One of the best perks of living in Northern California is the proximity to a plethora of incredible outdoor activities. Only a few hours drive away (one hour east of Sacramento) lies the South Fork of the American River, one of the best spots in California for whitewater rafting. Both first-timers and more experienced rafters will fall in love with this locale, a 21-mile whitewater river in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
1-DAY RAFTING TRIP:
Choose from two different one-day rafting trips, The Gorge Run or The Chili Bar Run. The Gorge Run is an exciting eleven mile run, starting with a fun and easy section of the river that will give you ample time to warm up and practice paddling before hitting Class III rapids in the Gorge. The Chili Bar run is ten miles of fun and a thrill from the start, eventually venturing into challenging rapids like the Meatgrinder, Triple Thread and Troublemaker. You'll be sure to work up an appetite navigating the rapids, so both runs include a delicious BBQ or deli lunch on the beautiful riverbank. Up for a challenge or a new adventure? It's time to hit the whitewater.
Gorge Run Itinerary: http://www.raftcalifornia.com/_pdf/sf1-day-gorge.pdf
Chili Bar Run Itinerary: http://www.raftcalifornia.com/_pdf/sf1-day-chilibar.pdf
2-DAY WINE TASTING & RAFTING TRIP:
What's better than a day spent whitewater rafting? A two-day adventure including wine tasting, rafting and riverside camping, that's what. But don't worry, you won't be getting a RWI (rafting while intoxicated) - your wine tasting and rafting trip includes one day of chauffeured wine tasting off the river, and one day of rafting. Your adventure starts the night before your first full day, setting up camp on the beautiful riverside. In the morning, you'll wake up to a hearty breakfast and a fun few days ahead of you. Your Winery Day includes a chauffeured drive to local award-winning wineries in one of California's best undiscovered wine regions, El Dorado Wine Country. You'll also have a picnic lunch, not to mention a delicious dinner (think appetizers, salmon and tri-tip) and a campfire. On Day 2, you'll start with an orientation and safety talk, and practice basic paddle strokes before heading out to raft the beautiful American River. Starting with fun and easy rapids as a warm up, you'll wind your way through rolling hills before grabbing lunch and hitting the bigger rapids in the late afternoon. Beautiful scenery, delicious wine and a thrilling activity? Sounds like the perfect California adventure. (Note: Weekends not included.)
2-Day Itinerary: http://www.raftcalifornia.com/_pdf/Wine-Tasting-and-Whitewater-2-Day-Trip.pdf