Overview
Trip Snapshot
MEETING PLACE: | Behind Raley’s Supermarket, 13384 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603 |
MEETING TIME: | Varies due to launch times assigned to us by CA State Parks (see below) |
RETURN TIME: | Trip lasts approximately 5 hours, depending on water levels |
RIVER RATING: | Class IV+ (suitable for intermediate to advanced rafters) |
RIVER MILES: | 10 river miles with 8 named rapids |
PUT-IN: | Bridge on Colfax-Iowa Hill Road |
TAKE-OUT: | Ponderosa Way Bridge |
TRIP LENGTH: | 1 Day |
AGE LIMIT: | Minimum age is 14 (16 at high water) |
BOAT OPTIONS: | Paddle raft |
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. The following boats may be a part of your experience:
Paddle Raft
Learn more about the boats on your trip at https://www.oars.com/experience/boats/
WHITEWATER
Water levels sufficient for rafting on the North Fork of the American River during the spring and early-summer months are relatively short-lived each season. It is important for our guests to understand that the water flow on the North Fork fluctuates greatly. The river’s free-flowing waters—dependent solely on snowmelt, without dams or reservoirs in the way—keep its season short and sweet! North Fork river trips run from April to as late as mid-June, depending on the preceding winter.
WHITEWATER ORIENTATION
To increase your safety, we expect everyone to watch our 23-minute Whitewater Orientation video before joining us. Watch at https://www.oars.com/experience/safety/ or call 800-346-6277 to request a free DVD. Please don’t leave home without watching.
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:
Meet at the designated time behind the Raley’s Supermarket. Please be prompt; our designated launch time requires that we arrive at the put-in within a specific window. Once everyone has arrived, we will take a 40-minute shuttle ride to our put-in at the Colfax-Iowa Hill Bridge. Our guides will present a thorough orientation and safety talk then fit you with your safety gear. Then we’re off!
Less than a half-mile in, the much-anticipated stretch of Class IV whitewater begins as we enter Chamberlain Falls Gorge. Slaughter’s Sluice is a lengthy series of boulder-choked rapids that leads to one of the river’s most formidable challenges: the crashing, 8-foot drop known as Chamberlain Falls. Zig-Zag, Achilles Heel, and Bogus Thunder are among the continuous steep drops and boulder slaloms we negotiate. After several miles of continuous whitewater, we near the end of the Class IV section—but not before facing Staircase, the river’s most infamous rapid and our rite of passage as conquerors of the North Fork of the American.
Come lunchtime, we will pull over to a beach for a delicious picnic. Your guides will lay out an abundant spread of cold cuts, cheeses, veggies and wraps. Lunch is always accompanied by fruit, cookies, cold water and lemonade.
Back on the water, we find ourselves floating through an absolutely breathtaking exhibit of the Sierra Nevada’s striking scenery. 2000-foot canyon walls tower around us, creating an intimate gorge of polished granite, clear water, spring-green grasses, deep woods and brightly-colored wildflowers.
As we reach our take-out point at Ponderosa Way, our river trip draws to a close. An OARS shuttle will be waiting to give us a 30-minute ride back to Auburn and our vehicles.
What’s Included?
- Skilled, professional guide service
- Delicious riverside, picnic lunch
- High-quality inflatable rafts and related river equipment including paddles, helmets and personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- Wetsuits and splash jackets
- Transfers from the meeting place to the river and back
What’s Not Included?
- Transportation to the meeting place and back
- 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
Travel Arrangements
Meeting Place & Time
We will meet you in the parking lot behind the Raley’s Supermarket, 13384 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603, according to the time our launch occurs for that given day. (We will establish that time for you when you reserve your trip, and will include it in your confirmation paperwork.) Please look for our OARS vans and guides. Click here for a Google map.
By Car
- From Sacramento, take Interstate 80 East towards Reno. About 2 miles east of Auburn, take the Auburn Ravine/Foresthill Road exit (#121). Turn right onto Forest Hill Road, and almost immediately left onto Lincoln Way. Raley’s is on the right-hand side after you turn onto Lincoln Way (northeast corner of Lincoln and Forest Hill). Continue on into the rear of the parking area, behind Raley’s, where you will see an OARS representative. Please be prompt, have all your gear ready, and be dressed for the river!
- From Reno, head west toward Sacramento, and look for Exit #121 off of Interstate 80. Take a left onto Auburn Ravine/Foresthill Rd and cross over the freeway. Almost immediately, turn left onto Lincoln Way, and follow the directions above to find us behind Raley’s Supermarket.
Mileage and Driving Times
From San Francisco | 120 miles (2 ¼+ hours) |
From Sacramento | 36 miles (40 minutes) |
From Los Angeles | 420 miles (6 hours) |
From South Lake Tahoe | 62 miles (2 hours) |
From Reno | 130 miles (1¾ hours) |
These are approximate mileage and driving times and do not take into account any delays, so please allow yourself extra time.
Parking
If you’re arriving by car, parking is available in the parking lot behind the Raley’s Supermarket during your trip. Anything you are not planning on bringing on your trip should be left in your car.
OARS cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to vehicles or their contents.
Pre- and Post-Trip Accommodations
- One night of FREE camping before or after your trip is available at the OARS American River Outpost in Lotus for everyone who goes rafting with us; additional nights of camping and all nights of camping for non-rafters are $10 per person/night. Advance reservations are required. Please ask an Adventure Consultant about the details of staying at our beautiful riverside camp or click here.
Rental Options at our American River Outpost:
- Sleep Kit: Can be rented for $25 per person. Sleep kits consist of a sleeping bag, a deluxe 3-inch thick, air-filled sleeping pad, sheet, pillow and pillowcase.
- 2-Person Tent: $30 per stay
- 4-Person Family Tent: $50 per stay
- 2-Person Pre-set Platform Tent (with 2 twin beds, sheets, pillows, and down comforters): $99 per tent, per night (not per-person
Lodging
- Holiday Inn, Auburn (530) 887-8787
- Rocklin Park Hotel & Spa (916) 630-9400
Camping
- Long Ravine Campground (530) 346-6166
- Auburn State Rec. Area (530) 885-4527
We recommend you make reservations well in advance in order to guarantee lodging.
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 site: https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/ca/auburn for weather in Auburn, CA.
Average Air and Water Temperatures
Air (Day)°F | Air (Night)°F | Water Temp °F | |
April | 64-68 | 37-41 | 53 |
May | 72-76 | 42-46 | 55 |
June | 79-83 | 47-51 | 60 |
Getting Ready
River Runners Responsibility Code
- Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.
- Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.
- Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.
- Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.
- Abide by the managing agency’s rules.
- No drugs or alcohol prior to, or during, your trip; alcohol is allowed in moderation in camp on overnight trips.
- Minimize your impact on the environment.
- 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.
- 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 a bathing suit/swim trunks and a lightweight synthetic shirt. In cool weather, add layers of synthetic long underwear and warmer clothing 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
☐ Sunscreen & lip protection: waterproof and SPF 30 or higher
☐ Water bottle
☐ Face covering(s) for use while riding in shuttle vehicles and entering enclosed spaces
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Shade hat/visor, flexible enough to wear underneath 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 quick-drying top
☐ River/tennis shoes or river sandals with a heel strap (such as those made by Chaco®) “Aqua socks” strongly discouraged
☐ Synthetic long underwear for spring trips
☐ Warm socks (neoprene or wool)
☐ Dry clothes and shoes to change into after your trip
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 wetsuits and splash jackets (on early-season or cold-weather trips) 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 or dietary needs that we’ll need to consider in planning your trip.
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 the North Fork’s famous Chamberlain Falls, which makes for a very dramatic photo souvenir! These companies are not affiliated with OARS, and you will need to contact them separately to purchase your pictures. Hotshot Imaging is one such company; visit www.hotshotimaging.com after your river trip. (To order your photos online, you must request the photo link for your trip from Hotshot Imaging.) Their phone number is (530) 621-0400.
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
Final and full payment is due at the time of booking.
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 deposit 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.
Cancellations and Refunds
Your payment is fully refundable, less a 3% processing fee, for 48 hours 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).
DATE OF CANCELLATION | CANCELLATION FEE |
30 or more days prior to your trip | $15/person |
29 to 7 days prior | Payment can be transferred to another trip within the same year (or to a credit account for the following year) for $30/person transfer fee. No refund. |
6 days or less prior | 50% of the trip cost can be credited to another trip (within the same year). No refund. |
Late arrivals or “no shows” | No refund or credit |
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 $30/person fee up until 30 days prior to departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. If we are 29-7 days prior to your trip departure, 50% of your trip cost can be credited to another trip, within the same year only. Transfer requests made 6 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 6 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.