1-Day South Fork American River Rafting (Lake Tahoe, CA)

Highlights

  • South Fork American River rafting is family-friendly

  • Paddle exciting Class III rapids

  • Cool off in the river while swimming

  • Raft the lower South Fork American River

  • Camping, showers & restrooms available

Summary

The Gorge on the South Fork American River is California’s most popular whitewater rafting trip for a reason–it’s a day of pure fun!

Tour info

Duration
6 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

The Gorge on the South Fork American River is California’s most popular whitewater rafting trip for a reason–it’s a day of pure fun!

This full-day adventure down the lower 13-mile stretch of the South Fork American River offers some of the most exciting Class II & III whitewater in the state and is perfect for beginners, families, staff outings, and anyone who wants a day out paddling in the California sunshine. The trip begins with several miles of bouncy, stress-free rapids before things get a little spicier in the Gorge with big waves, challenging chutes, drops, and unforgettable rapids like Satan’s Cesspool and Hospital Bar. 

Whether you’re new to rafting and just want to “get your feet wet,” 1-day South Fork American River rafting trips through the Gorge are a perfect choice. About an hour from Sacramento, and just an hour and a half from Lake Tahoe, rafting the South Fork of the American River is a quick and relatively easy option for an exciting family or group adventure. 

What’s included?

  • Skilled, professional guide service

  • High-quality inflatable rafts and related river equipment including a paddle, helmet, and a personal flotation device

  • Transfers from the river take-out back to our campground

  • Delicious, riverside picnic lunch

  • Transportation to and from our meeting location at our American River Outpost

  • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals

  • River access fees

  • Sleep kits or tents, if you are staying overnight with us (available for rent)

  • Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan

  • Gratuities

  • Wetsuit booties or shoes of any kind

Things to know

Before you book

  • Minimum age 8 (10-12 during high water)

  • Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. If you exceed 260 pounds, please give us a call.

  • Trip Forms: Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms online and submit them no later than 30 days prior to your trip, or immediately if booking within 30 days.

Before you go

  • Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.

  • Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.

  • Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

  • Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.

  • Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.

  • Abide by the managing agency’s rules.

  • No drugs or alcohol prior to, or during, your trip.; alcohol is allowed in moderation in camp on overnight trips.

  • Minimize your impact on the environment.

  • Wear the OARS-issued and properly–fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when in the boats or swimming. Wear a helmet when required.

  • Your children are your responsibility!

Cancellation Policy

    Reservations and Payments Full payment is required at the time of booking. Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 48 hours, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to departure. Cancellations and Refunds Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below. We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan. Date of Cancellation Cancellation Fee 30 or more days before your trip $30/person 29 – 7 days before your trip Payment can be transferred to another trip within the same year (or to a credit account for the following year) for $50/person transfer fee. No refund. 6 days or less before your trip 50% of the trip cost can be credited to another trip (within the same year). No refund. Late arrivals or “no-shows” No refund or credit Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details. Canceled Trips OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 7 days before departure. Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip. If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers, however, we can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip. Transfers If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same year, or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $15/person fee up until 30 days prior to departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. If we are 29-7 days prior to your trip departure, there is a $50/person fee to transfer to another trip, within the same year or to a credit account for the following year. Transfer requests made 6 days or less prior to departure, 50% of your trip cost can be credited to another trip within the same year only. Transfer requests made the day of departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.

About operator:

OARS was founded in 1969 by river pioneer George Wendt. By 1974 the company found its permanent home in Angels Camp, California, where George and his wife Pam turned a fledgling rafting company into what is now one of the most respected outfitting companies in the world.


George was president of OARS for 47 years until his passing in July of 2016. He was a visionary entrepreneur and one of the adventure travel industry’s trailblazers. But more importantly, he left a legacy of river conservation and stewardship based on the inspiring idea that spreading the love of wild rivers is the surest path to their protection, now and for the enjoyment of future generations.


Today, Tyler and Clavey Wendt, George and Pam’s sons, are leading the company. They’re dedicated to furthering the company’s commitment to the preservation of wild places and creating meaningful outdoor experiences for our guests—values that have been at the core of OARS for five decades.