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Whitewater Rafting Guide To River Trips

American River

American River Rafting

American River rafting trips are available on the South, Middle and Nork Forks. Each fork is distinctly different in all regards; scenery, level of difficulty, length and trip options.

South Fork of the American River (Class III):
The South Fork American River is the most popular introductory river in California. It is suitable for beginners while still satisfying for experienced rafters.

Middle Fork of the American River (Class III-IV):
The Middle Fork of the American is a true wilderness river. In the solitude of this beautiful 2000′ deep rugged canyon, there are numerous Class III & IV rapids, peaceful calms, abundant wildlife and more than a dozen historical sites from the Gold Rush era.

North Fork of the American River (Class IV+):
The free flowing North Fork American river is the most difficult of the three forks, rated advanced Class IV+. It flows through a 2000′ deep canyon with lush foliage extending from high on the canyon ridges.

Go Rafting with A Commercial Outfitter in California

All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting is one of the original California outfitters. With over 45 years of experience they are also one of the most respected rafting outfitters in California. They were recommended by Lonely Planet in California Trips, 2009. All-Outdoors runs trips on the South Fork, Middle Fork, and North Fork of the American River.

Visit their website for more information about American River rafting.

More About Rafting on the American Rivers

Located in the heart of Gold Country, the American River canyons offer diversity…classic scenery, narrow rocky gorges, peaceful calms, and numerous rapids. American River rafting is comprised of three sections, the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork. The American River canyons are considered the most popular rafting destinations in California.

American River rafting trips are easily accessible from the San Francisco Bay area, with drive times ranging between 2 – 3 hrs. The American Rivers are the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in California. Rafting is generally available from April through October on the South and Middle Forks and during April & May on the North Fork American. The three forks of the American River range from Class II – Class IV+ with half, one, two and three day trips available.

Rafting Guidebooks

Looking for more information about the river trips you are planning? The following whitewater rafting books provide detailed information including history, river maps, permits and mile-by-mile river descriptions.

California Whitewater Rafting Books
From the Oregon border to the Southern tip of the Sierra Nevada mountains, there are over 100 navigable rivers to explore. Find detailed information for California whitewater rafting trips.

Idaho Whitewater Rafting Books
Idaho rivers offer exciting rapids, amazing scenery and cultural history. Learn more about the history that lives through the remnants left by those who traveled the canyons for centuries.

Colorado Whitewater Rafting Books
From family float trips to adrenaline packed Class V action, explore the river trips of Colorado with these exceptional guidebooks.

Utah Whitewater Rafting Books
Multi-day river trips in Utah allow for time to explore all the canyons have to offer. Guide books are essential in making sure you don’t miss a thing on your Utah whitewater rafting adventure.

Oregon Whitewater Rafting Books
The Cascade Mountains run through the Pacific Northwest offering rivers that run down it lush valleys. Read more about the rivers of this region.

Washington Whitewater Rafting Books
Read about the best whitewater rafting rivers in the Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

New England Whitewater Rafting Books
New England offers a wide range of whitewater rivers. Learn all you need to know for deciding which river trip is right for you.

Southeastern Whitewater Rafting Books
The Southern Appalachians provide Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina with plenty of whitewater rafting action. Read detailed descriptions of these river trips.

Whitewater Rafting Books Outside the USA
For those who travel internationally, this book details the pre-eminent rivers of the world.