South Fork American River White Water Rafting

Whitewater rafting in California on the South Fork American River whitewater rafting website. We hope this will be a useful whitewater resource for all boaters, rafters, outdoor lovers, and armchair adventurers alike. This site provides information, maps, and pictures of the river, information on local campgrounds and businesses, directions to the river, as well as a link for those who would like to utilize the services of a professional outfitter.

The South Fork American River, California's most popular whitewater rafting river resource. Over 100,000 people tackle it's thrilling rapids each and every year. Located in the heart of Gold Country, the South Fork American provides a thrilling experience suitable for families and kids from 7 to 75. This great river is just a couple of hours from the Bay Area and San Francisco, and only 40 minutes from Sacramento.

Starting just downstream of the Chili Bar Dam, this river drops through a remote, steep-walled canyon cut through metamorphic volcanic rocks. Numerous Class III (intermediate) rapids await you culminating five miles later with Trouble Maker rapid in the Coloma Valley. The next four miles provide a series of beautiful and scenic Class II rapids through the heart of the Coloma Lotus Valley before plunging back into Class III section known as the Gorge. Both the Chili Bar run and Gorge run become considerably more difficult above 3000 cfs (a quantitative measurement gauging one cubic foot of water passing an imaginary stationary mark on the river each second). However, both runs are tough enough even at low and moderate levels to warrant inexperienced boaters to consider the services of a professional outfitter. Generally, such outfitters provide all food, gear and shuttles as part of their services.

Feel free to browse our free site to learn more about this beautiful resource. The following pages will give you access to a detailed river map, river flow information, photos, useful links and even the current and predicted weather for the area. Enjoy and see you on the river!

This site was created by and operated by the nice folks at Adventure Connection Inc.

Other California Rivers: Kaweah River, Middle Fork North Fork American Rivers, Guide School