Upper South Fork: Chili Bar

Upper South Fork Rafting Trip

This 11 miles rafting adventure throws you into the whitewater immediately! You’ll hit Class III and III+ rapids like Meatgrinder, Maya and First Threat with the grand finale being the South Fork’s infamous Troublemaker!

What to Expect on Your Chili Bar 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 team work. Then we’ll do a few quick safety laps, so you’re ready to hit the rapids!

Smash the Rapids Within Minutes

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 long rapid 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 more Class III rapids until we get to the South Fork’s infamous Troublemaker!

Cruise the River & Swim Some of the Smaller Rapids

The next part of the trip is at a more relaxed pace, cruising 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!

Finally we’ll float through the town of Coloma on our way back to River’s Bend. Don’t worry, it’s not over yet! There’s still a few rapids along the way so you’ll be having fun all the way back to camp.

We’ll get everyone back to River’s Bend between 12:30 and 1:30pm where we’ll have a hot barbecue lunch waiting for you, including hamburgers, watermelon, salad, chips, cookies, and vegetarian options. The photographers will come down to show you the photos of 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.