Chili Bar Rafting on the South Fork American 1/2-Day

The number and variety of boats on an OARS trip will vary based on water levels, the number of participants, and other factors we take into account when planning your adventure. Please be aware that in doing so, we will ask you to share boat time with your fellow travelers. We don’t assign boats, nor can we guarantee exactly which crafts we bring, but trust us to provide you with the best possible mix for you and others on your trip. 

Learn more about the OARS Fleet and the boats that may be a part of your experience: Paddle raft, paddle raft with oar assist

A delicious picnic lunch is provided at our campground after you return from your South Fork American River rafting trip. We’ll lay out an abundant spread of cold cuts, cheeses, veggies, and breads, or perhaps a fresh chicken Caesar salad wrap. Lunch is always accompanied by fruit, cookies, cold water, and lemonade. 

Please let us know if you have any dietary needs that we’ll need to consider in planning your trip. More info about Meals & Dietary Restrictions can be found on our Trip Resources page.

Groups of 12 or more who are camping with us the night before your trip can opt for a guide-prepared breakfast in camp for an additional fee.

Average Air & Water Temperatures

Whitewater

The South Fork’s exciting Class III whitewater is near-perfect fun for the whole family and groups! The water on the South Fork is released during the summer months from hydroelectric facilities located upstream. Such water releases are not subject to the control of El Dorado County or commercial rafting companies.

Learn more about whitewater rafting levels and classifications to help you choose the right adventure for your experience, comfort and skill level. 

Reservations and Payments

A deposit equal to 25% of the total cost of the reservation is required at the time of booking, with final payment due 30 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received by the final balance due date are subject to cancellation.

Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 48 hours, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to departure.

Cancellations and Refunds

Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.

• Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to your trip start date will incur a fee equal to 50% of the deposit.
• Cancellations made 29 days to 7 days prior to your trip start date will incur a fee equal to the initial deposit. The remainder of your trip payment can be transferred to another trip within the same year (or to a credit account for the following year). No refund.
• Cancellations made 6 days or less prior to your trip start date will incur a fee equal to 50% of the full trip cost.  The remainder of your payment can be transferred to another trip within the same year (or to a credit account for the following year). No refund.
• Cancellations after 6 pm PST the day prior to departure, late arrivals, or “no shows” are not eligible for trip credits or refunds.
• Cancellations of cabin tent rentals at the OARS at EarthTrek campground are non-refundable and non-transferrable when cancelled 6 days or less prior to scheduled arrival.

We regret that we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.

Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details.

Canceled Trips

OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 7 days prior to departure. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified with OARS that your trip is confirmed. 

If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less the initial deposit and any non-refundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we cannot guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.

Transfers

If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same year, or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $10/person fee up until 30 days prior to departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. Transfer requests made 30 days or less prior to departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.