The Lower has a higher number of rapids, as compared with the Upper and it also has the largest, size-wise, rapids on the river, hence it's popularity over the other sections of the river. Also, "swims", unintentional/intentional on the Lower are more forgiving and less dangerous than the Upper Section.

The river begins with a mild taste of whitewater with several class II rapids that lasts for about 45 minutes. Then we begin to get into the larger, more difficult Class III rapids that progressively get larger and more difficult. Your experienced River Guide will take you expertly through such notable rapids like "Satan's Cesspool" or "Hospital Bar". If you're up to it, ask for the "surf" ride…but be warned…it's a really, really wild ride!

We end our exciting day at Salmon Falls with a short bus ride back to the camp. The day ends at about 5:00pm.

Unlike the Lower run, this run starts with intense class III rapids such as "Meat Grinder" and "Trouble Maker", two of the biggest and most exciting rapids on this river. After that the river takes a turn away from intense as you enjoy a peaceful float through Marshall Gold Discovery State Park with numerous class II rapids.

We end this exciting then relaxing trip back at the Gold Rush camp at about 1:00 pm.

We start with a show up time of 8:00am. We then bring you to the Chili Bar Staging Area for the Chili Bar run. After about 3 ½ hours of on river time we stop at our conveniently located camp half way down the river and have a delicious lunch. Then it's back in the boats for another wet and wild 3 hour ride down the Gorge Run. You can expect to be back in camp around 5:00 pm.

On the first day you show up at 11:00am, have an hour to set up camp then at the dining area by 12:00pm to find Lunch waiting for you...NO "Deli-Style Cold Cut sandwiches", but a either our BBQ Lunch or our Soft Taco Lunch. Then we take you on the Lower Gorge run for the rest of the afternoon.

We come back to the Gold Rush camp for hot showers, an amazing BBQ dinner, Slideshow of your day's events and a campfire under the star-filled sky.

On the second day we wake up early, 8:00am meet time. Time to have another great breakfast (Different) then it is up to the Chili Bar for the rest of the river.

Once we are back at Gold Rush Camp, we will fix you yet another awesome lunch. The Two Day Full River is just like doing both half days, just back to back, with all of your meals (4) included as well as 1 night of camping.

Wonder what "Tunnel Chute" looks like? Pick up a copy of the Disney® movie remake, "George of the Jungle©"…fast forward to near the end and watch the rafting scene. That big rapid that they filmed is the "Tunnel Chute" (Minus the CGI tropical plants that is). A 90 foot-long screamfest ending with the entire boat going underwater…soaking everybody. Then you finish with a Yin/Yang serenic float through a tunnel in the mountain. Yes, it sounds amazing…even more so when you actually do it!

We meet at Gold Rush camp at 8:00 am, and drive out to the remote scenic Middle Fork of the American river. From there we embark on one of California's most beautiful river canyons. The river starts off at a fast pace with a Class III rapid right at the beginning, aptly name "Good Morning". Soon you will see the all mighty "Tunnel Shoot". A rapid carved by the gold miners seeking gold in the river. Be sure to ask for the "surf treatment", it's a wild ride…especially for those in the front seats!

At about mid day, we will stop along the river to have a peaceful lunch. After relaxing a bit, it is back to the water. Your guide will take you down some really steep rapids and even a water fall along the way. There is a short Portage (Very dangerous rapid that you will walk around) and then several Class IV rapids till the end. Watch out for "Fluffy Bunny"!!! Once down the river we will bring you back to the Gold Rush Camp ending it all about 5:00pm.

Simply described, it's 2.5 hours of Non-stop, Constant Class III-IV+ size rapids with absolutely NO calm and serene flat sections. The water is constantly moving and the rapids just keep on coming one after another.

This is one river where no-one yet has complained about having to wear a helmet by the end of the trip. It's not for the faint of heart since an "out-of-boat-experience" is highly likely. The ability to swim is mandatory as well as some previous experience.

This is without doubt, the best commercially available whitewater raft trip in California, if not the country!

The booking season is short and highly subject to the Spring Snow Melt-off in the mountains above. It is your classic "Spring River" where the season can end abruptly & randomly and trips can cancel either due to lack of enough water or too much water. Typical season run times are April thru sometimes the beginning of July. This is definitely an experience that is worth you bragging about later to your wimpy friends who didn't go, when you make it back.

When you visit our affiliate partner campground down there, Three Rivers Hideaway, bring the Bald-Guy either a bottle of Tequila or a good Cigar...you'll probably get a back-breaking hug in return! After your visit down there, you're going to feel like best friends with those guys and probably find yourself going back again soon.