The Gorge - South Fork American River - Half Day Rafting

South Fork American River Rafting Trip – Class III "The Gorge" (Half-Day)

The Gorge Section offers an exciting half-day rafting adventure on the South Fork of the American River - our most popular trip for families and first-time rafters. This 14-mile, 3.5-hour stretch features a mix of fun Class II rapids to start, followed by exciting Class III whitewater in the canyon that gives this section its name.

Your trip begins with a scenic float from our beautiful riverside campground, where splashy Class II rapids keep things lively as you soak in the stunning surroundings. Midway through the trip, we stop at a secluded riverside lunch spot, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet deli-style lunch with a selection of meats, cheeses, fresh bread, and an array of vegetables and toppings.

After lunch, the river narrows, and the excitement builds as you enter The Gorge, tackling a series of legendary Class III rapids, including Fowler’s Rock, Satan’s Cesspool, Bouncing Rock, and Hospital Bar. The trip wraps up with a smooth float to the take-out point, where you can relive the adventure by browsing photos and souvenirs at our camp store.

Upgrade to the Wild Side Trip

Want to take your rafting experience to the next level? Upgrade to our Wild Side Trip, where you'll paddle in a smaller, 12-foot raft with just four passengers for maximum maneuverability. Led by one of our top-rated guides, your private boat experience can be customized just for you. You want flips and spills? You got it! You want to hit the waves hard and get soaked? No problem! Our top-tier guides have no shortage of tricks they’d love to show you. Either way, you’ll experience the river like never before!

To upgrade: just leave us a note in the comments at checkout, and we'll reach out to you! The cost will be $20.00 per person to upgrade to a Wild-Side Trip.

Duration

3.5 hours on the water | 14 miles

The total trip duration, including check-in, shuttle, rafting, and lunch, is approximately 5-6 hours from start to finish.

Location / Where to Meet

Ages & Requirements

Ages 7+

Minimum weight: 50 lbs

What's Included

1. Professional guides
   
2. All rafting equipment – Paddle, helmet, life jacket, and wetsuit (if needed)
   
3. Gourmet deli-style lunch – A selection of meats, cheeses, fresh bread, and a variety of toppings
   
4. Shuttle to and from the river put-in/take-out points
   

Not Included

1. Guide gratuity 
   
2. Photos & souvenirs – Available for purchase at our camp store
   

What to Bring/Wear

1. Quick-drying clothing – Avoid cotton; opt for synthetic or wool materials
   
2. Secure swimwear or shorts – Board shorts or athletic wear that dries quickly
   
3. Secure footwear – Water shoes, sandals with straps (like Tevas or Chacos), or old sneakers (no flip-flops)
   
4. Sunglasses with a retainer strap
   
5. Sunscreen
   
6. Change of clothes & towel – For after the trip