Before You Go: American River Whitewater Rafting Super 1-Day

Overview

Sample Itinerary

We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:

You will arrive at our campground where you will check in and find your campground assignments posted on the welcome board. Feel free to check in anytime after 4pm and before 8pm, if you arrive after 8pm there will be a self check-in station for your needs. Roads around here are winding, so please be sure to allow for plenty of travel time. Our riverside campground and base of operations is in the heart of the twin towns of Lotus and Coloma.

The morning of your trip you will wake to the sounds of the river and the smell of a delicious hot breakfast being prepared by our camp staff. Breakfast is served at 8am and consists of plenty of options for the whole group, even those picky eaters. Once you have enjoyed a hot drink and a warm meal you will get ready for a fun filled day of whitewater rafting.

We meet in the main kitchen area to check in with your trip leader and fellow guides who will deliver your safety orientation and hand out your river gear. Be prepared with shoes that stay fastened to your feet, a water bottle, sunscreen and a sense of adventure.

The first part of the day starts off mellow with several miles of Class II rapids allowing you to practice your paddling skills and enjoy plenty of swimming opportunities before entering the ever-exciting “Gorge” later in the day.

After a few hours your guides will pull off to a beach for a riverside picnic. A delicious spread of cold cuts, cheeses, veggies, breads, cookies and lemonade await to quench your thirst and delight the taste buds. Lunch is made to order, so don’t worry, you can put all your favorites just the way you like it! There is access to a BLM pit-toilet restroom at our lunch location. After lunch you will again have time to master the tamer Class II rapids to work off that lunch coma before hitting the mightier Class III rapids downstream.

As the river canyon narrows and we enter the “Gorge”, we reach the action packed rapids you have been waiting for including Lost Hat, Satan’s Cesspool, Scissors, and Hospital Bar. Your guides will skillfully navigate the rapids and with your help paddling, challenge the whole boat to work together to find the biggest hits and dips.

When we reach our take-out point after the Salmon Falls Bridge, our shuttle vehicles take us back to camp where you are welcome to take a swim, hot shower or sit back and relax with a beverage as our staff prepares a delectable dinner. Meals will consist of a balanced healthy meal which will include various meats, veggies, starches and desserts and we are confident that everyone in your party will be able to enjoy a delicious meal.

The next morning, we will have another hot breakfast waiting for you before you pack up and depart for home. Say goodbye to our staff and our beautiful spot along the South Fork of the American River as you drive home daydreaming about your next adventure.

What’s Included?

• Skilled, professional guide service
• Full access to campground amenities including hot showers and flush toilets for two nights (canvas tent rentals required at an additional charge)
• Meals from breakfast on day-one through breakfast on day-two
• High-quality inflatable rafts and related river equipment including paddle, helmet, personal flotation device, wetsuits and splash tops (Wetsuits and splash tops provided on early and late season trips, cold weather trips, and by advance request.)
• Transfers from the meeting place to the river and back to our campground

What’s Not Included?

• Camping Rental options include:
  • Small Cabin Tents: $80 per night per tent (6 person maximum)
  • Large Cabin Tents: $100 per night per tent (10 person maximum)
  • Large River Tents: $100 per night per tent (3 person max)
• Sleeping bags/bed linens or pillows
• Transportation to and from our meeting location at EarthTrek Camp
• River Access Fees
• Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals
• Items of a personal nature (see suggested packing list below)
• Wetsuit booties or shoes of any kind
• Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
• Gratuities

Learn about our campground | View the campground map & info

Travel Arrangements

Weather & Water Conditions

You may want to check one week prior to your trip for an up-to-date weather forecast. We recommend you check the following web sites for weather in Coloma, CA: https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/ca/coloma

Average Air and Water Temperatures

Getting Ready

River Runners Responsibility Code 

1. Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.
2. Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.
3. Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
4. Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.
5. Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.
6. Abide by the managing agency’s rules.
7. No drugs or alcohol prior to, or during, your trip; alcohol is allowed in moderation in camp on overnight trips.
8. Minimize your impact on the environment.
9. Wear the OARS-issued and properly–fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when in the boats or swimming. Wear a helmet when required.
10. Your children are your responsibility!

Essential Eligibility Criteria for River Trips

Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip.  Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our essential eligibility requirements.

What To Bring

Click on this link for helpful information about packing for your trip: https://www.oars.com/video/wear-bring-one-day-rafting-trip-oars/

The information below is subject to when your trip takes place. The need for warm weather or cold weather items should be based on a reliable weather forecast leading up to your trip.

Footwear

The best choice is an amphibious shoe that drains water, protects your toes and won’t come off in swirling current. A retired pair of athletic shoes can work well, too. Sport sandals with a heel strap are a good option. Find professional-grade options made by Chaco®, the official footwear sponsor of OARS guides.

Clothing

We recommend starting with bathing suit/swim trunks and a lightweight synthetic shirt, and then adding layers of synthetic long underwear and fleece as needed.

Sun Protection

Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously! In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Light-weight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs.

A hat, sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses are also a must. Rheos, the official sunglasses sponsor of OARS guides, offers polarized floatable nautical eyewear with 100% UV protection. Use promo code OARS15 to save 15% on any purchase from The Nautical Eyewear Collection.

Packing List

☐ Face covering(s) for use while riding in shuttle vehicles and entering enclosed spaces
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Sleeping bag/bedding (the cabin tents do have mattresses, but do not include bedding)
☐ Headlamp or flashlight
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Sunscreen & lip protection: waterproof and SPF 30 or higher
☐ Water bottle
☐ Toiletries, towel and washcloth
☐ Shade hat/visor, flexible enough to fit under your helmet
☐ Sunglasses (preferably polarized such as Rheos floatable eyewear www.rheosgear.com)
☐ Swimwear; a two-piece is recommended for women for changing and using the restroom. Tankinis and board shorts are a great option.
☐ Shorts (long board shorts preferable for sun protection) and a quick-drying top
☐ River/tennis shoes or river sandals with a heel strap (such as those made by Chaco®) “Aqua socks” strongly discouraged
☐ Dry footwear for camp, along with warm socks
☐ Synthetic long underwear for spring and fall departures
☐ Warm camp clothes for the evening, with a sweater or jacket
☐ Bags to separate wet and dirty clothing; stuff sacks, trash bags, and Ziploc baggies are great options

Find all the gear you need for your trip online in the OARStore + 15% of your purchase helps provide under-resourced youth with outdoor adventure experiences.

Reminders

• ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR CHANGING WEATHER! Especially during the months of April, May and early June, California can experience extreme changes in weather.
• Wearing cotton items on a river trip is only appropriate when the weather is hot. Wet cotton will chill your body temperature.
• Provided (early/late-season) wetsuits do not include “wetsuit booties” – please bring your own, or wear wool socks with tennis shoes as a good alternative.
  

Special Considerations

• Please let us know if you have any medical issues that we will need to consider in planning your trip.
• No dogs are allowed at the OARS at EarthTrek Camp.

Cameras

You may want to bring a small waterproof bag to hold your camera and other items you might need during the day. While most rafting-specific bags are designed to be waterproof, you may also wish to place your camera in a durable, waterproof case for additional protection.

Commercial Photographs

There are several professional companies taking photos of each raft at some of the South Fork’s larger rapids, which provide great action shots. These companies are not affiliated with OARS and you will need to contact them separately to purchase these pictures. Hotshot Imaging is conveniently based in Lotus right next door to our campground; visit them after your river trip at their storefront on Hwy 49 to purchase photos or view and order them online at www.oars.com/photos.

Trip Forms

Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms online and submit them no later than 30 days prior to your trip, or immediately if booking within 30 days.

Payments

A $60/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. Final payment is due in our office 30 days prior to your trip. Please let us know if you would like us to automatically charge your credit card on file when payment is due.

Extra Gear

We advise that you leave your valuables at home or in your private vehicle and take on the river only what’s absolutely necessary. We also recommend you leave dry shoes and clothing in your car to ensure a comfortable drive home.

Gratuities

Tipping is optional, but appreciated by our staff. If you are wondering how much to tip, you may consider that we operate in a service industry with a host of behind-the-scenes contributors in addition to the guides on your trip. In general, we suggest a gratuity based on 10 – 15% of the trip cost. It is customary on OARS trips for gratuities to be given to the Trip Leader in the form of cash, a personal check, or by mobile app (a “peer to peer” payment method such as Venmo, PayPal or similar) who will then distribute appropriately amongst all the guides and support staff.

SOMETHING VOLUNTARY

In reviewing your statement, you’ll notice a $1/person/day donation to the American River Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Forks of the American River. One-hundred percent of your tax-deductible donation goes toward conserving the American Rivers watershed. This donation is voluntary and may be removed from your invoice if you choose not to participate.

Helpful Links

Gear up in the OARStore where 15% of all purchases help fund outdoor adventures for under-resourced youth
www.oars.com/OARStore

Shop for the latest in top-quality clothing, footwear & outdoor gear
www.rei.com

Recommended Reading List
https://www.oars.com/blog/best-california-books-about-the-sierra-nevada-and-beyond/

Watch our “What to Wear and Bring” video
https://www.oars.com/video/wear-bring-one-day-rafting-trip-oars/

Additional information about the area
www.theamericanriver.com

Terms & Conditions

Reservations

Full payment is required at the time of booking. Payments may be made by check, money order or Visa/Mastercard (American Express and Discover incur a 3% processing fee). 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.

Cancelling your trip after your payment has 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. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 50 days prior to the departure date will be cancelled without exception.

Cancellations and Refunds

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.

If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below. We regret 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. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan (see Travel Protection below).

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

Cancelled 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 nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip. If a trip must be cancelled 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 a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable 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 can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a cancelled 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 $15/person fee up until 3 days prior to departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. Payments for the tent accommodation portion of your trip fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable. If we can refill your cancelled tents, we will refund less a $15/tent processing fee. If we are 2 days or less prior to your trip departure, 50% of your trip cost can be credited to another trip, within the same year only. Payments for the tent accommodation portion of your trip fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.  If we can refill your cancelled tents, we will refund less a $15/tent processing fee. Transfer requests made 2 days or less prior to departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.

Medical

Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying an OARS trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.

Travel Protection

Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel your reservation after the rescission period, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan. A travel protection plan can reimburse you for non-refundable payments for cancellations due to covered medical reasons; and trip participants must understand that in the event of illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. For complete details and to purchase the plan we highly recommend, visit: https://www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan. Coverage does not take effect until the plan premium has been paid. 

Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote here: www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.

Liability Release / Assumption of Risk

Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release / assumption of risk form before the trip, confirming awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with OARS cancellation policy, there will be no  refund of the trip fees at that time.

Responsibility – An Important Notice

O.A.R.S. West, Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, pandemics, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and wellbeing of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 4 guests), and other factors. There is risk in whitewater rafting, particularly during high-water conditions. Rafts, dories and kayaks do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” and “float-it-out” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept passengers weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. We are experienced at accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. We need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time.

OARS trips occur in areas where unpredictable environmental conditions are to be expected.  To moderate dangerous situations for our guests and guides, all travelers must obey the rules and regulations as determined by the managing agencies and the Trip Leader and demonstrate reasonable consideration for other guests and OARS employees.  We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip if, in our opinion, that guest’s actions or behaviors pose a threat to the safety of her/himself or others, or if those actions or behaviors compromise the enjoyment of the trip for others.  Should a guest be asked to leave a trip, there will be no refund for the unused portion, nor will OARS be responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest for accommodations, return transport, change fees, etc. Prices subject to change without notice. Upon advancement of deposit, the depositor agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. OARS is an equal opportunity provider.