This is the perfect 2 day American River rafting trip for youth groups, scout groups, and corporate groups looking for a wilderness rafting trip. We are conveniently located close to Sacramento, San Francisco, and Lake Tahoe!
Rafting the South Fork American River from top to bottom in 2 days. Not every outfitter offers this wilderness rafting trip option. Wilderness camping is always a memorable experience, for campers of all ages. Guests usually sleep under the stars and wake to the amazing sounds of the river and her beautiful nature surrounding in the morning.
There are 2 nights of camping included with this trip, the first being at our established South Fork American River Campground the night before your rafting trip begins. This location has outdoor showers and flushing toilets for the first night of camping. You will want to bring your own tent and sleeping pads or Rent a Canvas Tent from us. RVs and campers are also welcome at this location, parking is in our main parking lot.
The white water rapids are rated class 2-3+ on the South Fork American River. On the first morning the excitement starts early with Class 3+ rapids like Meatgrinder, African Queen, the Triple Threats and Troublemaker. You float past the Historic Marshall Gold Discovery Park and thru some more fun Class 2 rapids. We arrive back at our established camp for lunch and packing up for a night on the river.
The 2nd night is spent at a more primitive location with a beautiful beach (there are no showers or flushing toilets on night 2). We can provide 2 person tents and sleeping pads for this night if you need (no additional cost).
The second morning is quite leisurely as we enjoy our coffee/tea/juice with breakfast and watch the water flows start to rise. This is a dam controlled river so the following evening you will have seen a major drop in the river levels. We launch mid-morning and travel down a few Class 2 rapids before lunch. After lunch we head into the Gorge section of the South Fork American River for several Class 3 rapids including Satan’s Cesspool & Hospital Bar. We end in Folsom Lake, load the gear up & shuttle back to camp. There is time to shower if you like before departing, you can also join us for another relaxing evening by the river after your trip.
There are 5 meals included with the trip as well, all prepared and cooked by your amazing river guides! With this trip we do take all the gear on the river with us for the 2nd night of camping in the wild. There is an extra guide (sometimes 2) rowing a boat with all the equipment.
If you do have younger of more timid members of your group, we offer a 2 day that starts with more Class 2 rapids, but also on the South Fork American River.
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.
