• Overview
• Itinerary
• Location
• Questions
• What to Bring
• Camping & Lodging

The Middle Fork is not available to book online. Please contact us directly to inquire about this trip.

EarthTrek has partnered with OARS, one of the most experienced outfitters in the country. When you book a trip with EarthTrek, you will be camping and enjoying your meals at the EarthTrek camp, but the on-river portion of your trip will be with OARS.

Our SUPER 1 DAY TRIP includes a full day of rafting the Class IV Middle Fork American plus camping before and after your rafting trip plus breakfast each morning and dinner the second night of your trip. You may arrive at our camp on the South Fork American anytime after 5 PM on the night before your trip. The first day of your trip will include breakfast, followed by our full day raft trip down the Middle Fork with lunch and dinner that evening. The trip concludes after breakfast the next morning, about 9 AM.

Questions....and Answers

WHICH IS THE BEST WHITE WATER RAFTING TRIP?
The South Fork American River is an excellent white water rafting trip for first time rafters but we also recommend it for rafters of all abilities because of its exciting and fun rapids, reliable summer water flows, comfortable camping facilities and economical prices. For experienced rafters looking for more white water action we recommend the Middle Fork andNorth Fork of the American River.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO WHITE WATER RAFTING?
Excellent rafting is available from April to October on the South Fork American thanks to reliable releases from a several upstream mountain reservoirs. For thrill seekers looking for high water excitement we suggest booking your trip in May to early June when the melting snow is at its peak. Summer months of June, July and August are the most popular times to raft, especially on weekends. If you can schedule your trip during the midweek you will have the advantage of enjoying greater solitude on the river at a lower cost.

HOW ARE RIVERS CLASSIFIED FOR DIFFICULTY?
The difficulty of a river is classified on a scale of I to VI with I being very easy and VI unrunnable. We have classified the rivers based on normal moderate water flows but during times of high water river, difficulty levels can be increased. We recommend a Class III river for beginning rafters and a Class IV river for experienced rafters looking for more action.Class V river trips are reserved for expert, highly experienced rafters.

WHAT TYPE OF WHITE WATER RAFT DO I RIDE IN? 
On most Class III and IV rivers, self-bailing paddle rafts are used for maximum fun and excitement. Each of the 4-8 passengers has a paddle to help power and maneuver the raft while the guide steers and directs the crew. On high water trips or for passengers with special needs, an oar raft where the guide rows the boat, may be used.

WHO CAN GO WHITE WATER RAFTING?
Generally, just about anyone in reasonable health and fitness can go rafting. The minimum age for a child on the Class III South Fork American river (under normal water flows) is 7 years old and a minimum weight of 55 pounds. During times of high water flows we may need to increase the age minimum to 12 or 14, depending on the water level conditions. There is no maximum age although anyone over 60 should be in good health and perhaps consult with your physician if you have any concerns. If you are extremely overweight or have back or heart problems, we do not suggest a raft trip. Due to safety considerations, we are unable to take pregnant women rafting. Swimming skills are not a requirement since your safety jacket will keep you afloat but it is recommended that you not have a fear of the water.

WHAT ABOUT YOUNG CHILDREN UNDER 7?
Children 8 and older are welcome on the Class III South Fork American but for families with kids under 7 we offer our non-rafter program where one parent pays full fare for a two day trip and the other parent pays $55 for camping and all meals (except day 1 lunch) and this includes no extra charge for the kids. This program allows one parent to raft the first day and then they can switch and the other parent rafts the second day. This program also applies if you have a non-rafter that just wants to camp and have meals with you, but not raft.

WHAT DO I PROVIDE?
You will be sent a checklist of what to bring when you make a reservation or you can view a checklist on our web site. Basically you will need to bring a sleeping bag, a foam pad or air mattress, and your personal clothing and toiletries. A wet suit is essential during spring trips when the water is cold and the weather is more unpredictable. For participants of EarthTrek operated trips, we can provide low cost rental wet suits, tents, sleeping bags and foam sleeping pads.

ARE GROUP RATES AVAILABLE FOR COMPANY GROUPS, CLUBS OR YOUTH GROUPS?
A river trip is the perfect activity for a group and we offer discounts to groups starting at only six people. See our web page titled GROUPS for more details. Special rates are also available for youth groups such as Boy Scouts or YMCA.

BUT I STILL HAVE MORE QUESTIONS
If you have more questions, simply E-mail us or call EarthTrek Expeditions at (800) 229-8735 and we will be happy to answer them.

What To Bring

On all EarthTrek Expeditions trips all of your gear will remain at our South Fork Camp so you do not have any restrictions on what you can bring. The following list is suggested items. We do not suggest that you bring valuables but if you must we do offer a safe to lock your items during the day or you can lock them in your car and leave your keys in our safe. On the river most people prefer to wear a swimsuit or shorts, tennis shoes without socks and a T-shirt (a T-shirt is good to keep the sun off but a wet cotton T-shirt may give you a chill). You will get wet so dress accordingly.

While on the river

• SWIM SUIT or SHORTS
• PROPER FOOT WEAR that protects your feet. Tennis shoes or wet suit booties are best Teva™ style sandals that securely strap on your feet are OK but they do not give you the best foot protection. Flip-flops or bare feet are NOT allowed on the river.
• CAP or VISOR with chin strap.
• SUNGLASSES with secure headstrap such as Croakies™.
• SUNSCREEN and LIP PROTECTANT
• CHANGE OF CLOTHES for your drive home. Also bring a plastic trash bag for wet shoes and clothes.

If cool or inclement weather is a possibility, we recommend the following items

• WET SUIT farmer John wetsuits available for rent
• WET SUIT BOOTIES (available for rent)
• WOOL SOCKS, WOOL CAP, WOOL GLOVES
• RAIN PARKS or PONCHO
• WOOL SWEATER or WARM JACKET (Fleece, wool, capilene or other synthetic materials that insulate when damp are best).

Items for Camping Overnight

• SLEEPING BAG compact fiberfill best
• ENSOLITE FOAM PAD or AIR MATTRESS Comfortable foam pads or cots available for rent
• PLASTIC GROUND SHEET if sleeping outdoors
• FLASHLIGHT with extra batteries
• SUNGLASSES with secure headstrap (Croakies™)
• TENNIS SHOES 2 pair, 1 for river and dry pair for camp. Wet suit booties for rafting and sandals for camp can be substituted. 
• PLASTIC TRASH BAG for wet clothes
• CAMP CLOTHES, T-shirts, long pants, light jacket underwear, etc.
• BAR SOAP and TOWEL
• TOILETRIES
• INSECT REPELLANT

Optional Items

• TENT, small backpack style best. Available for rent
• CAMERA and FILM
• PILLOW
• FISHING GEAR license required
• SPARE GLASSES or CONTACTS
• MUSICAL INSTRUMENT No loud radios or tape players please.

Camping & Lodging

On our Super one day rafting trips, we include two nights camping. You are allowed to arrive at 6 PM or later on the night before your raft trip. If you arrive prior to 6 PM your camping space or rental tent may not ba available as we need the period prior to 6 PM to clean tents and/or water our lawn. 

As an option, when available, if you would like to arrive the morning of your trip we can substitute your second night of camping for the night after you complete your 2 day trip. Additional nights camping is available for $10/ night per person.

At our camp, EarthTrek will provide meals during your stay. We do not allow individuals to cook their own meals so please do not bring camp stoves for food preperation. There are several restaurants within walking distance of our camp.

Our campground is not equipped for RVs. You are allowed to park your RV in our parking lot and stay in it at night but PLEASE do not run your generator from 10 PM to 7 AM. If you would like to stay at a campground with RV hook-ups check out our links page for a list of campgrounds in our area.

Bring your own tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad or rent what you need from EarthTrek. See below.

	CABIN TENTS Rent one of our deluxe cabin tents to make your whitewater rafting trip with EarthTrek an even better experience.  CLICK HERE for more information CLICK HERE for a pdf map of our cabin tents
	RIVER FRONT TENTS These unique tents are built on a deck at the rivers edge giving you an unforgettable view of the American River.  CLICK HERE for more information
	DOME TENTS, FOAM PADS and SLEEPING BAGS Our standard dome tents are available in 2 sizes, 2-person and 4-person. Our thick comfortable foam sleeping pads will provide you a good nights sleep. Our sleeping bags come with a freshly launderd cotton liner.  CLICK HERE for more information