South Fork American River

Lotus-Coloma (CA Highway 49 between Auburn and Placerville) /

Level: Beginner to Intermediate /

Class 2-3+

  • Minimum Age: 6-8 yrs for Class 3, 4 yrs for Class 2 (at regular summer flows)
  • Trip Length: 4-25 miles, ¼-3 days
  • Season: April-September
  • Elevation: 500-930 Ft
  • Trip Pricing: $99-$349
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Rafting for all ages!!

Class II + III Rafting on the American River

South Fork American River rafting trips are some of the most popular in California, and for very good reasons. This river has served as an introduction to California whitewater rafting for countless beginners. It is also exciting enough to lure many back year after year. There are trips suitable for everyone, including families, corporate groups, scouts and youth groups. Raft for just a few hours or spend 2-4 days. See below for all your rafting options.

There are many memorable rapids as the river winds its way through the scenic green and gold foothills of California’s Gold Rush Country. It passes through the historic town of Coloma and the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

When other California rafting trips have dried up, the South Fork American River is still providing an exciting and fun time. Great water releases are guaranteed past Labor Day weekend.

All South Fork American River rafting trips meet at our camp in the Coloma-Lotus area. Each rafting trip starts with an orientation and a safety talk. Personal flotation devices are fitted and paddling instruction is given. A professional, skilled river guide is on board every raft to help steer you safely down the river, as you power the raft with your paddle.

Camping can be arranged before or after any of our South Fork American River trips. Multi-day trip options include 1-2 nights camping.

Professional photography companies shoot at the major rapids on the river. Usually photos are ready to view at the end of your trip, either at our camp or in their Coloma offices. It is important to order your South Fork American River Rafting photos BEFORE you leave the area, as they are not available on line. Ask your guide or shuttle driver for a coupon.

NOTICE: 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 commercial rafting companies operating under permit from the County of El Dorado.

Rafting Trips On The South Fork American River

Lower Middle Fork American / South Fork American River “Gorge Run”– Combo Overnight 2 day raft trip

American River Family Combo Trip!
starting at
$134.50-$299
- TRIP DETAILS -

Lower Middle Fork American / South Fork American River “Lotus Run” – Combo Overnight 2 day raft trip

Perfect Overnight for Young Kids!
starting at
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American River Rafting 2 Day Rafting Trip

2 day South Fork American River Rafting and Camping Trip
starting at
Starting at $279
- TRIP DETAILS -

South Fork American River – “Lower” Gorge ½ day raft trip

Great rafting trip if you are short of time and want a lot of action!
Beginner (Class II)
starting at
Starting at $78
- TRIP DETAILS -

SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER RAFTING | 1-DAY GORGE RUN

Family White Water Rafting on the American River
Lotus, CA
starting at
$99-$129
- TRIP DETAILS -
Meeting Location

Raft California / Tributary Whitewater Tours
South Fork American River Campground
6500 CA-49
Lotus CA 95651

Please print or download your map, cell phone reception is not always available in these rural areas. We cannot be responsible for you getting lost and missing your trip.

Area Information

Auburn Lodging/Bed & Breakfasts:

  • Placer County Visitors Bureau
  • Auburn Holiday Inn – Newly remodeled! Walking distance to downtown and Old Town Auburn. 15% off for our rafting clients! A California Certified Green Hotel with 96 rooms, free wifi, pool, spa and more! Only 5 minutes to our Middle Fork American River Trip meeting location.

Foresthill: about 20 mins NW of Auburn, wonderful small town with restaurants, bars, and grocery store.

  • Mountain Shadows – (888) 674-4933 A beautiful house with room for up to 20 people on 1.5 acres with breathtaking views overlooking the Middle Fork American River canyon. Culinary kitchen, heated outdoor pool, wi-fi friendly sound system and more! Great for groups, families, and weddings – dog and horse friendly! Listed on VRBO with 5 star reviews. Pick up for your rafting trip possible.
  • Miners Camp – Centrally located in the historic town of Foresthill, CA. There are 10 recently remodeled modern units sleeping up to 42 people. Listed on VRBO and managed by the same wonderful people who run Mountain Shadows!

Weimar/Meadow Vista: about 15 mins NE of Auburn. Consists of a couple very rural communities with some ammenities. Super views of the Sierra’s. Great choice if you are looking for something close but not in town.

  • Sierra Sun Cloud Inn B&B – Weimar/Colfax (888) 637-1083 or (530) 637-1083
    Secluded, 18 acre hilltop setting among towering pines. Spectacular views. Adjacent to 15 miles of pristine hiking trails.

Colfax: is 20 minutes NE of Auburn, but convenient from North Lake Tahoe & Reno or if we are meeting in Colfax for a North Fork American rafting trip:

  • Colfax Chamber of Commerce
  • The Colfax Motor Lodge – 550 South Auburn St., Colfax, CA. 95713  (530) 346-8382. Very affordable rates, newly renovated.
  • Rollins Lakeside Inn – 18145 Rollins View Dr, Grass Valley CA 95945. (Yes, technically Grass Valley, but only 25 minutes from our Auburn meeting location). Toll Free (877) 466-0729, 530-273-0729, or 916-792-5073. Lake front property with several cabins to choose from, pool, bbq’s, wifi. Perfect for groups!

Foresthill: about 20 mins NW of Auburn, wonderful small town with restaurants, bars, and grocery store.

  • Mountain Shadows – (888) 674-4933 A beautiful house with room for up to 20 people on 1.5 acres with breathtaking views overlooking the Middle Fork American River canyon. Culinary kitchen, heated outdoor pool, wi-fi friendly sound system and more! Great for groups, families, and weddings – dog and horse friendly! Listed on VRBO with 5 star reviews. Pick up for your rafting trip possible.
  • Miners Camp – Centrally located in the historic town of Foresthill, CA. There are 10 recently remodeled modern units sleeping up to 42 people. Listed on VRBO and managed by the same wonderful people who run Mountain Shadows!

Auburn:

Auburn:

Folsom:

Colfax/Weimar/Dutch Flat:

  • Rollins Lake (NID) – 3 campgrounds located on lake 3.5 miles N. of Colfax, 19.5-22 miles NE of Auburn off Hwy. 174/I-80. Reservations available. Hot showers, water, electric hook-ups, boat ramp & rentals, store. Tent & RV sites. (530) 346-2212, (530) 346-6166, (530) 477-9413.
  • Rollins Lake (Greenhorne) – Also on Rollins Lake, no hookups. 530-272-6100.
  • Bear River Campground – 2500 Campground Road, Colfax CA 95713. 14.5 miles NE of Auburn. On Bear River, 23 sites, no water, no reservations (first come first serve basis, holidays are typically full 3-4 days prior to the holiday). Group camp available by reservation, no water. (530) 886-4901.
  • Dutch Flat RV Resort – 55 Canyon Creek Way, Gold Run, CA 95717. (530)-389-8924. Tent camping, RV sites, pool and clubhouse. 26 minutes East of Auburn – located at 3000′ so a great cooler option for the summer!

Coloma/Lotus:

  • Rivers Bend Resort – Private Riverside Camp, On the South Fork American, 20+ minutes S. of Auburn on Hwy. 49. Hot showers, flush toilets, volleyball, horseshoes. Sorry, no dogs allowed. Reservations required through Tributary Whitewater 800-672-3846.
  • Also see South Fork American River Area Information

 

Lots of great places very close to meeting location. Ask your guides for recommendations if planning on going after your trip.

  • 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

About Raft California

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!.

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keep calm and paddle on