Quick Facts
Adventure Level

Class II-III rapids, cold water with low to moderate flip/swim potential
Highlights
- South Fork American River rafting trips are perfect for families & groups
- Paddle exciting Class III rapids like Troublemaker, Satan's Cesspool & Hospital Bar
- Cool off in the river while swimming through fun rapids & calm pools
- Splashy, fun whitewater rafting through rolling, wooded hills & rocky gorges
- Camp with OARS at the American River Outpost, hot showers and flush toilets available
Adventure Overview
Grab a paddle, hop into a yellow raft, and get ready for some wet, wild, and adventurous rafting fun on the South Fork of the American River near Sacramento, CA! Don’t let names like Meatgrinder, Troublemaker, Satan’s Cesspool and Hospital Bar scare you; the South Fork of the American River offers some of the most exciting Class II & III whitewater in California and is perfect for beginners, families, staff outings and anyone who just wants a day out paddling in the California sunshine.
Our South Fork American River rafting trips through the rolling Sierra Foothills are the perfect way to cool off on a warm California day. Whether you’re new to rafting and just want to “get your feet wet,” or you just don’t have time to fit a multi-day adventure into your schedule, one of our South Fork American River rafting trip options will surely be the perfect choice. About an hour from Sacramento, and just an hour and a half from Lake Tahoe, rafting the South Fork American River is a quick and relatively easy option for an exciting family or group adventure. Whether paddling through thrilling rapids or swimming alongside the raft, lots of splashy good times are guaranteed.
Want more excitement? Make it a 2-Day:
Or, luxe it up with 1 day of rafting and 2 nights in our canvas cabin tents on our American River Whitewater Rafting Super 1-Day!