South Fork American River Rafting Express Trip
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Need a quick adventure fix? This classic California whitewater rafting trip on the upper 8-mile Chili Bar stretch of the South Fork of the American River offers several hours of rafting for novice and experienced rafters alike. You’ll maneuver through boulder gardens, dodge sneaky holes, and drop into exciting Class III rapids like Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, and Troublemaker (which definitely has the potential to live up to its name). In the calmer stretches, simply bask in the beauty of the scenic Sierra Foothills, or take the opportunity to hop off of the raft and feel the rush of swimming a “swimmer’s rapid.”
About an hour from Sacramento, and just an hour and a half from Lake Tahoe, this quick getaway has you rafting on the American River in the morning and back in time for lunch and plenty of time to venture on to your next destination.
Available options
South Fork American River Rafting Express Trip
What's included
Skilled, professional guide service
High-quality river equipment including paddle, helmet, personal flotation device, and wetsuits and splash tops (included on early and late season trips, cold weather trips, and by advance request)
Transfer to the river put-in from our campground
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
You’ll meet at the OARS American River Outpost on the morning of your trip. After an orientation and safety talk, we’ll take a 25-minute drive to the Chili Bar put-in.
Meatgrinder Rapid is the exciting start to the splashy, big-water fun on the upper section of the South Fork. As beautiful river scenes stretch out around us, rapids like Racehorse Bend, Maya, and Triple Threat await us further downstream.
After a short section of Class I-II whitewater, we find ourselves at the notorious Troublemaker Rapid. This Class III rapid packs an exhilarating ride and can offer plenty of surprises. As we float by the historic town of Coloma and the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, the trip begins to wind down—but not without a few more stories from your personable and knowledgeable guide.
Once we return to the Outpost, we encourage you to explore our nature trails, play campground games, or just savor your time along the river.
What's not included
Gratuities
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please call to speak with an Adventure Consultant if you have any health concerns
Meeting point
Our entrance is adjacent to where Hwy 49 crosses the river and the River Park shopping center. Roads around here are winding, so please be sure to allow for plenty of travel time.
About Sacramento
Sacramento, the capital of California, is a vibrant city where rich history meets modern culture. Known for its lush parks, diverse culinary scene, and proximity to Napa Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions.
Top Attractions
California State Capitol Museum
The California State Capitol Museum offers a glimpse into the state's political history. Visitors can tour the historic Capitol building, beautiful gardens, and the Capitol Museum, which features exhibits on California's history and government.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento is a historic district with cobblestone streets, wooden sidewalks, and historic buildings. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions, including the Delta King Riverboat and the Sacramento History Museum.
Historical
Half day
Varies by attraction
Crocker Art Museum
The Crocker Art Museum is one of the leading art institutions in California. It houses an impressive collection of American, European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art, as well as rotating exhibitions.
Museum
1-2 hours
$15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, free for children under 5
Sacramento River Walk
The Sacramento River Walk is a scenic trail along the Sacramento River, offering beautiful views, picnic areas, and opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park is a reconstructed 19th-century fort that offers a glimpse into the life of early settlers. Visitors can explore the fort, learn about its history, and participate in living history demonstrations.
Historical
1-2 hours
$7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, free for children under 5
Must-Try Local Dishes
Farm-to-Fork Dishes
Sacramento is the 'Farm-to-Fork Capital,' offering a variety of dishes made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. These dishes can range from seasonal vegetable plates to gourmet burgers and artisanal pizzas.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are widely available.
Donuts
Sacramento is famous for its donuts, with iconic shops like the iconic Donut Hole and the Old Soul Co. offering a variety of flavors and styles.
Breakfast/Snack
Gluten-free and vegan options may be available.
Philly Cheesesteak
Sacramento has a thriving food truck scene, and one of the most popular offerings is the Philly cheesesteak. Local food trucks and restaurants offer their own unique twists on this classic dish.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan options may be available.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Biking
Whitewater rafting
Rock climbing
Spa treatments
Picnics in the park
Wine tasting
Scenic drives
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-8 (Pacific Standard Time, PST) or GMT-7 (Pacific Daylight Time, PDT) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sacramento is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as with any urban destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use licensed taxis or rideshare services.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
Getting there
By air
- Sacramento International Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from city center
By train
Sacramento Valley Station
By bus
Sacramento Greyhound Station
Getting around
Public transport
The light rail system is efficient and user-friendly, with multiple lines connecting key areas. Fare options include single rides, day passes, and monthly passes.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Sacramento
Midtown Sacramento
East Sacramento
Tower Bridge District
Day trips
Napa Valley
35 miles (56 km) from Sacramento • Full day
Napa Valley is one of the world's premier wine regions, known for its beautiful vineyards, award-winning wineries, and gourmet dining. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and scenic drives through the picturesque countryside.
San Francisco
87 miles (140 km) from Sacramento • Full day or overnight
San Francisco is a vibrant and diverse city known for its iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and beautiful scenery. Visitors can explore the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the bustling downtown area.
Lake Tahoe
100 miles (160 km) from Sacramento • Full day or overnight
Lake Tahoe is a stunning alpine lake known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and skiing, depending on the season.
Festivals
California State Fair • July
Sacramento Jazz Festival • May
Sacramento Music Festival • September
Pro tips
- Visit the California State Capitol Museum for a fascinating look at the state's political history.
- Explore Old Sacramento for a taste of the city's rich history and charming cobblestone streets.
- Stroll through the beautiful Capitol Park, which features a variety of trees, gardens, and memorials.
- Take a day trip to Napa Valley for world-class wine tasting and stunning vineyard views.
- Enjoy the vibrant food scene, with a focus on farm-to-fork dining and local ingredients.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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