California white water rafting trips, safe, fun, affordable You are a river person....!!!

The South Fork of the American River is one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in California. With 22 miles of class II-III+ rapids, there are enough challenges for the experienced rafter without being too difficult for the first time rafter.

Not only exciting whitewater but a chance to raft through history!! From Chili Bar on down, 22 miles of pioneer history. The Coloma valley was settled by folks from all over the globe. In 1848 James Marshall was contracted by John Sutter to build a saw mill on the American river. Marshall discovered gold on the banks of the American River and changed the history of California forever!! Miners from all over the world came to Coloma. The Chinese indentured themselves to make the trip, the Chileans came from South America and settled at Chili Bar and struck it rich!! The Mormons discovered the richest strike at Mormon Bar, now under Folsom Lake.

From Chili Bar to Folsom Lake, 22 miles of legendary names and places. Names like Kelsey Creek, Dutch Creek, Greenwood Creek, Hastings Creek, and the unchangeable Weber Creek where the pioneer town of Weberville flourished in the 1800’s. Small dams were built to divert the river. A channel built by enterprising miners changed the course of the river at low flows. The tailings from Quartz mines can be seen in some places, the old flumes from the days of hydraulic mining stands as a reminder of there destructive power.

The first Europeans to navigate the south fork of the American River were actually French Canadians. In the early 1900’s These men came to the American River to log. They would transfer the logs from the forest to the river via giant flumes. In the spring when the river would rise to flood levels these loggers would ride the high water in little wooden boats herding logs all the way to, what is now present day Folsom Dam. From this legacy of latter day adventurers you have the present day river rafter.

We here at River Otter Adventures are ever mindful of our environmental responsibility. Leave only foot prints and take only memories with you.

“In many animals, the urge to play dies as they grow older. But otters are so smart and creative and curious, they remain playful all their lives. Does this interfere with their survival? Not at all. Otters use all their gifts to excel at whatever they do; playing builds their knowledge, speed, and dexterity, the skills that make them masterful hunters and swimmers.”   --Baudville

South Fork of the American River

The South Fork of the American River is one of the best white water rafting rivers in California. With 22 miles of class II-III+ rapids, there are enough challenges for the experienced rafter without being too difficult for the first time rafter.

Lower Section

Note: Expeditionary trips raft the upper section first.

After breakfast you'll muster in camp for the all important and entertaining safety talk, then grab your life jacket and paddle and head to the waters edge.

As our video crews capture the start of your river adventure your guide and crew members will all get to know each other. Since we put in just below "Troublemaker", you might even get to see some other boats come through "Troublemaker" as you are leaving. You'll learn how to work together as one unit, give your group a name and battle cry, then head on down the river.

As troublemaker rapid fades in the distance you'll pass the Sutter's Mill and the Gold Discovery site that started the big rush. After passing through Lotus campground you come to your first challenge -- "Barking Dog". There was a time when there really was a barking dog there, but now you're more likely to find a couple of killer geese that like to swim out to greet you as you pass by.

A 100 yards down river from split-rock is "Current Divider". Current divider does just that-- divides the river into two. You'll probably take the flow to the right then make a huge S-turn while avoiding obstacles as the divided current joins again.

"Highway rapid" is named for Hwy 49 that passes nearby and has a nice shelf that creates a standing wave that boats can surf.

For those that wish to be one with the river, "Swimmers Rapid" offers a chance to experience what it feels like to be in the water during a rapid. Ask your guide first and he'll let you know if the conditions are right.

"Cable Crossing" rapid lets you take a full run at the tongue of the rapid and see what kind of power your crew has for "The Gorge" and then it's time to refuel at our lunch stop and get ready for the South Fork Gorge.

"Helicopter" has many names including Airplane and Pirates of the Caribbean. The main thing to remember is it's fun!! Can your crew make the 180° spin as you slide through the narrow chute into the quickening current?

You'll know your getting closer to "Fowlers Rock" when you can see the lollipop tree silhouetted on the highest ridge. Legend says that old man Fowler came around the bend in a wooden dory over 150 years ago and ran smack into Fowlers Rock. If you do it right, it won't seem like much. Go in too fast and you may be the next Mr. Fowler!

"Upper Haystacks" are two very nice big wave drops that mark the approach to Satan's Cesspool, which is just what you need to take you mind off of what's coming next.

"Satan's Cesspool" is a curling vortex of water created by a rock island that splits the river sending torrents of water through a narrow chute, and yes, you'll be going through the chute! Smile for our cameras as our video and still shots are taken right from the island looking into your boat. If you want that great action shot (and don't want to be the story everyone talks about at dinner) this is the time to look your best paddling.

Once passed Satan's", look out for the wall on the right as you make a sudden drop through "Lost Hat" right through "Scissors" and into "Lower Haystacks". Some people call the lower haystacks "Rollercoaster" because of the up-and-down ride as you pass over "haystacks" that are produced when slower moving surface water piles up on top of the faster moving current below.

Before you know it you're getting ready for "Bounce Rock". You can guess how it got it's name. Just keep paddling and everything will be just fine!

After Bounce, it's a nice right turn and a straight shot at "Ambulance Run". You can see the top of the wave as the alarm bell goes off and your guide yell's "Dive--Dive".

Time to collect your thoughts and crew members. Maybe make a quick stop to check out the diving rocks before heading into "Hospital Bar" Set up early and avoid river right as the river pushes up and over a huge shelf rock making Hospital Bar one of the most exciting rapids of the day. Our cameras are here too to help you keep the story straight!

"Recovery Room" and "Surprise Rapid" complete the named rapids on the river, but don't be surprised if there are more unnamed rapids below depending of the Folsom Lake level. Relax and enjoy as motorboats pull you out of the canyon and right to the take-out. Your buss will be waiting with cold drinks and a quick trip back to camp for the best dinner you've ever tasted while camping!

Upper Section

"Chili Bar Put-in" -- Now that you are part of an experienced whitewater paddle rafting crew it's time for the upper section of the South Fork and "Meatgrinder". In high water Meatgrinder can be up to a half mile long with big fun waves and huge boulders. Definitely a Sunday morning wake up call and a favorite among those looking for bigger thrills.

"Racehorse Bend" is a sweeping left-hand turn that finishes in a beautiful section of the river that features "Maya" and "African Queen". There are may routes to take in this section as the river splits and comes together again among may rock islands.

The "Triple Threats" are three separate rapids that come pretty close together. The first threat is next to a boulder on the left and features a nice reversal wave. The second threat comes quickly on the left and the third threat gives you plenty of time to set up for a straight run with speed and power, but make sure you can slow down before the "Narrows" where underwater currents can give your boat a mind of it's own. It's here on ambush island that perhaps a crew of pirates await armed with water cannons and you in their sights.

Just when it seems that all is right with the world you notice a few people standing on the rocks way down river. ...Then a few more...and more. My gosh it's a crowd of people!! They're all pointing and screaming!! They're waiting for you.. you and your crew to tackle "Troublemaker Rapid", the climax to your trip. The cameras are rolling once again as you get to show the crowd just how far you've come. You are truly an experienced whitewater rafter!!!

The Class System I - VI

• Class I. Easy: Moving water, small waves, and clear passages with few or no obstacles.

• Class II. Medium: Faster moving water, rocks, small to medium waves, and clear passages with few/no obstacles.

• Class III. Harder: Fast moving water, rocks, many medium to large waves, and passages with few/many obstacles, moderate currents and undertows.

• Class IV. Very Difficult: Fast moving water, rocks, many irregular large waves, and passages with many obstacles and strong currents and undertows.

• Class V. Extremely Difficult: Long fast moving water, rocks, many extremely powerful irregular large waves, and passages with many obstacles and strong undertows.

• Class VI. Unrunnable: Not recommend for people who enjoy living.

The South Fork is a 3+ because the majority of the rapids are at the 3 to 3+ level