South Fork American vs Middle Fork American W.E.T. River Trips

American River rafting on the South Fork or Middle Fork is ideal for novices and intermediates and athletic users:
Compare the two most popular rivers in the West!

WHAT's the difference between the two rivers? Though we consider the popular rafting trip the South Fork American River, we also note the rising popularity of the Middle Fork American, too! Both American whitewater trips are located within 30-40 minutes apart and both are located just 3 hours from San Francisco. There are distinct differences between the two American River rafting runs.

Please look at the chart below and decide which trip is best suited for you and your friends, colleagues or family. Also, please understand that this is our professional recommendation. We ask you to honestly evaluate your physical and emotional skills. Don't get talked into a trip by your friends just because they want you to do the "harder" river. It's really about rafting and enjoying the experience...and we want you to come back again and again! Those of you who have rafted these rivers before are our best ambassadors. You've been there and you are the best judge of what your friends and colleagues can do!

COMPARISONS: South Fork American or Middle Fork American
One Day Chili Bar run on the South Fork American One Day Gorge run on the South Fork American	One Day Middle Fork American Tunnel Chute run One Day Full River South Fork American River
WHY: We noticed that you've split the trip into different sections?
The Chili Bar or Gorge run are both ideal for the novice or intermediate. The run has lots of Class III-III+ rapids. Very enjoyable as an introduction to whitewater. Yes, that's real whitewater. Not a float; and not a gentle ride! This is real whitewater rapids, but quite suitable for families with kids and hardcore rafters who want to surf every hole!	For the aggressive, athletic rafter, we recommend either the Full River or the Tunnel Chute run. The mileage and intensity are the keys, here. Full River is 21 miles long with many more rapids than the Tunnel Chute run but the rapids are mostly Class III-III+; whereas the Tunnel Chute run has less rapids, a longer mellow section but a couple of really hard Class IV-IV+ rapids. Please note: Full River South Fork is not recommended during the late summer months.
EXTENDED: Another way to look at the trips
Two Day South Fork American	Two Day, Three Day Middle Fork American
Two day on the South Fork is a favorite of families, corporate groups and friendly get-togethers! This is the classic California river trip! Great fun and because the 21 mile stretch is spread out over a two day period, most people will be able to handle this trip. Our base camp has all the amenities from flush toilets, running water, showers and a small store where you can pick up any forgotten toiletry items. You can even bring your blow dryer! This is ideal for those of you who are not ready to "rough it" in the outdoors. We recommend that your group do this trip before the two day South Fork Wilderness or Middle Fork American Wilderness Trips. To Recap the South Fork American: CLASS III - III+ (over 50 rapids!) 10.5 miles, 11 miles or 21 miles MORE RAPIDS less Difficult Raft through Coloma State Historical Park One Day or Two Days of Rafting Vehicle Accessible Camp Pack anything you want! All meals Showers, flush toilets All river rafting gear And of course, the Guide Service!	Two days on the Middle Fork is a wilderness lovers' dream! We recommend this trip for those of you who are healthy and mentally prepared for a total wilderness trip. In one of the deepest canyons, we are isolated throughout the two days and we require you to be fit for this challenge. Please note that no flush toilets or showers are available on this trip package. Porta-potties are carried in the boats and brought out of the canyon so that this river remains pristine. "Only footprints are left" remains our philosophy on this beautiful stretch of river! To Recap the Middle Fork American: CLASS II - III - IV+ (Tunnel Chute Rapid!) 19 miles or 25 miles LESS RAPIDS more Difficult Wilderness Canyon One Day, Two Days or Three Days of Rafting Boat Accessible Camp only 30 lbs limitation per person packed gear All Meals Porta-potties, no showers All River rafting gear And of course, the Guide Service!
RECOMMENDATIONS: We hope you hear us!
South Fork American is for novices, families, chldren from ages 8 - 17, large groups, corporate team-building, and friendly gatherings. Please note that in the springtime or during high flows, we recommend that you call us and discuss the river conditions. That's right, the whole trip becomes a lot more aggressive at higher flows. That's when we'd rather have experienced, aggressive paddlers. So if you are totally confused, then just call us and discuss your needs. Rafting isn't set in a black and white world and we want to make sure that we are placing you on the right river for your skills!	Middle Fork American is for aggressive athletic novices, athletic families with children ages 12-17, smaller groups, corporate team-building and friendly gatherings. The river has a very controlled release schedule and we usually start around May 1st. If the runoff is huge, then the schedule is boosted up towards the end of May instead. Though this river has a long gentle section, we still recommend athletic users because of Kanaka Rapid and Tunnel Chute. Both are Class IV-IV+ rapids and require aggressive and responsive paddling. We also need to portage (walk around) a major waterfall. That means you are hiking up and around this obstacle, so you need to be in good hiking shape, too.

If you can't find the info you need...just call us
1.888.RAFTWET

For more information on California river trips or California whitewater rafting, please click on to the links. Our American River rafting packages are the most popular and include many programs such as our family rafting trips, teen rafting programs and special student discounts for river rafting trips.