American River Rafting

Our Experience: Since 1969, we’ve been running whitewater rafting trips in California, across the western U.S., and around the world. From half-day South Fork American River rafting trips to 18-day adventures down Grand Canyon, we have the know-how and expertise to run great trips!

Dedicated Guides & Staff: We are proud to have earned the reputation for having the most experienced, professional, and customer-focused crews on the water. No other company’s guides do as much as ours to ensure you’re having the best trip possible, and we back that up with dedicated regional managers and year-round office staff.

Quality Equipment: We invest in our gear and use top-of-the-line equipment that’s well-maintained. On every American River rafting trip with OARS, you’ll head downstream on the best rafts and be geared up with top-notch equipment, including paddles, helmets, and PFDs.

Commitment to Diversity: We are proud to be an equal opportunity provider. We seek out the best guides and employees regardless of gender or ethnicity and embrace diversity in every customer we serve. We also support various LGBTQ+ and racial justice initiatives and offer programs to get under-resourced youth on the river through our Foundation, all in an effort to help create a more welcoming and inclusive river community.

Environmental Stewardship: We are committed to environmental stewardship and have been since our humble beginning. We support the communities in which we operate, practice Leave No Trace principles, and, in partnership with our guests, we have contributed more than $6 million toward the preservation of the environment.

Family Owned: Although we have a reputation for being a global leader in the adventure travel industry, we are a second-generation family-owned company, and it shows. From your first call to our office to the happy conclusion of your American River rafting trip, we strive to offer a personal experience to every one of our guests – from our family to yours!

OARS offers a half-dozen unique itineraries across three different sections of the American River. Choosing the perfect trip depends on how much time you have, the age of your group, and the level of adventure you are looking for.

South Fork of the American River: Chili Bar

Best for: First-Timers, Families with kids 8+ & Short-on-Time Adventurers

Our 1/2-Day Chili Bar rafting trip begins with a short shuttle drive to the put-in and serves as the perfect introduction to whitewater rafting. If you are looking to squeeze a quick outdoor adventure into your schedule, this upper stretch of the South Fork packs plenty of excitement into 8 action-filled miles of Class III rapids, including favorites like Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, and Troublemaker. Conveniently ending at OARS American River Outpost, this trip leaves plenty of time to enjoy a picnic lunch at our picturesque campground before venturing on to your next destination. Minimum age 8 (10-12 during high water).

South Fork American River Rafting: The Gorge

Best for: Beginner to Intermediate Rafters, Families with kids 8+ & Full-Day Adventurers

Beginning with a delicious picnic lunch before launching right from the beach at OARS American River Outpost, our full-day Gorge trip offers 13 miles of beautiful Sierra Foothill scenery and California’s quintessential rafting experience. With a mix of splashy Class II-III rapids, calmer stretches perfect for swimming on a hot day, and scenery that offers a more wild feel, it’s a stellar choice for families, groups, and first-time rafters who want to maximize their day on the water. Highlights include iconic American River rapids like Satan’s Cesspool and Hospital Bar. Minimum age 8 (10-12 during high water).

Pro Tip: Want the ultimate American River vacation? Combine both the Chili Bar and The Gorge stretches for an unforgettable 2-day South Fork American River rafting trip.

Middle Fork American River Rafting: Best for Experienced Paddlers & Adventurous First-Timers

Located near Auburn, CA the Middle Fork American offers a step up in intensity with technical Class III-IV whitewater tucked into a stunning, deep-rock canyon. This stretch is famous for Tunnel Chute—a man-made diversion from the Gold Rush era that sends rafts through a narrow rock tunnel. The trip features long, calm pools interspersed with high-intensity drops like Kanaka Falls, perfect for those seeking a full-day “wilderness” feel and a higher adrenaline fix. Minimum age is 12. Trips on the Middle Fork of the American River are run by an affiliate outfitter.

The commercial rafting season on the American River runs April through early October, though the specific window for rafting varies by section.

The South Fork of the American, which relies on scheduled water releases from upstream reservoirs in the summer months, is generally a reliable whitewater trip all season long from April through early October. 

On the Middle Fork of the American, which also relies on upstream reservoir releases, the whitewater rafting season traditionally begins Memorial Day Weekend and runs through September. 

Some outfitters also run the free-flowing North Fork of the American River, which is a spring rafting trip that’s completely dependent on snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada. The rafting season is typically limited to mid-April through late May, though it can occasionally run into June if the conditions are right. 

The rapids on the American River are rated on the standard scale of I-VI. Everyone from beginners and families to thrill seekers and seasoned river runners can find an American River white water adventure that caters to their experience level. 

The South Fork of the American River is considered a Class II-III whitewater adventure, while the more challenging Middle and North Forks are rated Class IV-IV+. However, river ratings and adventure levels can vary by water levels and season. During peak river flows on the American River, minimum ages for these trips may be increased.

On beginner-friendly stretches of the American River like the South Fork, where OARS operates, the minimum age is 8 and up (10-12 during high water, typically mid-May – early-June). On more challenging, technical stretches of whitewater, like the Middle Fork American or the North Fork American, minimum ages are typically 12-14 (16 during high water).  

For American River day trips with OARS, the following items are recommended:

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen & lip protection
• Shade hat/visor
• Sunglasses with securing strap
• Bathing suit and/or shorts and a quick-drying top
• River/tennis shoes or river sandals with an ankle strap
• Dry clothes and shoes to change into after your trip

Additionally, on spring trips, you should always be prepared for quick-changing weather. Bring layers, and avoid bringing cotton clothing, which does not keep you warm once it gets wet. On early-season trips on the American River, OARS will supply you with a wetsuit and splash jacket.

We encourage you to watch our What to Wear & Bring on a 1-Day Rafting Trip video for more details.

The OARS American River Outpost is a riverside campground located in Lotus, California owned and operated by OARS. The Outpost offers traditional tent sites for groups and individuals, and a number of other amenities that offer campers comfort and convenience:

• Restrooms with flush toilets
• Changing rooms and free hot showers
• Riverside camping (on a limited basis)
• Beach access for swimming in the river
• Games, including horseshoes and a giant chess board
• Easy walking distance to local cafes, restaurants and convenience store
• Free WiFi
• Camp store with t-shirts, water bottles & clips, sunglasses & Chums, water shoes, towels, sunblock, flashlights, batteries, soft drinks, ice cream, and more!
• Meal packages

For a more elevated stay, OARS guests can opt for cozy, pre-set cabin tents at our neighboring camp, OARS at EarthTrek.

Both campgrounds are an ideal venue for group trips, families and couples looking for a hassle-free night of camping under the stars.