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The Gorge - South Fork American River - Half Day Rafting
This adventure isn't instantly bookable online, but may still be available
Pricing
Ages 14+
Ages 7+
Ages 7+
Description
South Fork American River Rafting Trip – Class III "The Gorge" (Half-Day)
The Gorge Section offers an exciting half-day rafting adventure on the South Fork of the American River - our most popular trip for families and first-time rafters. This 14-mile, 3.5-hour stretch features a mix of fun Class II rapids to start, followed by exciting Class III whitewater in the canyon that gives this section its name.
Your trip begins with a scenic float from our beautiful riverside campground, where splashy Class II rapids keep things lively as you soak in the stunning surroundings. Midway through the trip, we stop at a secluded riverside lunch spot, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet deli-style lunch with a selection of meats, cheeses, fresh bread, and an array of vegetables and toppings.
After lunch, the river narrows, and the excitement builds as you enter The Gorge, tackling a series of legendary Class III rapids, including Fowler’s Rock, Satan’s Cesspool, Bouncing Rock, and Hospital Bar. The trip wraps up with a smooth float to the take-out point, where you can relive the adventure by browsing photos and souvenirs at our camp store.
Upgrade to the Wild Side Trip
Want to take your rafting experience to the next level? Upgrade to our Wild Side Trip, where you'll paddle in a smaller, 12-foot raft with just four passengers for maximum maneuverability. Led by one of our top-rated guides, your private boat experience can be customized just for you. You want flips and spills? You got it! You want to hit the waves hard and get soaked? No problem! Our top-tier guides have no shortage of tricks they’d love to show you. Either way, you’ll experience the river like never before!
To upgrade: just leave us a note in the comments at checkout, and we'll reach out to you! The cost will be $20.00 per person to upgrade to a Wild-Side Trip.
Duration
3.5 hours on the water | 14 miles
The total trip duration, including check-in, shuttle, rafting, and lunch, is approximately 5-6 hours from start to finish.
Location / Where to Meet
Ages & Requirements
Ages 7+
Minimum weight: 50 lbs
What's Included
- Professional guides
- All rafting equipment – Paddle, helmet, life jacket, and wetsuit (if needed)
- Gourmet deli-style lunch – A selection of meats, cheeses, fresh bread, and a variety of toppings
- Shuttle to and from the river put-in/take-out points
Not Included
- Guide gratuity
- Photos & souvenirs – Available for purchase 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?
No - this is a beginner-friendly trip, great for first-timers and experienced rafters alike!
What class rapids will we encounter on this section of the American River?
The Gorge section of the South Fork American River features Class II-III rapids, including exciting drops and waves, but nothing too extreme—perfect for a fun, adventurous ride.
Do I need to know how to swim?
While knowing how to swim is helpful and highly recommended, it is not required. All participants wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and guides will provide a safety briefing before the trip.
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. Professional photos will be available for purchase after the trip.
Is lunch included?
Yes! After the trip, we provide a BBQ lunch, including cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chips, salsa, and all the fixings. We can also accommodate dietary restrictions - 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.
How do I upgrade to the Wild Side trip?
Leave us a note in the comments at checkout, and we'll reach out to you! The cost will be $20.00 per person to upgrade to a Wild-Side Trip.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions at lunch?
Yes - no problem! Just let us know in the designated space at checkout.
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
Availability
There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options
Reviews
Location
Address
6260 Hwy 49
Lotus, CA, 95651
US
ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT
This adventure isn't instantly bookable online, but may still be available