American River Whitewater Rafting from San Francisco — Private Full-Day Trip
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to paddle intermittently, sit in a raft for long periods, and follow safety instructions.
Overview
Escape San Francisco for a full day of whitewater on the South Fork of the American River. This private trip combines 8–10 miles of Class III rapids with Gold Rush history, riverside lunch, and pickup from the city for a seamless adventure.
American River Whitewater Rafting from San Francisco — Private Full-Day Trip
Select participants and date
The morning opens as the city slips past the bus window: the Bay Bridge shrinking into a ribbon of steel, the skyline folding behind you, and the landscape easing from urban grit into the flat, cultivated hush of the Central Valley. You stop in a small Gold Rush town for coffee — a wooden signboard creaks in the breeze — then the road lifts toward the Sierra Nevada foothills where the South Fork of the American River begins to gather speed.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear secure footwear
Use closed-toe water shoes or athletic sandals with a good tread — flip-flops can blow off during rapids and make re-boarding difficult.
Bring layers and a change of clothes
Mornings can be cool; you’ll want a light layer for the drive and dry clothes for the return ride home.
Hydrate and eat before the trip
It’s a long day with physical bursts — have a good breakfast and sip water through the morning; bottled water is provided but bring an extra bottle if you sweat heavily.
Disclose medical conditions in advance
The outfitter cannot transport some guests with disabilities and asks that anyone with recent back, heart, or pregnancy concerns refrain from booking.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Osprey and bald eagles hunting over the river
- Western fence lizards and mule deer on the canyon rims
History
The South Fork winds through California Gold Country; James Marshall’s 1848 discovery upriver sparked the Gold Rush that reshaped the region’s towns and transport corridors.
Conservation
River flows depend on Sierra snowpack and reservoir releases; respect signage, pack out trash, and follow guides’ instructions to minimize erosion and disturbance to riparian habitats.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe water shoes
Secure your footing in wet conditions and protect toes around rocks and riverbanks.
summer specific
Quick-dry layers
Light layers that dry quickly keep you comfortable on cool mornings and after splashes.
spring specific
Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
Protect skin and reduce glare off the water for safer navigation and clearer sightlines.
summer specific
Small dry bag
Keep phone, keys, and a spare layer dry during the run.