25 feet through a man-made chute and tunnel
- The river changes considerably, meandering over several miles of calm water allowing us the opportunity to rest while gazing at the beautiful scenery
- Steep walls covered in pine forests plunge down into the boulder-strewn river in the heart of Auburn State Recreation Area in the American River Canyon
- A delicious deli-style picnic is served riverside
- Paddle through the flat-water section and prepare for another long stretch of continuous whitewater action
- An intense Class IV drop, Chunder, provides thrills and chills before a portage around roaring 35-foot Ruck-A-Chucky Falls
- The day winds down with another mile and a half of great whitewater - Parallel Parking, Texas Chainsaw Mama and Final Exam
- Transfer back to your vehicles and return to civilization for the conclusion of our South Fork / Middle Fork American River rafting trip
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures | ||
| Month | Low | High |
| June | 57° | 85° |
| July | 54° | 90° |
| August | 62° | 100° |
| September | 60° | 85° |
| Water Temperatures | ||
| Seasonal Average: 50° F | ||
Current Conditions
What to bring on the South Fork/Middle Fork of the American River Rafting Combo trip
This is a sample list. If you do not already own any of the items on the suggested packing list feel free to call our office for suggestions. However, many items listed are available for purchase online in the OARStore.
- Swimsuit
- Lightweight, quick drying shorts
- T-shirt
- Sunscreen & lip screen
- Sunglasses with securing strap
- Sun visor or tie-on hat
- Tennis shoes, river sandals or booties (on river)
- Tennis shoes or lightweight hiking shoes (off river)
- Water bottle with securing strap
- Large plastic bag (for dirty or wet clothes)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries
- Hand towel & washcloth
- Wool, polypro, capilene or fleece socks
- Sweater or jacket (in camp)
Download our travel planner here:
South_Fork-Middle_Fork_American_River_Combo.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
