Full South Fork:
Chili Bar + The Gorge

Full South Fork Rafting Trip

This Full-day trip is the most bang for your buck! The trip starts with the Chili Bar run where you’ll encounter rapids like Meatgrinder, First Threat plus the infamous Troublemaker. After a stop for lunch we will go on to conquer The Gorge and other exhilarating rapids like Fowler’s Rock, Satan’s Cesspool, Hospital Bar and more!

What to Expect on Your South Fork Rafting Adventure

We’ll meet up at River’s Bend at 8:30am sharp and start by getting all the waivers signed. Then we’ll jump on the bus and drive you to the launch area just below Chili Bar Dam (about 20 minutes). When we arrive, we’ll set you up with your helmet, paddle and personal flotation device. The head guide will deliver a short safety briefing to the whole group before we assign a guide for each raft.

Next, your group will carry the raft down to the water. Once on board your guide will conduct a quick in-water orientation and give some tips on paddling technique and rafting teamwork. Then we’ll do a few quick safety laps, so you’re ready to hit the rapids!

Get Ready – the Rapids Come Quickly!

Once we set off all boats will stay together as we head down river. You’ll have about ten minutes to prepare before you hit the Meatgrinder! Don’t worry, your guide will prepare you before every rapid. This Class III rapid – the longest on the river – will be your first challenge.

Next we’ll cruise through a few smaller rapids towards the Triple Threat! Get ready to smash it and don’t forget to smile for the photographer! We’ll keep heading down river through Class III rapids until we get to the South Fork’s infamous Troublemaker!

We’ll slow down for a cruise through Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Your guide will tell you about the history of this area as you pass the old mill and various mining trails. Plus you can even swim in the smaller rapids as we float back to River’s Bend!

A Quick Break for a Fresh, Local Lunch

After conquering the first 11 miles, we will take a break back at camp for a delicious hot barbecue lunch, including delicious hamburgers, watermelon, chips, cookies, and side salad. We also offer vegetarian options and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Please let us know ahead of time!

After lunch we’ll jump back in the rafts and have a quick review of safety and plan the next part of the trip. The first four miles we’ll cruise through some smaller rapids and you’ll even get the opportunity to jump in for a swim.

More Rapids and Then Our Final Stop: The Surprise!

You’ll have some time to get ready for Satan’s Cesspool. And make sure you smile for the photographer! We’ll keep heading downriver and hitting a lot of exciting rapids along the way in preparation for the Hospital Bar. Our last big rapid is the super-fun Surprise Rapid!

We’ll arrive at Lake Folsom at around 4.30pm and be pulled to shore by jet skis. Then we’ll bus you back to River’s Bend where you will then have a chance to pick up a photo coupon and view (online) and purchase exciting pictures of the day’s activities. We hope you enjoyed your American River rafting experience with Sierra Whitewater!

Good to Know

Start times are based on dam releases that provide sufficient water for rafting so don’t be late! Let us know ASAP if you’re at ANY risk of being late!

Overnight camping is available at River’s Bend with hot showers and flush toilets. Self camping is $20 per person, per night. We do offer camping rentals as well, inquire for a detailed rental list. Deposit is required to rent equipment. Contact us for more information.

Let us know in advance if you’ve booked separately from your friends but want to be together. We recommend bringing additional cool weather clothing in April, May, September & October. Photographers are available on special request only.

If you want to go with a specific guide, let us know in advance and we will try our best to organize it. Youths and people under 90lbs require a different life jacket. Please let us know advance.