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The North Fork American River offers non-stop whitewater action, set in a narrow Wild & Scenic granite canyon. In between Sacramento & Lake Tahoe, the North Fork is ideal for the thrill-seeking, experienced rafter or athletic beginner. You’ll deftly maneuver around boulders and successfully tackle back to back Class 4/5 rapids on your 13 mile North Fork American rafting trip with WET River Trips.
We have the most experienced river guides on the North Fork of the American River & have been running white water rafting trips on it for almost 5o years! South Fork & Middle Fork rafting veterans looking for more challenging whitewater adventures won’t want to miss the North Fork American this year
Departure: The departure time for this trip varies based on the permit for that day. You will meet the WET shuttle van and your North Fork river guides for the day behind the Raley’s shopping center in Auburn, California. From there we have a short 25 minute ride in the van to our put-in location at the Iowa Hill Rd. Bridge.
The River Trip: North Fork American River rafting trips start off with a bang! Starting at Iowa Hill Bridge you will take on nearly continuous, non-stop, technical class 4-5 white water rapids. Stopping along the way to enjoy a riverside deli lunch, where you can enjoy the breathtaking spring wildflowers, lush green foliage and abundant wildlife found in the deep magical wilderness canyon of the Wild and Scenic North Fork American River. The last few miles of your north fork adventure offer a chance to catch your breath, relax and enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery of the canyon as the pace of the river slows down. At the end of the trip you will have a true sense of accomplishment. This white water rafting trip is a true participatory experience. You will see & feel how what you do on your raft & with your paddle make a big difference navigating some of the best class 4+ rapids in California.
Return: Once your time on the water is complete you will load into the WET van and return to the Raley’s parking lot after a short drive.
Only 3 hours from San Francisco, 45 minutes from Sacramento and 1 hour from Lake Tahoe. The North Fork American River is the classic California white water adventure. With its steep drops, technical rapids and rushing falls this intermediate/advanced rafting trip is perfect for adventurous first timers and those who have rafted before but want even more excitement, adventure, seclusion and beauty.
The North Fork of the American River will make you feel like you have entered into your own private wonderland as you travel on a ribbon of crystal clear water through a narrow granite canyon, covered in lush green vegetation highlighted with spring flowers. Part of the beauty is its free-flowing nature. Undammed, this is truly a pristine river that is normally runnable from March through May.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this true wilderness river canyon with some of the most technical rapids in California. Fortunately for you, when you choose WET River Trips you will be provided the best and most experienced river guides to navigate you along your adventure, their sole job is to ensure that you have a safe and memorable trip. But don’t be mistaken, the North Fork is an all hands on deck trip. Everyone will be fitted with all the necessary rafting equipment (paddle, life jacket, wetsuit, splash jacket and helmet) and trained how to successfully paddle in order to safely maneuver the rafts through this technically exciting river.
The North Fork trip begins by meeting at Raley’s Shopping Center in Auburn. After meeting your highly trained and experienced river guides we load into our shuttle vans to head to the river put in. Once there you will be geared up with your rafting equipment before receiving a safety and paddling orientation. Then it is time for the whitewater adventure to begin. The Wild and Scenic North Fork American River is full of whitewater action. Starting off with 7 miles of back to back Class 4+ rapids, you and your guide will skillfully maneuver around boulders, crash through giant waves and drop the 7 foot Chamberlain Falls. The whitewater excitement doesn’t stop there, the action continues with rapids like Bogus Thunder, Grand Slalom, Staircase and Nose Stand just to name a few. Then you will get the opportunity to bask in the sun and relax along the banks of the river as your guides skillfully prepare a gourmet deli lunch. After satisfying your hunger, you will play in numerous Class 3 rapids, giving you a chance to truly appreciate the beauty of the Sierra Nevadas as we laugh and reminisce about the morning’s excitement. Ending at Upper Lake Clementine, you will be greeted by cold refreshing beverages before we shuttle you back to your cars in our shuttle vans.
This is our guide’s favorite river trip, after you have experienced it for yourselves you will know why, and have the memories for a lifetime.
Don’t forget to add the Video Package to your reservation so you can relive your adventure and share it with friends.
Please feel free to bring whatever items you would like to leave in your car for retrieval after the trip. Camp Lotus features hot showers available for your use.
Yes! We love rafting with friends, family, and coworkers! Discounts on rafting are as follows;
Note that discounts are not applied to other “add-ons” such as camping and photo/video packages.
North Fork Yuba River Rafting Best Class 4-5+ Spring Rafting – Lunch Included! North Fork Yuba River rafting trips are a unique whitewater rafting treat!
We have a tradition here at WET River Trips that I strongly recommend all businesses incorporate. At the end of every season we go on a multi-day rafting trip. Not only is it a great team building trip, it also gives us the opportunity to reconnect with each other and why we do what we d
South Fork – 2 Day Wilderness Enjoy a wilderness experience accessible for ages 7 and up. Join us for 2 days of rafting and one
South Fork and Middle Fork 2 Day Combo All Meals Included! Get warmed up on the South Fork and enjoy a beautiful night of camping
This is our premiere American River Rafting trip. It offers all of the thrills of a 1 day middle fork trip, but has the added advantage of giving you more time to soak in the beauty of this unique wilderness canyon.
The meeting place for this trip is directly behind the Raleys on Lincoln Way in Auburn. Please drive and park behind the Raley’s where our guides will meet you.
South Fork Trips Meet at: 5461 Bassi Rd, Lotus, CA 95651
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.
Transportation for trips operated under California Public Utility Commission TCP# 0038955