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. 

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. 

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.

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.