South Fork Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip from Lotus (Class 2-3+)

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

With all the wildflowers, trees, wildlife, and sunshine keeping your senses occupied, it’s easy to forget that you are getting ready to paddle into some of the best whitewater rafting in North America. The American River offers attendees so much, it might as well have been designed in a Hollywood studio.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

All necessary safety gear- pfd, helmet, paddle, as well as wetsuits and splash jackets during cooler months.

Bottled water

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Homemade brownies.

Lunch

Alcoholic Beverages

What To Expect

Great for first timers and river lovers alike. The South Fork of the American is the most popular option for California river rafters. Ages 6 to 96 are welcome for this classic trip down the river.

Options

Lower "Gorge" Run (Class 2-3+)

Upper "Chili Bar" (Class 2-3+)

Reviews

4.99

119 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

118

Perfection!
shannonbN4917MU,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a blast on the 1/2 day tour last week. Our guide was knowledgeable and funny, and taught us so much about the land and its history. It's wonderful when you are around people working jobs they absolutely love. We almost stayed in the boat the whole time! Highly recommend!
First time! Fun and exciting. Going again!
Maps17359008084,
Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was our first time river rafting and we had a blast! Our guide James was hilarious and safely guided us down the river. Somehow no one in our raft went overboard. Highly recommend this company! We loved it so much we're going with some neighbors in mid September! Can't wait!
Jodi was an awesome River...
Randale H,
Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Jodi was an awesome River guide. The water was cool and the Rapids amazing. Our grandkids were 12 and 13 and it was perfect for them.
Natures treat with adventure
Bhawana J,
Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was so much fun, our guide was the best , made us feel so safe. Will definitely do it again. Thank you H2O adventures
Get out of the matrix
Jenny W,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Rafting was a fun experience in beautiful surroundings. Our river guide, Keanu, was very knowledgeable. Following his directions kept us from falling out of the raft. Honestly, it is just a good time with people who like being outside.
The trip was great! Our...
Seth K,
Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The trip was great! Our guide James was super knowledgeable and friendly, we did a lot of little "experiences" to make the day fun that the bigger rafting crews were apparently not allowed to do. Such as cliff jumping, having a rider at the nose of the boat, and others. Really fun, especially for the kids on the trip!
Weeeeeeeee
ChristopherR673,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What fun! This outfitter is top class! We are returning customers and Oars has maintained their quality service through and through. Staff always friendly and knowledgable. Safety first, exciting and refreshing fun second! This time we can thank Alex and Abagail for a great tour of the lower South Fork. They did such a great job! On our drive home we started planning our next trip with Oars. Thanks to all!
Best Whitewater Rafting for Beginners
Italian Frank,
Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The was our families 1st time whitewater rafting. Niko was our guide. He did an excellent job of teaching us about water safety, instilling confidence it our newly acquired skills and making sure we has a fantastic experience. Niko was the best because he provide an experience that was exciting and safe. We can't wait to return to H2O Adventures again with friends and family.
Unforgettable experience!
B9651JAjenniferh,
Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a wonderful experience! My family had a fantastic time rafting with H2O Adventures and our guide James! Can’t wait to do it all again!
Great experience
Piet V,
Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience! We had a very nice supervisor. So many nice things done. Even climbed up and jumped from 10 m high rock into the water, for those who dared. I can recommend this to everyone! Thank you!