Lower South Fork: The Gorge

Lower South Fork Rafting Trip

This popular trip starts with a relaxed pace for the first 4 miles with exciting places to jump in and rapids to swim in. Then we raft down the South Fork Gorge through really fun Class III and III+ rapids like Fowler’s Rock, Satan’s Cesspool and Hospital Bar!

What to Expect on Your Gorge Rafting Adventure

Your trip includes a complimentary lunch! Guests must arrive before 12:00pm to enjoy lunch. We’ll meet up at River’s Bend at 11:45am sharp to eat. After lunch, we will start by getting all the waivers signed. Then 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 team work. Then we’ll be ready to hit the rapids!

A Gentle Introduction… Before Fowler’s Rock!

Once we set off all boats will stay together as we head down river starting with a fairly relaxed pace. The first four miles we’ll cruise through some smaller rapids, get the opportunity to swim in the rapids and jump off some rocks.

The rapids begin mellow and grow in size and intensity, this not only builds your confidence and skills, but also the excitement as the rapids get larger! You’ll have some time to get ready for Fowler’s Rock which is your first challenge. Don’t worry, your guide will prepare you before every rapid.

Get Ready for a Surprise!

We’ll keep heading down river and hitting a lots of fun rapids along the way in preparation for the Hospital Bar. Our last big rapid is the super-fun Surprise Rapid! Once you’ve conquered this then it’s one fun bonus rapid after another until we cruise into Folsom Lake, arriving around 3:30pm – 4:00pm.

Then we’ll bus you back to River’s Bend where we’ll enjoy beverages, soft drinks, and snacks. 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.