South Fork American River Rafting

Whitewater rafting on California’s most popular river, the South Fork of the American.

Whitewater Rafting on the South Fork of the American is great for first timers and river lovers alike. This river is the most popular option for California river rafters for good reason. Ages 6 to 96 are welcome for this classic trip down the river. 1/2 day, full day and overnight trips are all available with us at H2O Adventures.

Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Trips on the South Fork of the American River

The most popular option on the South Fork of the American. For those looking for for a shorter but still memorable and exciting whitewater rafting experience. Please note, less time on the water does not mean we sacrifice any of the opportunities to have a whole lot of FUN.

Learn More >

Full Day Whitewater Rafting Trips on the South Fork of the American River

Full-Day (21 Miles)

Want to see the whole 21 miles in a day? Well this is your trip! You will conqueror rapids such as Troublemaker, Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar all while enjoying the fulfillment of a full day floating down the South Fork of the American. Trips meet at 8:15am and you are typically back to your cars around 4:00pm. Lunch and refreshments are provided at our riverside campground.

Learn More >

1-Day Rafting Trip on the South Fork of the American River

1-Day (13 Miles)

The 1-Day trip on the Gorge section is a classic California whitewater run that people keep coming back to paddle. While not as physically demanding as the Full-Day 21 Mile trip, the 1-Day trip is a popular and scenic 13 miles of river will have you experiencing rapids such as Highway 49, Satan’s Cespool and Hospital Bar. Lunch is included at our private riverside campground and from there is all downstream to the final destination at the tail end of Folsom Lake.

Learn More >

Overnight Rafting Multi-Day Options - American River

Can’t get enough whitewater? Experience the entire South Fork of the American River, the best way possible, with a multi-day experience. Day one begins with the lower 11 miles. Wind down the day and relax around the campfire that evening at our riverside campground where meal options (dinner, breakfast, lunch the second day) can be added on, making the experience completely customizable. The second day starts off with whitewater in the morning as you raft the upper chili bar stretch down to camp.

CALL TO DISCUSS MULTI-DAY OPTIONS ON THE South fork of the American RIVER AT: 530.277.3433 AND GET STARTED CREATING YOUR 'BEST DAY EVER EXPERIENCE' TODAY.

Combination Trips

Any of our rivers trips have the option to create a custom multi-day experience with another river trip the next day. Options to add riverside camping, prepared meals, and more! Contact us today to begin planning your custom best day ever experience.

Tales of South Fork American River Rafting

The American River originates from the Sierra Nevada mountains, where snow and ice melt into the river’s water, flowing into three distinctive forks: North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork, before later merging to join the Sacramento River. 

The American River has become a source of joy for many families and friends rafting American River South Fork, Middle Fork and North Fork. With each fork offering something unique to raft riders, the American River is considered California’s favorite whitewater river by Golden State natives and tourists alike. We consider South Fork American River floating a wonderful way to bring people together from near and far.

Many stories have been created and shared along this river, especially those on rafting trips on the South Fork American River.  

South Fork American River rafting in California is a great way to make new memories while exploring the state’s Gold Rush history. A South Fork American River rafting trip gives you the opportunity to experience the fork where gold was first discovered in the state. While you never step in the same water twice and are not likely to find gold there, the South Fork American River in California is the spot in 1848 that set off the state’s Gold Rush and it is known for bringing people together, as the largest mass migration in American history. 

We won’t promise you gold but rafting the American River’s South Fork is a way to get a rush and create your South Fork tales.