Rafting adventures await along the American River
Posted by admin on May 20, 2009
The Bay Area may be famous for its cool, foggy summers, but in Sacramento the sun shines bright — and hot — throughout the season. So, if you’re missing the feel of a "real" summer, then pack your bag and head out to California’s Gold Country. Even though Sacramento is far from the cold blue of the Pacific, it’s a prime jumping-off point to one of California’s most popular recreational waterways: the American River.
There are plenty of companies throughout Gold Country that offer equipment rentals or guided trips at various drop-in points along the river’s three forks, whether you’re looking for an easy afternoon floating through a park or a class IV whitewater excursion in the wilderness.
Whichever route you take, the Sacramento Hostel makes a great home base for your river adventures. Come back from your day on the water to a hot shower and a soft bed, or relax on the hostel’s wrap-around porch and enjoy the summer evening.
Raft rentals for easy, self-guided trips are available within a 60-minute bus ride from the Sacramento Hostel. More challenging, guided excursions are a bit further out from the city proper, and require a car to get to the launch site.
Self-Guided Rafting
If you’re looking for more "chill" than "thrill," then a relaxing, self-guided rafting trip along the American River Parkway — a quiet stretch of the American River running from Folsom Lake into Sacramento — may be your speed.
The three- to four-hour river trip includes one easily navigated rapid — San Juan Rapids — midway through, but otherwise it’s smooth sailing until the ending point in Goethe Park.
The drop-in spot in Rancho Cordova is a 25-minute drive from the Sacramento Hostel. It can also be reached by public transit by taking the eastbound 507-Gold Line and transferring to the 28-Fair Oaks bus line. The bus ride will take about 60 minutes, and will drop you off within a five-minute walk of the rental sites.
American River Raft Rental
Rentals include raft, life vests, and paddles. Rates begin at $48 for 2-4 person rafts, and go up to $144 for 10-12 person rafts. Kayaks are also available for rental for $33, or $50 for a two-person kayak. All rented craft are subject to a $2.50 Sacramento County launch fee.
Return shuttle rides to the drop-in spot are available for $4 from 2 - 6 p.m.
River Rats Raft Rental
Rentals include raft, life vests, and paddles. Rates begin at $45 for 2-4 person rafts, and go up to $134 for 10-12 person rafts. Kayaks are also available for rental for $40, or $59 for a two-person kayak. All rented craft are subject to a $2.50 Sacramento County launch fee.
Return shuttle rides to the drop-in spot are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day for $4 from 2 - 6 p.m. on the hour on weekdays, and 1- 6 p.m. every 30 minutes on weekends.
River Rats also offers mountain bike rentals from their raft rental office, so adventurers who prefer to stay dry can take advantage of more than 35 miles of scenic riverfront trails that line the American River Parkway. All bikes are front-suspended aluminum mountain bikes, and start at $8/hour or $32/day for front suspended mountain bikes. All bike rentals include a helmet.
Whitewater Rafting
California’s American River is famous among whitewater enthusiasts for the various rapids that pepper the three forks as they flow down from the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The South Fork offers a wide range of experiences for both novice and expert alike, with class II and III rapids such as "Meatgrinder," Troublemaker," and "Triple Threat." The 21-mile stretch is broken into two sections for rafters: the upper South Fork, known as the "Chili Bar Run," and the lower South Fork, known as the "Gorge Run," and can be taken as half-day trips individually, or together in a full-day excursion.
If you think you’re ready for a little more action, the Middle Fork is your ticket to ride class III and IV rapids such as "Kanaka," "Chunder," and the famous "Tunnel Chute," a 100-foot-long cascading spillway that then flows underground through a navigable mountain tunnel. This 18-mile run is known for its views of pristine riverside wilderness, and is suited to experienced rafters looking to get away from the crowds on the South Fork.
The North Fork offers class IV and V rapids through a beautiful river canyon, but is for highly experienced paddlers only. It’s available for paddling and boating in the spring and early summer months, when the winter snow pack and spring runoff is flowing.
Drop-in points for all three forks are about an hour’s drive east of Sacramento. There are numerous different companies that offer fully guided trips that include raft, life vests, lunch, and more. Costs vary by day of the week, river run, and typically range from $85 to $350, with discounts offered to groups and children.
Find the rafting company that fits you best at americanriver.com.