Whitewater Connection River Rafting Blog

This year our free flowing rivers, the North Fork of the American and the Kaweah, are seeing a slightly earlier end to the season purely based on the snowpack. Not to worry as our controlled rivers will be running throughout the summer at great levels, here’s an overview on our two main trips

South Fork of the American River (Beginner – Intermediate / Class III):

The South Fork of the American River is a classic “dam-controlled” river with six reservoirs above the whitewater section and runs year round due to the large amount of stored water. Reservoirs have more water than they normally do at this time of year, so regular, healthy water releases will occur all season long in 2013. Raftable flows will be guaranteed 6 days a week (no Wednesdays) from March to Labor day. Flows will range from 1300 to 3000 CFS (Normal) in March through May, and from 1300 to 1700 CFS during the summer months of June, July, and August. Normal flows will continue in September four days a week, Thursday-Sunday, and on the weekends in October.

Middle Fork of the American (Intermediate / Class III – IV):

Due to two reservoirs above this run, flows on this beautiful river typically occur seven days a week starting in May. This year guaranteed flows will begin on the weekends only starting May 4 and shift into a 7 days a week schedule on Memorial Day weekend (May 25). Raftable flows will remain at about 900 CFS during the rafting season through September 29. In early October the river will likely shut down for annual maintenance on the hydro electric project above the run.

During years with less than normal precipitation in California, the Middle Fork becomes one of the best options for 1-, 2-, and 3-Day wilderness trips. Consistent flows released from the Oxbow PG&E Power House just above the run create a wonderful opportunity for Class III – IV rafting inside a 2000′ deep wilderness canyon.

Call Whitewater Connection today at 1.800.336.7238 to book your Adventure

The American River originates in the high Sierra Nevada just west of Lake Tahoe, in the Tahoe and El Dorado National Forests. Its three main forks—the South, Middle and North—flow through the Sierra foothills and converge east of Sacramento. Along the way their water, rapids, lakes and reservoirs provide recreation, power and irrigation for northern California. Whether you are looking for whitewater action, calm-water paddling, fishing a clear lake or hiking along a cool stream, you’ll find a place to love on the American.

Three Forks, Three Unique Rivers

Despite each originating in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the three forks of the American River have distinct “personalities,” reflecting the environment through which each flows.

The South Fork of the American River is the most friendly and welcoming of the three, with river fun for novices as well as experts and thrill-seekers. More people boat the South Fork than any other river west of the Rockies, and for good reason: trips ranging from half- to two-day, arranged by experienced river guides, and all within a short drive of Sacramento.

The Middle Fork of the American River provides a variety of boating challenges, from experienced to expert. Although much of the land is privately owned, the river is open to all, and numerous opportunities exist for enjoying this portion of the river. The Middle Fork’s canyons provide challenging terrain for the Western States Trail, which hosts multiple annual endurance events, including the prestigious Tevis Cup equestrian trail ride and the world-famous Western States 100- Mile Trail Run, both beginning at Squaw Valley and leading to Auburn via remote wilderness trails.

The North Fork of the American River is the American River’s wild child. Most of the whitewater portions of the river are for experts only. During the summer, flows are too low for boating, so the North Fork becomes a spectacular hiking region, with demanding canyon trails, Sierra foothills beauty, and the river providing cool swimming holes for resting.