North Fork American River Rafting Trip

Guided

Duration: 4 hours

Coloma

Features

Shuttle Included

Instant Book

Locally Owned

$229 Person (Monday-Friday)

(Ages 14+)

$249 Person (Saturday & Sunday)

(Ages 14+)

Description

North Fork American River (Chamberlain Falls) Whitewater Rafting Trip

The “North Fork” is the quintessential Class IV run due to its clear water and steep, challenging drops. The scenery is top notch and the spring wildflowers are unmatched. This is the best one-day run in California because it has everything: clear water, great rapids, a spectacular canyon, and the occasional jaw-dropping wildflower display.

The Chamberlain Falls section is by far the most popular on the North Fork, best known for challenging rapids with good-sized drops that require precise maneuvering. The exciting part of the run is from the Iowa Hill Bridge to the Yankee Jim Road, which is five miles long and has a gradient of 44 feet per mile. The most exciting rapids are Chamberlain Falls, Bogus Thunder, and Staircase.

After the first non-stop 5-Miles, we stop and relax while we have an amazing, gourmet deli lunch with options on different lunch meats, cheeses and breads. After lunch you continue down another 5 miles of fun Class III rapids, giving you a chance to soak in the beauty, and reflect on the awesomeness of what you just rafted, making your way on down to the take-out at Ponderosa Way.

Duration

4 hours on the water | 10 miles

Total trip duration, including check-in, shuttle, rafting, and lunch, is approximately 6 hours from start to finish

Location / Where to Meet

Action Whitewater

6260 Hwy 49,
Lotus California 95651

The shuttle is about 45 minutes each way from Coloma.

Ages & Requirements

Ages 14+
Prior rafting experience is recommended but not required
Participants should be physically active and comfortable in moving water
Good swimming ability required

What's Included

Professional guide
All rafting equipment – Paddle, helmet, life jacket, and wetsuit (if needed)
Gourmet deli lunch – Build-your-own sandwiches with meats, cheeses, veggies, and all the fixings
Shuttle to and from the river put-in/take-out points

Not Included

Guide gratuity
Photos & souvenirs available – Purchase trip photos and keepsakes at our camp store

What to Bring/Wear

Quick-drying clothing – Avoid cotton; opt for synthetic or wool materials
Secure swimwear or shorts – Board shorts or athletic wear that dries quickly
Secure footwear – Water shoes, sandals with straps (like Tevas or Chacos), or old sneakers (no flip-flops)
Sunglasses with a retainer strap
Sunscreen
Change of clothes & towel – For after the trip

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Action Whitewater

FAQs

Is previous experience required?

This is an intermediate trip with Class III-IV rapids, and previous experience is strongly recommended. If you have never rafted before, we recommend starting with a trip on the South Fork American River.

What class rapids will we encounter?

The North Fork features Class III-IV rapids, appropriate for intermediate and experienced rafters.

Do we need to know how to swim?

Yes, participants must be able to swim.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Rafting trips run rain or shine. However, in the rare case of extreme weather or unsafe river conditions, we may reschedule or cancel the trip with a full refund.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

We recommend leaving valuables behind, as they can easily get lost or damaged.

Is lunch included?

Yes, we provide a gourmet deli lunch – build-your-own sandwiches with meats, cheeses, veggies, and all the fixings

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions at lunch?

Yes - no problem! Just let us know in the designated space at checkout.

Should I tip my guide?

Tipping is not required but greatly appreciated. If you had a great experience, 10% - 20% of the trip cost is a good guideline.

Is there camping available at your headquarters?

Yes! We have on-site camping at our Motherlode River Center Campgrounds. Just let us know in the comments at checkout that you're interested in camping, and we'll reach out to you.

Camping Pricing: Space: $30/night per person – you provide and set up your own equipment. Standard: $40/night per person – we provide and set up a tent, sleeping pad & camp chair. Deluxe: $45/night per person – we provide and set up a tent, sleeping pad & camp chair as well as a freshly laundered sleeping bag. Parking: There is a $5.00/night parking fee at our South Fork Camp.

What is the best day of the week to go rafting?

We recommend rafting mid-week whenever possible! Our mid-week pricing is slightly discounted, and there will be much fewer people on the river, making for a more intimate and pristine experience.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds for cancellations with 30+ days notice prior to date of trip will be assessed a 15% processing fee.

Cancellations with less than 30 days' notice will not receive a refund and may be assessed a cancellation/rescheduling fee of $30/person.

Availability

April 2025

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Reviews

Location

Address

6260 Hwy 49

Lotus, CA, 95651

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