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Looking for an unforgettable whitewater adventure? For those seeking heart-pounding excitement, embark on the ultimate
whitewater adventure with WET River Trips on the Wild & Scenic North Fork American River, the most thrilling and scenic rafting
experiences in California. Located near Auburn, CA, the North Fork River is renowned for its continuous Class IV/V rapids, steep
granite canyons, and pristine, free-flowing waters. As California’s premier destination for technical whitewater, this river is a
spring-runoff gem and a must-visit for experienced rafters and adventurous thrill-seekers. Whether you’re an experienced paddler
or a bold first-timer, the North Fork American promises an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views and unforgettable
thrills
At WET River Trips, we combine over 40 years of experience with a passion for adventure to deliver safe, exciting, and
unforgettable journeys down the North Fork of the American River. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or seeking a new challenge,
our expert guides are here to make your trip one to remember.
A top choice for whitewater enthusiasts, the North Fork American River is an untouched wilderness gem and a natural
treasure. This free-flowing river offers 10 miles of nearly continuous rapids, cutting through a narrow granite canyon
adorned with lush greenery and vibrant spring wildflowers. The adventure begins with the exhilarating Chamberlain Falls
and continues with technical rapids like Bogus Thunder, Grand Slalom, and Staircase. After a thrilling start, the river offers
calmer stretches where you can relax, take in the stunning scenery, and bask in the Sierra Nevada’s natural beauty.
Here’s why adventurers love rafting this iconic river:
Perfect for experienced rafters and athletic first-timers (must know how to swim), the North Fork of the American River
delivers unmatched excitement and natural beauty.
The North Fork American River is known for its continuous Class IV/V rapids, making it one of the most technical rivers in the state. It’s perfect for seasoned rafters or athletic beginners (must know how to swim) ready to tackle steep drops and tight maneuvers.
As you paddle through the North Fork’s secluded canyon, you’ll feel a world away from civilization. Keep an eye out for eagles,
river otters, and other wildlife that call this untouched wilderness home
The North Fork’s free-flowing nature means the rafting season is dependent on spring snowmelt. Trips are typically available from
March to June, with extended opportunities in high-snow years
Looking for an adrenaline-packed half-day trip near me?
The North Fork American River delivers an unforgettable whitewater rafting
experience just a short drive from Auburn and Sacramento. Known for its
continuous Class IV rapids, dramatic granite canyons, and pristine wilderness,
the North Fork River California is the perfect destination for adventurous
souls seeking a quick yet exhilarating escape.
This action-packed full-day trip is perfect for thrill-seekers, combining heartpounding
rapids with awe-inspiring views. This 10-mile journey begins with a
bang and never lets up. This one-day excursion combines technical rapids,
breathtaking views, and a sense of accomplishment.
Highlights include:
This trip is ideal for adventurous groups, corporate outings, or anyone
ready to embrace a challenge.
Maximize your adventure by combining the North Fork with the South Fork
American River. These multi-day trips provide the ultimate rafting getaway,
with opportunities to experience diverse rapids and landscapes.
The North Fork is famous for its technical and thrilling Class IV/V rapids, making it one of the most challenging runs in
California. Highlights include:
As you paddle through the canyon, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic granite cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush
greenery. The North Fork is truly one of the most beautiful rivers in California’s Sierra Nevada
Our experienced guides provide thorough safety briefings and paddling instruction to ensure your adventure is both
safe and exhilarating. With years of experience navigating the North Fork River, our team knows how to create an
unforgettable experience.
As one of the few free-flowing rivers in California, the North Fork depends on spring runoff, creating an exclusive rafting season from April to early-June.
Experienced Rafters: With its challenging rapids, this river is perfect for those seeking technical whitewater.
Athletic Beginners: Must know how to swim and be ready to paddle hard.
Thrill-Seekers: This river’s continuous rapids and tight maneuvers provide an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Outdoor Enthusiasts: The pristine wilderness and untouched beauty of the North Fork are perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
This trip is recommended for participants aged 14 and older who are strong swimmers and ready for a
hands-on, technical adventure. For those new to rafting or seeking a more relaxed trip, we recommend
our South Fork or Middle Fork American River adventures.
With no dams controlling its flow, the North Fork American is entirely dependent on snowmelt, making it a seasonal gem. Trips
typically run from April to Early June, with extended opportunities during high-snow years. Early spring offers higher flows and
more intense rapids, while late spring provides warmer weather and a slightly more relaxed experience. For peak water levels
and the most thrilling rapids, we recommend booking early in the season. Here’s what to expect:
Don’t miss your chance to raft this bucket-list destination! Book early to secure your spot during this limited seasonal window!
Combine your rafting trip with other outdoor activities in the region:
As one of California’s most experienced rafting outfitters, with over 40 years of expertise, WET River Trips is the trusted
leader in North Fork American whitewater trips providing unmatched experience and passion for guiding rafters through
the North Fork American River’s technical rapids and scenic wonderland. We specialize in crafting exceptional North Fork
tours for intermediate and advanced adventurers, or athletic first-timers who are ready for a hands-on experience. Our
guides are seasoned professionals who prioritize your safety and enjoyment. Here’s why you’ll love rafting with us:
“Our trip down the North Fork was
absolutely exhilarating! The guides
were so knowledgeable and made us
feel safe the entire time.”
— Sarah P., Sacramento, CA
“If you’re looking for an adrenaline
rush, the North Fork American River is
it! This was the most exciting rafting
trip I’ve ever done.”
— James R., San Francisco, CA
“WET River Trips made our North Fork adventure unforgettable. From the
rapids to the breathtaking scenery, everything was perfect.”
— Ellie F., Auburn, CA
Are you ready to conquer the North Fork of the American River? Don’t miss
your chance to conquer one of California’s most exciting rivers. Whether
you’re an experienced rafter or an adventurous first-timer, WET River Trips
has the expertise to deliver a world-class rafting experience on this
spectacular river. Don’t miss your chance to conquer this iconic river and
create memories that last a lifetime. Don’t wait—this seasonal gem won’t last
forever!
Reserve your spot now to raft one of California’s most sought-after
whitewater destinations!
EXCELLENT Based on 256 reviews Kelly Cox-GonzalezOctober 18, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended a WET 2-day Middle and South Fork rafting trip with some friends a few weeks back and it AWESOME! Our guides Ant, Drew, and Walker were super friendly and fun, and very knowledgeable about the river and its history. It really helped ease my nerves knowing that our guides were so well versed. White water rafting was both a nerve racking and thrilling experience! I would absolutely recommend taking a trip with the WET crew! This trip really convinced me to be more open to outdoorsy experiences like this! Thanks so much for such an incredible weekend!! :) John LewisOctober 9, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Experience! Earlier this summer I went on a "Chili Bar" trip with a Big group. The hospitality of the WET crew was great from beginning to end! We had boats of all abilities and the guides definitely catered to each group, especially the boat of teenage boys. The trip was great, but if I'm honest, that top half of the river left me wanting more. Later in the summer I had the opportunity to take a group out again and the "Gorge" was exactly what we needed! Thank you WET! We will be back next year, maybe even for the Middle Fork! Brittany RickettsOctober 1, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My friends and I had an absolute BLAST with WET on our white water rafting trip. We got so incredibly lucky with the absolute best guides: Ant, Drew, and Walker. They were the perfect mix of fun and stern and lead us to greatness all down the river! They ensured our safety and kept us laughing through all the rapids. The campsite and provided meals were also excellent. They took such good care of us!!! It was literally an awesome experience. If we were to go again, we would only choose WET! Thanks so much for such a memorable weekend! Sean GillenSeptember 29, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an awesome two day trip for a 30th birthday, 14 people with Ant, Drew, Walker as guides, shout out to Noel and will for driving too (and driving our diabetic friend back to the car early). Very well organized and a ton of fun. Lauren FordyceSeptember 23, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had so much fun rafting with guide Hayley! Will definitely be back :) Brigitte RabieSeptember 19, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did the two day rafting trip with the more mellow rapids on Day One and Class 4 rapids on Day Two. Our guide Hailey was very professional and did an excellent job of teaching us how to work together to navigate the rapids. We had a lot of opportunities to get in the water and cool off and Hailey was good about helping us conserve energy so we weren’t too exhausted by the end of Day Two. Having the meals included was a huge plus. Not only were they delicious but it meant that we could just sit back and relax! We also did the GoPro and it was a lot of fun to watch later on. Highly recommend! I look forward to going again next year!! Nathan SecrestSeptember 17, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Guides were super friendly and fun to talk with. Everything on our end felt relaxed even though I’m sure the guides had logistics to be aware of. Campground hosts for WET were also superb and were able to accommodate a last minute request for grill support. Andrew ElmsSeptember 16, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome experience! Fantastic guides! Looking forward to doing it again next season. KatherineSeptember 6, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So fun my cousin and I started planning our next rafting trip as soon as we got back to the car :D Guides Stu (Stew?), Jo, and Walker are all very friendly and fun! And the Australian fellow, I think his name is Matthew?, in addition to being friendly and fun is also quite heroic and may be part mountain goat XD Thank you to these wonderful guides for facilitating the fun and keeping us safe! (On the Middle Fork: watching them raft down the big waterfall is wild! They are so pro!! Very impressive.) If you’re on the fence about rafting, DO IIIIT!! Everyone we bullied into coming with us had a blast. You will too ;) Alex CohenSeptember 1, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10/10 experience - was super fun and a great time. Walker was an awesome guide and made the trip!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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