california rafting trips & vacations

South Fork American 1/2 Day PM Gorge Run

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South Fork American River - Wine Tasting & Rafting, 2 Day Specialty Trip

Lotus, CA /

PRICING
Booking for June 8, 2024 | Additional Dates Available for Groups

$409 Adults (21+)

Saturday-Sunday
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Wine & Whitewater Rafting

Join us in El Dorado County for a 2 day wine tasting and whitewater rafting adventure! That’s right – this is the ultimate California vacation featuring two CA classics – wine country and white water!

Spend the first day being chauffeured around sipping and tasting wine from 4-5 local wineries including partner vinyards Boeger and Madroña.

On day two enjoy a whitewater adventure on the Class 2-3+ South Fork American River Chili Bar Run! This trip is a 3/3.5 hour (on water) whitewater tour through some of the more technical Class III rapids on the river. The first half is characterized by a series of Class II and III rapids separated by calm pools. The second half of the trip consists of a float through the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park and the Lotus Valley to our Riverside Camp (the Discovery Run).

Stay at our private American River campground both nights the evenings – located on a beautiful secluded area of the river. Lawn games, fireside stories and good food will all be had between rafting and wine tasting. Interested in upgrading to a glamping tent? Reach out! Our canvas tent rentals offer a prime location overlooking the river and a fun experience. Plus our private campground features showers and flush toilets – so you’re camping, but not quite roughing it!

About Boeger Winery

Boeger Winery (@boegerwinery) is recognized for its pioneering spirit in California winemaking, offering a rich history and innovative practices. Nestled in the scenic El Dorado County, it combines traditional techniques with modern sustainability, creating distinctive wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir. As one of the first in the area to experiment with lesser-known varietals, Boeger Winery is dedicated to both quality and experimentation, inviting visitors to explore its diverse selection in a welcoming atmosphere.

About Madroña Winery

Madroña Vineyards (@madronavineyards) is situated at an elevation of 3,000 ft in Placerville, California, where they craft exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of their mountain vineyards. With over 26 varietals grown across three sustainably farmed, family-owned vineyards, Madroña emphasizes the distinct characteristics and blending qualities of each, from Rhône and Bordeaux varietals to their New-World Port. This dedication to diversity and quality makes Madroña a noteworthy stop for wine enthusiasts looking to explore the depth of California’s winemaking tradition.

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.

TRIP INFORMATION
  • Great for Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties
  • Breweries may be included (please contact us to request this)
  • Great vacation getaway from the Bay Area and Sacramento!
  • Must be 21 years to join this trip

Arrive the night prior to the first day of Wine Tasting at our South Fork American River Campground. Our Canvas Tent rentals are the perfect way to enjoy our 2 day Wine & Rafting trip in El Dorado County. You are welcome to arrive between 4pm-8pm. Dinner is not included, but there are several local places or you can cook your own meal.

Day 1: Wine Tour

  • Wake up next to the South Fork American River in Lotus and enjoy your coffee, tea or juice as you relax by the river
  • Guides will cook & serve breakfast at camp around 8:oo am
  • We depart camp for wine tasting around 10:00 am! We typically spend 45 minutes at each winery.
  • Wine tasting at a couple of the best wineries in El Dorado County.
  • Lunch served at one of the wineries
  • Back to tasting!
  • Return to camp
  • Appetizers, Dinner and riverside camaraderie
  • County mandated “Quiet Hours”. You are welcome to chat within your group, but please no loud partying within the hours of 10pm to 7am.

Day 2: White Water Rafting

  • Coffee, Tea and other hot drinks in the morning after you awake to the sound of the river
  • Breakfast @ camp
  • Shuttle to Put In
  •  Trip prep and Safety Talk
  • Rafting the South Fork American River Chili Bar Run
  • Lunch back at camp
  • Fond farewells after 2 days of making new memories. You are welcome to enjoy the river at our private camp after your trip.

 

Coming Soon!

  • non-swimmers
  • great for groups & families

Included with Rafting

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

  • 2 nights camping
  • 5 meals
    • Day 1 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
    • Day 2 – breakfast & lunch

For Wine Tasting

Required Items

  • Re-usable 20oz or more water bottle (filled with ice water)

 

For Rafting

  • Required Items
    • Re-usable 20oz or more water bottle
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Cell Phones
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

For Camping

  • Linens
    • Blankets
    • Pillow
    • Sleeping bag
  • Tent
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camp chair

Directions

Meeting Place: Raft California 6500 State Highway 49 Lotus, CA 95651-9764

Please note that cell phone reception in our remote area is not guaranteed, although it is getting better. Therefore we suggest you print out the directions or save for offline on your phone. Please be sure to check drive times when booking your rafting trip and allow for additional time on Holidays and weekends.  

Truckee Trips end August 1st

Don't worry, We're not gonna do what everyboy thinks we're gonna do and freak out man... All we wanna know is, who's coming with us... to the American river that is.