The South Fork of the American River offers lively, exciting whitewater rapids from April through Labor Day. The South Fork is California’s most popular whitewater rafting river. It’s wild, wet and fun for all ages!
Commercial whitewater rafting outfitters offer a wide variety of river experiences. Looking for wilderness camping? Bed and breakfast? Budget brown bag lunch? Fine wines and gourmet meals? Half-day or two-day overnight? Bus from Sacramento, the Bay Area, South Lake Tahoe, Reno, or even Los Angeles? Prices vary a lot depending on the amenities, so shop until you find what best suits your group. Please contact the outfitters directly to get more information and make your reservations.
What you can expect from any outfitter is to provide experienced guides and all the necessary equipment, including rafts, paddles, and life jackets. You’ll need to bring sunscreen, rugged “wettable” clothes, old tennis shoes, a hat that can be tied to your head, and a gung-ho attitude. See our Gearing Up page for more information.
Watch the action on our new Troublemaker webcam!
Whitewater Rafting Outfitters
American River RecreationProviding high quality rafting trips since 1979. We offer trips for all skill levels. Family friendly floats start at just $49. Same day reservations welcomed. 1/4-day to 4-day trips available. 800-333-7238, 530-622-6802
WET River TripsCalifornia whitewater rafting with W.E.T. River Trips since 1978 with professional guides for groups, scouts, families and custom packages. 888 RAFT-WET, 888-723-8938
O.A.R.S. American River RaftingSince 1969, O.A.R.S. has set the unforgettable standard in whitewater rafting adventures on over 35 rivers of the world. 1/2-day to 3 day trips in California range from easy to epic. 800-346-6277
Tributary Whitewater ToursWhitewater rafting on the 3 forks of the American River and many others. Special trips where kids raft half-price and other discounts available. Express runs to 3+ days. April-September. 800-672-3846
Mother Lode River TripsCelebrating 40 years of leadership in Whitewater Rafting and stewardship on the American River. Enjoy our zip-line at the premier multi-sport River Center on the West Coast. 530-626-4187
American Whitewater ExpeditionsOffering fun, exciting, rafting adventures on 3 Forks of the American River since 1980. Best value guaranteed! 1/2 , 1 and 2 day trips include camping, pool and Wi-Fi. Generous Discounts. 800-825-3205, 530-642-0804
All-Outdoors California Whitewater RaftingOne of California’s few original outfitters with over 50 years experience rafting ten California rivers. More people choose All-Outdoors making us the largest, most experienced outfitter on the American Rivers. 800-247-2387
Beyond Limits AdventuresOur fabulous riverfront camp resort provides the most deluxe rafting experience in the west. We specialize in custom itineraries. Prices start at $65 pp, groups of 6 or more get a 20% discount. 800-234-7238
Whitewater ExcitementAmerican River Rafting Specialists since 1978. Half day trips from $79. Family friendly. 1/2 day to 3-day trips available from mild to wild. 800-750-2386
Adventure ConnectionSafe, affordable 1/2, 1 and 2-day trips suitable for kids 7-75. Call this morning and be rafting this afternoon. (800) 556-6060
EarthTrek ExpeditionsMild to wild whitewater rafting trips American River since 1977. Beautiful private river front camp with grass lawn, game areas and large deluxe cabin tents. Generous group and family discounts. 800-229-8735
Whitewater ConnectionWhitewater Connection offers exciting 1/2-day, one-day and 2-day whitewater trips for beginners to advanced paddlers. Beautiful scenery, best river front campground in the valley! An abundance of FUN! 800-336-7238
River Otter AdventuresCalifornia Whitewater Rafting Trips that are safe, fun and affordable! Same day trips available! You are a river person! otterpeople@yahoo.com (530) 642-0211, (530) 334-0249
Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC)Opens the beauty and challenge of the great outdoors to people with disabilities, youth, families, and supportive businesses. Every year, more than 1,000 people join ETC rafting trips on the South Fork of the American River. (415) 474-7662 x15, (530) 642-8189
- Action Whitewater Adventures
We have new gear, an amazing international staff, and we love what we do. Youth specialists. 1-7 day excursions. 888-922-8466
- ARTA River Trips
Friendly guides, healthy food, family style. South Fork, Middle Fork, Guide School. Since 1963. 800-323-2782
- Mariah Wilderness Expeditions
Rafting trips, top quality and safe, on South and Middle Forks of the American River. 800-462-7424 or 530-626-6049
- River Runners
There really is a difference, let us show you! Customer Centered and Family Friendly Whitewater Rafting. 800-818-7238
- Rock-N-Water
Christian Adventure Camp designed for youth groups. An assortment of 1 to 5 day adventures. 800-738-0555
- Rubicon Adventures
Rubicon believes in direct passenger participation during your river adventure. Whitewater rafting specialists since 1972. 707-887-2452 or 707-477-4037
