First timers, weekend warriors, and families alike have made the South Fork of the American River one of the most popular rivers in North America. You get just the right mix of all the things people love about California whitewater rafting – exciting rapids, beautiful scenery, interesting history and a location close to the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and Sacramento.
The South Fork of the American River truly does offer something for everyone. Depending on what suits your fancy, the South Fork offers day trips, overnight trips, and in MaLode’s case, trips combined with ropes, zipline and outdoor education programs. Browse through all of our South Fork offerings to determine which trip best fits your style of adventure.
Rafting Trips
Gorge Run – Charter Trips Booked by the Boatload for 2021!
Price: Booked by the boatload of up to six rafters at $590/boat. No extra fees, taxes, etc.- just one low price every day, both weekend and weekdays. Limiting the crew to six rafters in one of our custom designed 4-thwart, 8-person rafts allows space between the guide and the crew, and more distance between the crew themselves. More importantly, you hand pick your crew members. No surprises at the river! Fill up your boat for maximum savings.
Meet time: 12 noon
Duration: 10 miles
Food: Eat lunch before you arrive, or come early and picnic near the river at our gorgeous camp!
Unlike the Chili Bar Run, the Gorge Run begins with mellow rapids and builds to a crescendo downstream. This enables paddlers to hone their paddling skills and grow accustomed to being on the river. As the river canyon narrows into the granite-walled ‘Gorge’, guests will experience a series of continuous Class III rapids including Fowler’s Rock, Satan’s Cesspool, Satan’s Sister, Scissors, Hospital Bar, Recovery Room and more! Your day is finished when you reach Folsom Lake, where our shuttle vehicles will greet you with a cold beverage and a ride back to the River Center. Minimum age is 8 years old.
Request a DateChili Bar Run
Price: $124 (M-F) // $149 (Sat, Sun)
Meet time: 8:15 AM
Duration: 11.5 miles
Food: Eat a hearty breakfast before you arrive, pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy it in our beautiful camp at your trips’s end at 1 pm. Alternatively, there are local restaurants that feature sit-down outdoor dining, wineries, several Delis, two pizza parlors, Chinese food, a Holiday Market and a brewery featuring sushi. Pamper yourself!
Action on this stretch of river starts immediately with Class III Meatgrinder Rapid, the longest, most technical rapid on the South Fork American River. Continuing through the canyon the run ends with Class III+ Troublemaker Rapid and then the river mellows to a fun, relaxing float through the historic Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Chili Bar is a morning trip and our goal is to have you back in camp by 1 pm. Minimum age is 8 years old.
Request a Date