South Fork American River

We can't wait to share our love for the South Fork American River with you!

Looking for an unforgettable white water rafting trip on the South Fork American River?

You’re in the right place! This river is where countless people fall in love with rafting—featuring warm sunshine, refreshing waters, and thrilling Class III rapids, it’s one of California’s best river rafting destinations.

Location, Location, Location…

Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an experienced rafter, this is the perfect way to cool off, paddle through thrilling rapids, and experience the beauty of river rafting on the South Fork American River. Located just a short drive from Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and the Bay Area, it’s an ideal outdoor getaway for any adventurer. South Fork American Rafting is the perfect way to get out in nature!

▸ Just 1 hour from Sacramento & Tahoe, 3 hours from the Bay Area

▸ The best river rafting American River South Fork has to offer

▸ Options for all skill levels—from relaxing floats to adrenaline-packed runs

5 Ways to Experience South Fork American River Rafting!

The South Fork of the American River has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for big-water excitement, a scenic float, or a mix of both, our rafting South Fork American River California trips deliver unforgettable adventure from start to finish.

Enjoy a riverside lunch before tackling thrilling rapids? Choose The Gorge With Lunch for a full day of white water rafting South Fork American River fun!

Want to jump straight into the action? Pack your own lunch and dive straight into the rapids of the South Fork American River rafting experience with Gorge Value!

Looking for big rapids early in the day? Our Chili Bar American River trip starts with Class III+ waves, high-energy rafting South Fork American, and a post-trip meal—all while getting you off the water by 2:30 PM!

Prefer a gentle, scenic experience? Try Floating the American River on our Family Float trip, with no Class III rapids—perfect for families, kids, and first-time rafters.

Craving a full weekend of adventure? Our Multi-Day South Fork Rafting Trips combine the best river rafting American River South Fork has to offer with riverside camping, incredible scenery, and unforgettable memories!

We can’t wait to share our love for the South Fork American River with you!

Reserve your spot today & let’s go Rafting!

Trip Highlights

  • 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: April through October

Availability: Every day

Requirements: Guests must have swimming ability.

Lower Gorge South Fork White Water Rafting

Gorge Run – Class III – Including lunch

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

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. 

Chili Bar Run- Class III+

Guide going backwards through the rapid Satans Cesspool

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

Family Rafting on The South Fork American River

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.

Multi-Day & Combo River Trips

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.

South Fork / Middle Fork / North Fork Combo – Class III/IV

* Water flows in the South Fork American River result from releases from hydroelectric facilities located upstream. Such water releases are not subject to the control of El Dorado County or rafting companies operating under permits from the County of El Dorado.

Why Choose Us for Your South Fork American River Rafting Trip?

50+ Years of Guiding Experience – We’ve taken over 300,000 people down this river!
Top-Rated Safety & Guides – Your adventure should be fun, exciting, and stress-free!
Trip Options for Everyone – From Class I scenic floats to big Class III+ thrills!

We can’t wait to share our love for South Fork Rafting with you!

Camp Life

We’ll do all the cooking so you can relax with a good book, snooze in the shade, play a game of volleyball, or just sit and watch the sun set.

Our guides will amaze you with their culinary delights, Dutch-oven-desserts and even a river sauna upon your request.

Enjoy a private campfire and gaze at the stars as the river lulls you to sleep.

Introductory Packrafting Clinic at Mother Lode River Center

New Activity

Celebrate our 50th Anniversary with deep discounts on rafting & more!

Special 50th Anniversary Ropes and Rafting Events

Join us on  for a thrilling half-day of high ropes and rafting—no minimum group size required! Celebrate with us and book your adventure now!

Event Dates: June 15th, June 22, July 20th, July 27th, August 10th, August 17th