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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.
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.
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.
13384 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603
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.
Drive Times:
Sacramento Area: Approximately 45 mins
San Francisco: Approximately 2 hours
EXCELLENT Based on 323 reviews Posted on Google Ready HospitalityApril 21, 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did a Bachelor Party and had a blast! We were one of the few groups on the river due to the poor weather, but it just made it that much more enjoyable. We had Johnny and Walker as guides and they had such electric personalities, I don't think we could have had a better time.Posted on Google Luis GuzmánApril 9, 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience with this rafting company! The ride itself was incredibly fun, and the scenery along the river was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. We did the full-day South Fork American River trip, and the rapids were exciting without ever feeling dangerous, which made the experience perfect for both thrill and comfort. A big highlight of the trip was our guide, Wyatt. He did an excellent job explaining everything we needed to know in great detail and made sure we felt safe and prepared the entire time. He was also very patient and accommodating, always willing to consider our requests as long as they were reasonable. That really made the experience feel more personal and enjoyable. The lunch provided was also delicious, which was a great bonus after spending time on the river. Overall, I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a fun, scenic, and well-organized adventure. Definitely worth it!Posted on Google Robert McPeekApril 4, 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing trip, did the whole day on the North Fork American River! Excellent guides and amazing views! Awesome ride with experienced folks!Posted on Google Diane MeredithFebruary 14, 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best River Guides Ever👌 I only raft with them. Have been for years!! Ladies, want to feel safe and secure? Choose WET. Wanna learn about and see nature's raw habitat while rafting? Choose WET! Okay, get out there and have some fun!Posted on Google Daniel AlonsoSeptember 28, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did the Chili Bar in a group of 4 with some first-timers. Fun ride! Felt safe and the folks in the front got very wet! Logan was a great guide. Fun conversation and good sense of humor.Posted on Google Michael HairSeptember 27, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. These guys are smaller and very personal, WAY better experience than the bigger companies I’ve rafted with. They came highly recommended by a good friend who used to be a river guide himself, so greatful for the recommendation!!! Highly recommend!!!Posted on Google TR LSeptember 14, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Will was a fantastic guide! First time rafting and felt safe. Will definitely recommend. Thank you for a great time!Posted on Google Robert OstmannSeptember 10, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible all-day trip on Lower Fork. MJ was an excellent guide offering us a full range of experiences from relaxing to wild. Such a fun day! Ready for Middle Fork!😆Posted on Google Yuliana RiosSeptember 6, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience and team, they were very professional, experienced and responsible. Plus they provided meals, snacks, water and drinks.Posted on Google Steven QuigleySeptember 2, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very amazing people. 3rd trip and they killed it in every area as always.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