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The South Fork of the American River in the heart of Gold Rush Country, is the most popular river trip in California and one of the most popular whitewater adventures in the United States. In between Sacramento, and Lake Tahoe in Coloma California, the South Fork is ideally located near San Francisco. With over 30 thrilling white water rapids, the 21-mile Class 3 section of the South Fork American River between Placerville and Folsom, Ca. offers the ideal environment for families, friends, and nervous first-timers to be introduced to the fun of white water rafting in a safe yet exhilarating environment, as well as ample opportunities to spice things up for whitewater veterans or thrill seekers looking for a little more excitement. With 9 different trip options as well as the option to create your own custom trip, a white water rafting trip with WET River Trips on the South Fork will give any group what they are looking for in a river tour and more.
One of the original American River rafting companies, family-owned and operated for almost 50 years, we here at WET River Trips have the experience, knowledge, and expertise to provide an unbelievable experience and lifetime memories for each and every group and type of guest. In addition to the multiple trip options we offer on the South Fork American River, we also offer camping, extra meals, photos, and videos to customize your trip if you would like.
With WET’s expertise, and all of these options in addition to the hiking, biking, and fishing along the South Fork, and local wineries & breweries, the South Fork American River provides the perfect opportunity for any group or event.
Whether you are a family looking to create wonderful memories with your children outdoors, a business looking for a team-building experience, a boy scout or girl scout troop working on earning your merit badges (we have certified merit badge counselors), or a bachelor or bachelorette party looking for a fun, bonding activity to celebrate the big event, the South Fork of the American River and WET River Trips is the place for you!
The South Fork is a beginner to intermediate Class 3 white water rafting river, perfect for anyone from ages 7 to 100+ to experience the joy of white water rafting. With periods of relaxation floating down the river interspersed with moments of sheer exhilaration as you take on fun-filled rapids, the South Fork American River is a perfect river tour to bring together any group with just the right level of excitement!
We offer 9 different rafting experiences, ranging from half-day to multi-day river trips, covering 10 to 21 miles, on the South Fork of the American River plus the ability to customize your experience. Or you can combine any of our South Fork white water rafting trips with a Middle Fork, North Fork American, or North Yuba river trip for a truly thrilling, unique, and memorable multi-day white water adventure.
With all of these options, a rafting trip with WET River Trips on the South Fork American River is ideal for families, friends, corporate groups, scouts, church groups, school groups, bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Rafting season on the South Fork American River starts April 1 and goes until October 1. Thanks to the Federal contracts that the dams on the South Fork operate under, we are guaranteed recreational flows for white water rafting trips no matter if California is in a severe drought or we have a large snowpac
The South Fork is typically slightly higher and runs a little stronger in the spring (depending on the amount of snow we have received over the winter) than in the summer. The different flows, combined with the amazing wildflower displays and fewer crowds make spring rafting on the South Fork of the American an unbelievable experience for those looking for a slightly more exciting white water adventure.
The guaranteed releases from the dams give us great recreational water levels all summer long. These river levels make for exciting and fun rapids that you will enjoy getting splashed in during the hot summer months
The most popular times for white water rafting trips on the South Fork American River are Saturdays from mid-July to mid-August. Those dates can sell out quickly, so we recommend you book your trip early if you want to come on one of those Saturdays.Â
If you want a truly unique, unencumbered, full experience we recommend you book your river trip for a mid-week (or even Sundays) date.
The South Fork is just a short drive east of Sacramento or west of Lake Tahoe and an easy 2-hour drive from the Bay Area (depending on traffic). Located in the historic Gold Rush town of Coloma, California, you can float by the exact location the gold was 1st discovered as you raft through the James Marshall Gold Discovery State Park on the South Fork of the American River.
Centrally located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills, there is a lot to do in and around Coloma, California. WET River Trips has our own large private site within the beautiful privately owned Camp Lotus campground, conveniently located on the South Fork American River, just 1 mile from the James Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. If you decide to extend your trip by staying with us, or renting 1 of Camp Lotus’s luxury cabins, or any of the accommodations in the area, you can explore the Gold Rush History and try gold panning for yourself in the James Marshall Gold Discovery State Park and Museum, visit any of the many excellent wineries in the surrounding El Dorado Wine Country, or explore the beautiful Hiking, Biking, and Equestrian Trails in the area. The El Dorado Visitors Authority has a great site with lots of information about the South Fork of the American River and the surrounding area
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
