Rafting Near Me: South Fork American River Rafting

South Fork American River Rafting

Looking for rafting near you?

Experience the South Fork American River rafting trips, the West Coast’s most popular Class III river. It’s just a short drive from San Francisco, Sacramento, and Lake Tahoe. This makes it an ideal destination for adventurers and families alike.

The Thrill of Whitewater Rafting

You get just the right mix of what people love about California whitewater rafting. Expect exciting rapids, beautiful scenery, and interesting history. As you paddle down the river, you’ll encounter well-known rapids such as Hospital Bar, Trouble Maker, and Satan’s Cesspool—guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping while you enjoy the stunning landscapes surrounding you.

Variety of Trips for Everyone

The South Fork American River offers something for everyone. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from half-day, full-day, or overnight river trips. Each adventure is led by experienced guides who prioritize safety and ensure an unforgettable experience on the water.

Types of Trips Offered

Single-Day Trips Perfect for a quick adventure, our single-day trips are ideal for families and first-time rafters. These trips offer the thrill of whitewater rafting without the commitment of a full day, making it easy for those coming from nearby areas like San Francisco, Sacramento, or Lake Tahoe to enjoy an exciting day on the river. If you’re looking to experience the adrenaline rush and then head back home without the hassle of overnight gear, this is the perfect option. However, if you’d like to extend your adventure, we also offer comfortable camping accommodations for those who want to stay and enjoy the natural beauty a little longer.
Multi-Day Trips For those seeking a more immersive experience, our multi-day trips provide the opportunity to explore the river’s beauty while camping under the stars. Enjoy evening campfires, storytelling, and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers as you relax after a day of thrilling rapids. This option is perfect for those who want to fully unwind and connect with nature, creating lasting memories with family and friends in a serene setting. Whether you want to escape for a weekend or take a longer adventure, our multi-day trips allow you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the South Fork American River.

Why Choose South Fork for Your Rafting Adventure?

The South Fork American River offers a thrilling experience just a short drive from major cities. Whether you’re searching for rafting near me or planning a getaway from San Francisco, Sacramento, or Lake Tahoe, this river provides the perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty.

With a variety of rapids, including Class II and III sections, the South Fork caters to all skill levels. This makes it accessible for beginners while also providing challenges for experienced rafters. Each trip promises adventure and the chance to create lasting memories with family and friends.

Ready to plan your trip? Check the directions below:

Sacramento directions to Ma Lode here

San Francisco directions to Ma Lode here

South Lake Tahoe directions to Ma Lode here

Join us on the South Fork American River for an adventure that you and your family will remember for years to come.

40 Rapids in 21 Miles
Fun Class III Whitewater for all ability levels
Scenic river canyon
Clear, Calm Pools

Skill Level: There are runs appropriate for beginners to advanced boaters.
Duration: Half-day Family Float, to the full-day Gorge and Chili Bar runs
Age: Family Float and Gorge runs: age 8, Chili Bar: age 8 under normal water flow conditions.
Season: All year depending on group size and availability
Availability: Every day
Requirements: Guests must have swimming ability.

Gorge Run – Class III – Including lunch

Cost:
Mon-Fri $154/person | Sat-Sun $164/person
- Youth discount $10/person under age 16
Meet Time: 11:30AM
Trip Duration: 10 miles and 4 hours of whitewater. Shuttle returns to camp at approximately 5:30
Food: Enjoy a delicious deli-style lunch with vegetarian options

The Gorge Run begins with mellow Class II rapids and builds to a thrilling crescendo of whitewater. This enables paddlers to hone their paddling skills and grow accustomed to being on the river. As the trip continues the river canyon narrows into the granite-walled ‘Gorge’ where guests will experience a series of continuous Class III rapids including Fowler’s Rock, Satan’s Cesspool , Son of Satan, Scissors, Elevator Shaft, Hospital Bar, and Recovery Room! Your day is finished when you reach Folsom Lake, where our shuttles will greet you with a cold beverage and a ride back to the River Center. Minimum age is 8 years old under normal water flow conditions.

Gorge Value – Class III Without Lunch

Cost:
Mon-Fri $137/person | Sat-Sun $147/person
- Youth discount $10/person under age 16
Meet Time: 12 Noon
Trip Duration: 10 miles and 4 hours of whitewater. Shuttle returns to camp at approximately 5:30
Food: No lunch provided. Please eat before you arrive.

Chili Bar Run- Class III+

Cost:
Mon-Fri $154/person | Sat-Sun $164/person
- Youth discount $10/person under age 16
Meet Time: 11:30AM
Trip Duration: 11.5 miles We will return to the MaLode camp around 2:30 pm.
Food: Enjoy a delicious deli-style lunch while you visit the site of Gold Discovery!

Action on this stretch of river starts immediately with Class III Meatgrinder, the longest, most technical rapid on the South Fork American River. Continuing through the canyon you meet more challenging rapids such as Racehorse Bend, Triple Threat and finally the river’s most difficult rapid of all, Class III+ Troublemaker!

Suddenly the river mellows as we float into the beautiful Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, the site of Gold Discovery in 1848 at Sutter’s Mill. Historic buildings, Nisenan artifacts, and the abundant natural history of the region provide a unique eco-tour.

After lunch, we again board the rafts for the final stage of our journey, the return to camp. Here the MaLode guides love to share what we term “riverskills”. You will have the opportunity to “read” the river’s currents, position the boat properly in turns, and even guide a mellow rapid should you desire!

Appropriately, some of best whitewater excitement is saved for last….. We must navigate Mother Lode’s own Class III rapid, legendary “Highway”, and attain the MaLode eddy to be home again.

Chili Bar is a morning trip and we are usually off the river by 2:30 pm. Minimum age is 8 years old under normal water flow conditions.

Family Float Trip – Class I-II

Not looking for big Class III whitewater rapids but still want to enjoy being on the South Fork of the American River? Our Family Float Trip is the perfect experience for you! This trip has class I-II rapids and offers loads of opportunities to swim, play, and take in the beauty of the river. Recommended minimum age is 8 years old. We can accommodate children as young as 6 who are strong swimmers.

South Fork – 2-Day – CLASS III

Adjust your biological clock to “river time” with an overnight trip. Your second day of rafting can take you to a new stretch of the South Fork, or to a more advanced run on the Middle or North Fork. If one day of rafting was enough, have fun in camp with our Ropes Course and Zip Line or head to the South Fork Trail for fantastic local mountain biking and hiking.