Previous paddling experience is recommended and competent swimming ability is required. This is particularly important at times of higher water when eddies are scarce and large holes must be negotiated. This IS NOT A NOVICE RUN!
The North Fork American River flows through a pristine and very scenic steep walled canyon. The river starts its journey west from the headwaters in the Granite Chief Wilderness between the ski areas of Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley. For most of its length it is protected by federal Wild and Scenic status, as it freely tumbles through steep gorges in the Tahoe National Forest. It enters the Auburn State Recreation Area near Colfax and joins the Middle Fork American near Auburn.
Our rafting trips are early season. This free-flowing spring river depends on the mountain snow pack, so the length of the season varies.
NOTE THIS IS A NEW MEETING LOCATION FOR THE 2020 RAFTING SEASON!
Coloma/Lotus:
Lots of great places very close to meeting location. Ask your guides for recommendations if planning on going after your trip.
Yelp – Auburn Restaurant reviews
The Auburn State Recreation Area – Camping, trails, fishing & swimming. Additional recreation, accommodations & sightseeing are available in Grass Valley/Nevada City just 24 miles N. of Auburn via Hwy. 49, or in North Lake Tahoe 80 miles E. of Auburn via I-80
Placer County Visitors Center – 13411 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603. (866) 752-2371 or (530) 887-2111.
Protect American River Canyons – Dedicated to the protection and conservation of the natural, recreational, cultural, and historical resources of the North and Middle Forks of the American River and its canyons for all to responsibly care for and enjoy.
Auburn Chamber of Commerce – (530) 885-5616
Auburn Transit – City of Auburn Public Works operates Auburn Transit. Auburn Transit is a deviated fixed route service that operates within the City of Auburn and portions of unincorporated Placer County.
For local transportation within the Auburn area (ie: to/from hotel and meeting location)
Sierra Taxi – (530) 885-2227. Local Taxi service.
Gold Cab & Limo Service – (530)-885-1111 / (916)-500-9891. Local taxi and airport services.
For Transportation to/from Sacramento International Airport:
Great fishing location that hosts beautifully-colored wild rainbow trout (native, not stocked) and German browns. Some of the best locations are pretty inaccessible except for serious hikers, but readily accessible on a multi-day rafting trip.
There are great wineries and breweries to be found throughout the Gold Country Foothills, in Placer, Nevada and El Dorado Counties:
There are several Lakes in the area where you can take a SUP board or kayak for the day – even some you can paddle in for overnight beach camping!
Surrounding Lakes/Reservoirs:
With over 25 years of running the highest quality rafting trips and river tours, Raft California invites you to join us on one of our spectacular rafting adventures!
We have whitewater rafting trips on over 12 rivers in Northern California, Oregon, and into Nevada! Rivers include the South Fork American, Middle Fork American, North Fork American, North Yuba, Truckee, Tuolumne, Kaweah and more!.
Recycling for SYRCL What is SYRCL? SYRCL stands for South Yuba River Citizens League. They are a non-profit founded in 1983 by grassroots activists near the South
Raft California Food Truck Fridays Lemongrass Cafe serving dinners at Raft California Lotus, CA Campground every Friday! The Lemongrass Cafe Food Truck serves up food,
