South Fork American River Rafting | Best Whitewater Trips

South Fork

of the American River

21 RIVER MILES

7 MINIMUM AGE

3 RAPID CLASS

Experience Fun & Adventure on the

South Fork American River

Perfect for families, beginners, and thrill-seekers alike, the South Fork American River located in the heart of California’s historic Gold Rush Country, is the state’s most popular whitewater destination. Just an hour from Sacramento, two hours from the Bay Area, and nestled in Coloma, CA, this 21-mile river delivers the perfect mix of thrilling rapids, scenic beauty, and rich Gold Rush history. From beginner-friendly Class III rapids to serene stretches for swimming and relaxing, the South Fork American River offers an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Experience the thrill of South Fork American River rafting trips with WET River Trips, the top-rated South Fork American River rafting outfitters. With over 30 rapids along the 21-mile stretch, this Class III whitewater adventure is perfect for families, first-time rafters, and seasoned thrill-seekers alike. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip near me, a half-day adventure, or a weekend escape with camping at Camp Lotus, WET River Trips is here to create the perfect rafting experience for you and your group with your ideal trip.

south fork

RAFTING OPTIONS

Half-Day
Trips

Short on time?
Our half-day trips are perfect for a quick dose of
adventure. Choose from:

Chili Bar Express: Start your journey with exciting
rapids like Meatgrinder and Troublemaker, morning
into afternoon trip.
Gorge Express: Enjoy splashy rapids like Hospital Bar
and end your trip near Folsom Lake, afternoon to
evening trip.

Full-Day Adventures

Up for more of a challenge and an even longer day?
For a more immersive experience, choose our 21 mile Full
River trip and tackle both the Chili Bar and Lower Gorge
sections in one unforgettable day. Highlights include:

Rapids like Satan’s Cesspool and Troublemaker.
A gourmet riverside lunch prepared by our expert
guides.
Plenty of calm stretches to relax, swim, and soak in the scenery.

Multi-Day
Trips

Turn your rafting adventure into a weekend getaway with
our multi-day packages:

Two-Day Trips: Spend your days rafting and your evenings camping at our beautiful riverside site. Enjoy freshly prepared meals, stargazing, and camaraderie around the campfire.
Combination Trips: Pair the South Fork with the Middle Fork or North Fork for an action-packed rafting vacation.

why choose the

SOUTH FORK?

The South Fork is California’s most popular river and an iconic destination for white water rafting near Sacramento and the Bay Area for good reason. From Chili Bar to the Lower Gorge, every section combines thrills and tranquility, ensuring fun for everyone from ages 7 to 100. The South Fork’s blend of exciting rapids, stunning scenery, and rich history makes it a standout rafting destination. Here’s why:

Perfect for All Skill Levels: With its gentle Class
II sections and splashy Class III rapids, it’s ideal
for families, beginners, and those seeking
moderate thrills.
Scenic Beauty: Paddle through a breathtaking
canyon filled with rolling hills, oak-lined
riverbanks, and historic Gold Rush landmarks.

Convenience: Its central location near Sacramento,
Lake Tahoe, and the Bay Area makes it an
accessible escape for adventurers of all ages.
Guaranteed Fun: Thanks to controlled water
releases, the river flows consistently from April
through October, ensuring fun and reliable rafting
conditions.
Customizable Trips: Choose from half-day, fullday,
or multi-day adventures tailored to your
group’s needs.

trip

FINDER

class 4

MIDDLE FORK

class 4/5

NORTH FORK

what to

EXPECT

Your rafting adventure begins at Camp Lotus, our riverside base in Coloma, CA. After meeting your expert guides and gearing up with all necessary equipment, you’ll receive a safety briefing to prepare for the day ahead.

EXCITING RAPIDS

The South Fork’s rapids range from splashy Class II waves to heart-pounding Class III drops. Highlights include:
Meatgrinder: A thrilling start to your adventure.
Troublemaker: A crowd favorite for its fun, technical challenge.
Satan’s Cesspool: A splashy and exhilarating ride through a series of waves.
Hospital Bar: A fast-paced finale before you float into the calm waters near Folsom Lake.

STUNNING SCENERY

As you paddle, you’ll pass through lush canyons, historic sites like the James Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, and serene pools perfect for swimming and relaxing.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

The South Fork’s accessible rapids and supportive guides make it ideal for kids, teens, and first-time rafters. Create
unforgettable memories with your loved ones in this beautiful natural setting.

planning your

ADVENTURE

WHEN TO GO RAFTING

Rafting season runs from April to October, with consistent flows guaranteed by upstream dams. Spring offers higher water levels for added thrills, while summer and fall provide warm weather and family-friendly conditions.

WHERE TO STAY

Extend your adventure with a stay at Camp Lotus, featuring:

Riverside camping with amenities like showers and picnic areas.
Cozy cabin rentals for added comfort.
Includes proximity to local attractions, including wineries, breweries, and hiking trails.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Make your trip even more memorable with activities like:

Gold Rush History: Explore James Marshall Gold Discovery State Park and try your hand at gold panning.
Wine Tasting: Visit award-winning, world-class wineries, in El Dorado County.
Hiking and Biking: Discover scenic trails in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Fishing: Enjoy world-class fishing along the riverbanks.

who is the

SOUTH FORK FOR?

THE SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER IS IDEAL FOR:

Families: Create lasting memories with your kids in a fun and safe environment.
Beginners: Experience the joy of whitewater rafting with just the right level of
challenge.
Thrill-Seekers: Tackle exciting rapids like Satan’s Cesspool and Troublemaker.
Groups: From corporate team-building events to bachelor/bachelorette parties, our customizable trips are perfect for any occasion.

why raft with

WET?

With over 40 years of experience, WET River Trips is the trusted leader in South Fork American River rafting. We’re passionate about providing safe, exciting, and memorable adventures. Here’s what sets us apart:

Expert Guides: Our guides are the heart and soul of Raft WET. They bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for whitewater rafting that’s infectious. Trained to the highest safety standards, they’re here to ensure you have a fun and safe journey down the river. Their stories, humor, and expertise make each trip unique and memorable. Our highly trained team ensures your safety
while sharing fascinating stories about the river’s history and ecology. Our experienced guides are dedicated to making your trip fun, safe, and unforgettable.
Customizable Options: From half-day trips to multi-day adventures, we’ll help you create the perfect outing.
One-of-A-Kind Add-Ons: The only outfitter in California that offers Video Packages with front and back facing cameras to
capture all of the excitement and your faces as you tackle the rapids.
Extras: Gourmet meals, videos, and overnight camping options.
Top-Quality Equipment: From life jackets to paddles, we provide everything you need for a seamless experience.
All-Inclusive Service: We provide everything you need, including top-quality gear, gourmet meals, and optional camping at
Camp Lotus.
Family-Owned Expertise: With over 40 years of experience, we’re proud to be a trusted name in California rafting.
Exceptional Reviews: Guests love our friendly guides, delicious meals, and attention to detail.

reviews from

HAPPY RAFTERS

RAFTERS”Our family had an amazing timerafting the South Fork American River!The guides were knowledgeable, fun,and made us feel safe the entiretime.”—

Mary T., Sacramento, CA

“We’ve rafted with WET three times,and the South Fork is always afavorite. The guides are the best!”—

Ellie F., San Francisco, CA

“WET River Trips provided anunforgettable experience for ourgroup. From the rapids to the riversidelunch, everything was perfect!”—

Sarah P., Roseville, CA

additional

INFORMATION

WHERE IS THE SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER?

The South Fork is located in Coloma, CA, just:
45 minutes from Sacramento
1.5 hours from Lake Tahoe
2 hours from the Bay Area
It’s convenient location makes it an ideal destination for water rafting near the Bay Area, a day trip from Sacramento, or a longer stay to explore the region’s rich history and outdoor activities.

WHEN TO GO RAFTING ON THE SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER?

Rafting season runs from April to October, with guaranteed
water flows thanks to controlled releases from upstream
reservoirs. Here’s what to expect:
Spring (April– Early June): Higher flows and vibrant wildflowers make this a thrilling time to raft.
Summer (Late June–August): Warm weather and splashy rapids provide the perfect escape from the heat.
Fall (September): Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
create a peaceful rafting experience.

Ready for an unforgettable day experiencing the best of white water rafting nearSacramento? Whether you’re planning a fun family outing, a thrilling day on the river, ora relaxing weekend at Camp Lotus, WET River Trips has the perfect adventure waitingfor you, whether you’re searching for day trips near me, a team-building event, or aunique family outing. White water rafting near Sacramento has never been moreexciting!

Whether you’re seeking an exciting day trip, a relaxing weekend getaway, or anaction-packed family adventure, the South Fork American River has something foreveryone. Don’t wait to experience the beauty, excitement, and history of California’sfavorite whitewater destination.

With trips starting at $79, there’s an option for every budget. Secure your spot on theSouth Fork American River today!

South Fork

of the American River

21

RIVER MILES

7

MINIMUM AGE

3

RAPID CLASS