American River – South Fork

Overview

The South Fork of the American River is a great introduction to the sport of whitewater rafting, and is close to Sacramento. This river is great for families or whitewater veterans alike. A good solid Class III run with over 20 major rapids, its course will take you through the small mining town of Coloma, where James Marshall first discovered gold at Sutters Mill and changed the course of California history. Calm sections are interspersed with wonderfully fun rapids and the excitement comes to a head in the last 3 miles of river known as “The Gorge”.

Minimum age: 9-12 (main season), 7 (late season), dependent on water levels.

2024 Trip Dates

Pricing

• Prices are per person and subject to an 8% Government access/service fee

Itinerary

• Please contact us for a detailed itinerary, depending on your Trip Options (1/2 Day, Full Day, or 2 Day)

What’s Included

• Wet suits and/or paddle jackets if needed
• All river gear including helmets and life jackets
• Beverages at trips end
• Parking and round trip bus shuttle to and from river
• Lunch is not included on our 1/2 day trips

On the River

Meals

Full-day trips include a deli-lunch served on the river. Half-day trips do not include lunch. There are numerous food options available nearby in Coloma and Placerville

Wet Suits

As a service to our clients, Zephyr provides wet suits and paddle jackets free of charge. Wet suits are recommended on all trips through about mid June, depending on previous winter snowpack. The wet suits are designed for whitewater rafting, and are very comfortable. The suit is a full-length “farmer-john” style, with sleeveless tops. We also provide an optional nylon paddle jacket which can be worn over the suit when necessary. You are welcome to provide your own suit if you wish.

“What do I wear underneath my wet suit?” An important question that comes up often. We recommend wearing a thin nylon swim suit, or other non-bulky swim attire, underneath your wet suit.

What to Bring

On the river

• Shorts/swim suit
• Tennis shoes or river sandals (no flip flops please!)
• Sunglasses with tie-on
• Camera Note: There is a professional photographer that will be taking photos along the way, and these photos will be available for you to see and purchase if you desire when the trip is over.
• Light Windbreaker/wool sweater (spring trips only)
• T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt
• Hat/Visor with tie-on. Note: On the Tuolumne and Merced rivers, you will be wearing a helmet, and you will need a baseball style hat that can be worn underneath the helmet. and still screen you from the sun.
• Sunscreen
• Wet suit if you have one. Ours are provided at no charge, and include a nylon paddle jacket.

Cool weather or high water items

• Polypro or wool long underwear
• Wool or pile pants
• Wool or polypro sweater/jacket
• Wool hat/Wool gloves

Logistics, Directions & Accommodations

Notes

The South Fork American is a great option for later season trips (August-September) as it has consistent dam-controlled waterflow