North Fork American
"The North Fork is magnificent! What a great run!" R.G.,Ross, CA
A Thrilling Advanced Whitewater Challenge!
Central California, One hour east of Sacramento near Auburn
Difficulty: Class IV, Advanced: Medium-High Intensity Whitewater
Available Daily, April to June (Depending on water levels)
Trips: 1 DAY: 11 miles (depending on water levels); lunch
Minimum Age: 14 years old
Plummeting out of the Desolation Valley basin near Lake Tahoe lies the free-flowing North Fork American River with some of California's most exciting springtime technical rapids. From the moment we enter the river, the ride is challenging and exciting. The upper stretch of river has an average gradient drop of 50' per mile through a steep and narrow granite canyon for spectacular whitewater and great vistas -- when we have a moment! Turns are tight and technical; Chamberlain Falls is a thrilling drop!
Rafters ready for the North Fork are in good physical condition and possess prior Class IV paddling experience. We will cover advanced paddling, safety, and swimming techniques before beginning our run. Wet suits are required and are included in the price of the trip. Then get ready for an adrenaline-rush day full of surprises and thrills.
One-Day Trips
» Trip Details/Itineraries [PDF]
We meet in the town of Auburn for our one-day North Fork trip. Meeting time varies from early morning to mid-day depending on our put-in time on the river. After check-in we'll drive to the put-in where you will receive a safety orientation and review paddling techniques with your guides. The river leaps into intense rapids from the start with almost continuous class 4 runs for the first five miles. Depending on water levels we may scout one of the biggest drops, Chamberlain Falls for the best run. Lunch on the riverbank will give us a chance to relax and enjoy the stark beauty of this stunning canyon. Then we'll run more rapids, and relax as we float through the lower section in awe of where we've been and what we've done!
Two-Day South Fork/North Fork Combo
» Trip Details/Itineraries [PDF]
Difficulty: Class III-IV, April-June
Trip: 2 DAYS, Two Rivers, 32 miles; 2 nights of camping, 5 meals
The chance to combine another river with the North Fork for an outstanding two-day adventure happens each spring! Combine the Gorge Run of the South Fork American with a North Fork run for a springtime extravaganza! Camp at our South Fork camp for two nights, enjoying the "outdoor living" of our wilderness setting.
North Fork/Middle Fork Two-Day Combo
» Trip Details/Itineraries [PDF]
Difficulty: Class IV-V, May-Early June (depending on water levels)
Trip: 2 DAYS, Two Rivers, 29 miles; 2 nights of camping, 5 meals
Two Rivers, 29 miles; 2 days rafting, 2 nights of camping, 5 meals
New for 2004! Here is the chance to get an intermediate and advanced river in this rocking combo! Available only in May, and possibly early June, depending on water levels.
This combo gives you the opportunity to get in a lot of river miles while experiencing great intermediate and advanced level rapids. Meet us at our South Fork American campsite the night prior to your trip where you will camp both nights. We raft both the North Fork and the Middle Fork of the American, enjoying the area's most challenging rapids on this two-day extravaganza!
