1-800-346-6277South Fork/North Fork of the American River Rafting Combo
$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) |
- Legend
- Directions
Enter your starting city
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American River Rafting - South & North Forks: Overview
Combine rafting the South Fork American River with our North Fork American rafting trip for a one-of-a-kind California rafting adventure!
The gently sloping golden hills, deep green woodlands, rocky gorges and early-season wildflowers deliver an American River rafting trip that serves as an ideal training ground for rafters moving up in paddling dexterity. The South Fork American River is California’s most popular rafting destination with fun, easy-to-handle Class II-III whitewater rapids, gold rush history and beautiful wilderness scenery. The North Fork American River is the only un-dammed fork of the American River and provides incredibly scenic Class IV excitement as snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada thunders with a vengeance through the towering American River canyon, a beautiful gorge with 2000-foot cliffs. Surrounded by blankets of green grass, colorful wildflowers and black oak and pine forests, this is a "do not miss" in early-season California rafting adventures!
American River Rafting - South & North Forks: Itinerary at a Glance
- Your 2-Day South Fork / North 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 North Fork American for a day of Class IV excitement
- The North Fork begins with tumultuous river action starting immediately as the rafts enter Chamberlain Falls Gorge where Class IV rapids and the crashing 8-foot Chamberlain Falls provide a surefire surge of adrenaline
- Zig-Zag, Achilles Heal and Bogus Thunder are among the continuous steep drops and boulder slaloms to be negotiated
- After several miles of aggressive paddling through some of the state’s best whitewater, the end of the Class IV section nears, but not before facing Staircase, the river's most infamous rapid
- Float through a breathtaking exhibit of the Sierra Nevada's striking scenery between towering 2000-foot canyon walls of polished granite, clear water, spring-green grasses, deep woods and brightly colored wildflowers
- Testimonials
- Reviews
- Write a Review
“Loved the Class IV rapids! Our guides did an excellent job. We had a blast and I don't think we could have ever made it out of "The Toaster" without swimming if it weren't for Ryan's knowledge and expertise. Top notch job guys!”
Phil Crosby ~ Newbury Park, CA
"The river was great, the food was great, and the staff was the best. The tri-tip steak dinner was amazing."
Tommy Romiski ~ Simi Valley, CA
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures | ||
| Month | Days | Nights |
| June | 85° | 57° |
| July | 95° | 63° |
| August | 100° | 62° |
| September | 85° | 59° |
| Water Temperatures | ||
| Seasonal Average: 50° - 60° F | ||
Current Conditions
What to bring on the South Fork/North 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-North_Fork_American_River_Combo.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
