Tackle thrilling Class II-III rapids and enjoy a scenic 14-mile rafting journey with your family on California’s South Fork American River. Discover why the Gorge Express is perfect for adventure seekers of all levels.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic physical fitness for paddling and sitting for extended periods but no advanced skills are required.
Wildlife
History
The South Fork American River has a Gold Rush heritage, with historic mining sites located near the rafting routes.
Conservation
Efforts to protect river health include regulating watercraft and educating visitors on minimizing ecological impacts.
Action Whitewater
Tackle thrilling Class II-III rapids and enjoy a scenic 14-mile rafting journey with your family on California’s South Fork American River. Discover why the Gorge Express is perfect for adventure seekers of all levels.
Action Whitewater is a river outfitter based in Jackson, California, offering guided whitewater rafting and related river experiences on the South Fork of the American River, Mokelumne River, and the Lower Middle Fork American River. With a selection of half-day, full-day, and multi-section trips, Action Whitewater caters to families, beginners, and adventurous paddlers seeking Class I to III rapids. The company operates trips that include the Gorge Express, the full Gorge Lower Section, Chili Bar runs (including Chili Bar Express), a combined Full River 22-mile option, the Mokelumne River, and a kid-friendly Lower Middle Fork float trip. A deluxe camping package is available for guests who want to extend their river adventure with on-site camping that includes tents and sleeping gear on four scenic acres along the South Fork.
Guides lead each trip, navigate rapids such as Meatgrinder and Trouble Maker, and provide safety instruction appropriate to trip difficulty. Trips feature opportunities for photos and souvenirs at the camp store and include picnic or BBQ lunch on full-day runs when provided. Action Whitewater positions offerings to be accessible for families with children on gentler sections while providing splashy, exciting Class II–III rapids for thrill-seekers. The outfitter emphasizes outdoor recreation, scenic river floats, regional Gold Rush history near Coloma, and convenience for guests wishing to combine rafting with overnight camping. Operating from Jackson, California, Action Whitewater presents a variety of river experiences for summer visitors and local paddlers alike. Reservations and seasonal schedules are available through Action Whitewater's booking channels.
Location
Jackson, CA
Base for river departures
Trips Offered
8 Trips
Range of half-day to full-day
Family Friendly
Kid-friendly Runs
Options for families and beginners
Camping Available
Deluxe Package
Overnight gear on four acres
Reserve a South Fork, Mokelumne, or Lower Middle Fork trip — deluxe camping add-ons available.
Wear quick-drying clothing
Opt for synthetic or wool layers that dry fast to stay comfortable during and after the rafting trip.
Bring waterproof protection for valuables
Use waterproof bags or cases for phones and cameras to protect them from water splashes.
Listen closely to your guide
Safety briefings are crucial—follow all guide instructions carefully to navigate rapids safely.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen
Use sunscreen that’s safe for waterways to protect your skin while minimizing environmental impact.
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps personal items safe and dry during splashy river sections.
Quick-drying clothing
Ideal for comfort in warm conditions and wet environments.
summer
Closed-toe water shoes
Protects feet and provides traction on slippery surfaces.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin from UV rays while minimizing environmental impact.
summer