Middle Fork American River Whitewater Rafting Trip (Class 3-4)
Overview
The Middle Fork of the American River offers an exhilarating rafting experience in a remote 2,000-foot-deep canyon. Although it feels worlds away from the city, this hidden gem is easily accessible—just an hour's drive from Sacramento—making it a top choice for athletic first-timers as well as those with prior rafting experience. Led by our expert guides, the river's challenging Class 3 and 4 rapids promise an adrenaline-packed adventure, while the serene stretches in between allow you to soak in the breathtaking canyon scenery. One of the most memorable highlights of the day is navigating the famous Tunnel Chute Rapid, which leads into a dramatic 90-foot river tunnel. Perfect for adventurous groups and families with older kids, the minimum age for this trip is 12 years old (with a weight of at least 90 pounds), and all participants must be able to swim.
What's Included
- River shuttle to/from the Meet Place for your trip
- All Fees and Taxes
- Wetsuits and Splash Jackets (seasonally dependent)
- All rafting and safety equipment including PFD (life jacket) and Helmet.
- Fresh riverside lunch
- Professional River Guide and Instruction
- Optional guide gratuity
Meeting Location
5845 Sunset Drive
Foresthill, CA 95631, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
With over sixty years of guiding adventurers through California's best rivers, we’ve honed our craft to deliver more than just thrilling whitewater rafting trips. As a family-owned company, we are deeply committed to creating experiences that blend excitement with a personal, memorable touch.
On the Middle Fork of the American River, our expert guides do more than navigate you through exhilarating rapids—they're also your connection to the rich history of the Gold Rush era. As you ride the waves and paddle through peaceful calms, they'll share tales of the prospectors who once sought fortune along these very waters, offering insights that turn your adventure into a journey through time.
Come experience the Middle Fork with us, where every trip is infused with history, adrenaline, and the kind of camaraderie that turns an exciting day on the river into a lifetime memory.
Additional Info
- Travelers who are pregnant, have back or heart problems, or other medical conditions should consult their physician prior to booking.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Whitewater rafting is an active participatory sport, however reasonable accommodations can be made for guests with disabilities. Please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
- Participants are expected to be able to swim freestyle and participate in a swim practice.
- Minimum age for this trip is 12 years old (90 pounds minimum weight).
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: Will I get seasick on Middle Fork American River Whitewater Rafting Trip (Class 3-4)?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-143716P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- River shuttle to/from the Meet Place for your trip.
- All Fees and Taxes.
- Wetsuits and Splash Jackets (seasonally dependent).
- All rafting and safety equipment including PFD (life jacket) and Helmet.
- Fresh riverside lunch.
- Professional River Guide and Instruction.
- Optional guide gratuity.
The minimum age to participate is 12. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Middle Fork American River Whitewater Rafting Trip (Class 3-4) is as follows:
- Travelers who are pregnant, have back or heart problems, or other medical conditions should consult their physician prior to booking.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Middle Fork American River Whitewater Rafting Trip (Class 3-4) will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- River shuttle to/from the Meet Place for your trip
- All Fees and Taxes
- Wetsuits and Splash Jackets (seasonally dependent)
- All rafting and safety equipment including PFD (life jacket) and Helmet.
- Fresh riverside lunch
- Professional River Guide and Instruction
- Optional guide gratuity
Additional Info
- Travelers who are pregnant, have back or heart problems, or other medical conditions should consult their physician prior to booking.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Whitewater rafting is an active participatory sport, however reasonable accommodations can be made for guests with disabilities. Please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
- Participants are expected to be able to swim freestyle and participate in a swim practice.
- Minimum age for this trip is 12 years old (90 pounds minimum weight).
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
