Chili Bar Outdoor Center on the South Fork American River
CBOC Whitewater gives you the best rafting on
Northern California's three forks of the American River

South Fork American River

Chili Bar Special

Class III

Whitewater rafting on the South Fork AmericanOur most popular half-day trip-- and the most popular in the Western United States-- the Chili Bar run to Coloma is appropriate for beginners yet exciting enough to keep veteran boaters coming back year after year. We shuttle to put in above Chili Bar, practice our paddling skills on some easy riffles, then quickly move on to the big water of Meatgrinder. The pace then alternates from whitewater excitement to short, calm pools, passing through more than 10 major rapids until we reach Troublemaker-- the most dramatic drop on the river. A wonderful way to get acquainted with whitewater rafting, enjoy beautiful canyon scenery, and view historic gold rush sights along the way. Take out is at our campground in Coloma.

Rating: Class III
Season: March through September
Length: 10 miles/4 hours
Minimum Age: 8 years (12 during high water)
Departure: 9:00a.m.

Lower Gorge

Class III

The lower section of the South Fork American, the river meanders through gold rush countryside, a lazy Class II cruise before it abruptly drops into The Gorge. As the rock walls narrow, the river picks up speed, pulses quicken, and it's party time-- plunging through miles of back-to-back rapids like Satan's Cesspool, Haystack Canyon, Bouncing Rock and Hospital Bar. Similar to the Chili Bar run in many respects, but starting with a more relaxed pace and scheduled for later in the day. We put in at our campground in Coloma and shuttle you back from take out at Salmon Falls.

Rating: Class III
Season: March through September
Length: 10 miles/6 hours
Minimum Age: 8 years (12 during high water)
Departure: 11:00a.m.

Double Run

Class III

A very full day of rafting, this exciting trip combines our Chili Bar Special and Lower Gorge trips into one great day of whitewater excitement-- it's a marathon for whitewater maniacs. Arrive rested because you will leave tired, satisfied, and satiated-- this is the cardiovascular special with an endorphin chaser. Good physical condition is recommended.

Rating: Class III
Season: March through September
Length: 20 miles/8 hours
Minimum Age: 8 years (12 during high water)
Departure: 9:00a.m.

Two-Day Trips- - South Fork

Two-Day Camping

Class III

A great way to combine two days of rafting with nights under the stars and the luxury of catered, mouth-watering meals. Stay at our riverside campground, a private park along the river with the convenience of flushing toilets, hot showers, and covered dining area. Includes lunches during rafting, a hearty Western breakfast, and savory barbecue dinner served by our able staff. Or arrive the night before your trip and enjoy an extra night of camping and breakfast the next morning for a small additional fee. You will raft the Gorge Section the first day and the Chili Bar section on the second day.

Rating: Class III
Season: March through September
Length: 20 miles/2 days
Minimum Age: 8 years (12 during high water)
Departure: 11:00a.m.

Two-Day Bed & Breakfast

Class III

El Dorado County is brimming with lovely Bed & Breakfasts scattered through the Sierra foothills. There are small ones that accommodate only a few people, making the experience cozy and quiet, and there are those that offer putting greens and swimming pools to keep everyone busy. You'll arrive for an initial day of whitewater rafting, have time in the late afternoon to clean up and dine at one of many local restaurants, wake up to a country-style breakfast, then join us for another day of fun on the river. This option is available on all South Fork Two-Day and South Fork Two-Day Combos.

Rating: Class III
Season: March through September
Length: 20 miles/2 days
Minimum Age: 8 years (12 during high water)
Departure: 11:00a.m.

Whitewater rafting trip reservations North Fork American River Middle Fork American River South Fork American River
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CBOC Whitewater
P.O. Box 456
Coloma, CA 95613
1.800.356.2262 - 1.530.621-1236 - fax 1.530.622.6104
e-mail: malode@malode.com