South Fork Rafting (Class III)

Finally! An affordable white water rafting trip on the beautiful South Fork of the American River. We'll experience an afternoon of sunshine, wild rapids, spectacular scenery, and the joy of being with fun people! No previous experience is necessary. Minimum age is 9 years. There are three options on the South Fork American, as follows:

"The Gorge": This classic section of the scenic American River offers beautiful views of the canyon walls with some wet and wild fun. Your trip starts with training on rafting technique and river safety. The beautiful gorge offers class II and III rapids such as Fowler's Rock, Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar. A typical day on the gorge is approximately 3 to 4 hours.

"Chili Bar": Starting at the Chili Bar Dam and ending in Coloma, this Class II and III section includes rapids such as Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, and Troublemaker. Approximate time for this section of river is about 3 hours.

"Full River": This is a Chili Bar/Gorge combination that takes approximately 7 hours. Available on a reservation basis only. $175 per person.

**NOTICE**
Water flows in the South Fork American River result from releases from hydro-electric facilities located upstream. Such water releases are not subject to the control of El Dorado County or commercial rafting companies operating under permits from the County of El Dorado.

South Fork Overnight Rafting

Experience the entire South Fork of the American River on this two day rafting trip! You'll raft both the lower section, 'The Gorge', with rapids like Fowler's Rock, Satan's Cesspool, and Hospital Bar and the upper section, 'Chile Bar', with rapids like Racehorse Bend, Triple Threat and Trouble Maker! Between trips, you'll camp next to the river beneath the stars at Camp Lotus. We'll meet you at Camp Lotus. Price includes river shuttle transportation, gear, river guides and some meals.

Raft Guide School

Peak Adventures raft guide school is open to everyone, not just students. For some, this training is an ideal way to have fun on a week long river trip in California’s gold country; for others, it is a way to develop leadership skills, and perhaps open the door to a profitable and thrilling seasonal job.

Peak Adventures' raft guide school is high-quality, friendly and personal. By the end of this fun, but intense training week, you will have a clear understanding of what is needed to successfully guide a 14' boat with up to 7 passengers down a Class III river. You and your fellow guide trainees will also learn about group dynamics and how to lead groups both on and off the water.

Freshmen Float Rafting (Class III)

"The Gorge": This classic section of the scenic American River offers beautiful views of the canyon walls with some wet and wild fun. Your trip starts with training on rafting technique and river safety. The beautiful gorge offers class II and III rapids such as Fowler's Rock, Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar. A typical day on the gorge is approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Peak Adventures is able to provide transportation from Sac State.

This trip is limited to incoming Sac State Freshmen.

Middle Fork Rafting (Class IV)

If you have already run the South Fork and you are looking to take it up a notch, then you should try this thrilling whitewater run! The trip starts below Oxbow reservoir with an immediate dowsing on 5 miles of thrilling class III and IV water.

Along the way we pass the site of the Horseshoe Bend river diversion where 19th century miners blasted a new river channel through the mountain ridge, allowing us an incredible thirty yard float underground.

The next 8-9 miles gives us a steady gentle float through solitary canyons spotted with quartz, evergreens, and echoes of our '49er heritage.

The calm is abruptly ended with class IV drop called Chunder followed by a portage around the unrunnable Ruck-A-Chucky. The final 2-3 miles are an adrenaline rush through continuous class IV water.

Previous paddling experience is suggested for this river.

We collaborate with River and Rock Adventures for this river trip. Check out their web site HERE

Call to book your rafting trip today!