Water Activities

NORTH FORK SURF CO

A local surf shop supporting all water sports throughout the American River watershed.
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Tues - Thurs: 10am - 2pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm; Mon: Closed
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1117 High St
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530.217.8446

WHITEWATER EXCITEMENT

There is the Middle Fork of the American River rafting experience, Class III-IV, 1 day trip. You will experience many thrilling rapids and view beautiful scenery along the way. There is also a 2 day trip where you camp along the river for 18 miles. Check the web site for schedule, prices and much more information.
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W.E.T RIVER TRIPS

You can choose the Middle Fork of the American River, this is for the experienced rafter for a 1 day trip, Class IV. Also you can choose the North Fork which is a Class IV+ for a 1 day trip for the advance experienced rafter. Lunch is included for both. Be sure to check the web site for schedule, prices and more information.
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TRIBUTARY WHITEWATER TOURS

Season is from May to September. Middle Fork of the American River: There are guided family and group tours for the adventurous beginner to intermediate for Class III – IV, the minimum age is 13. Length is 17 – 25 miles, you can choose 1 to 3 day rafting trip, Price starts at $139, the trip starts near Foresthill; Lower Middle Fork American River is for the beginner, Class II – II+, minimum age 4; length is 7 miles for 1/2 or 1 day, price starts $89 – $109 and location is Auburn; North Fork American River is for the Intermediate to advanced, Class IV – IV+, minimum age 13, but depends on the river flows; length 9 – 18 miles for 1/2 or 2 days trips; price $108 and the location is Colfax; Lower North Fork American River is great for families/beginners, Class II – II+, minimum age is 6, price is $104; and the location is near Colfax. Depending on which rafting trip you choose, you will see spectacular scenery, animals, wild flowers and more. Be sure to check their web site for schedule, pricing, requirements and more information.
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SIERRA WHITEWATER RAFTING

You have three options: North Fork of the American River is a 13 mile day trip of the advanced rafter, Class IV+ – V. You will go through many rapids, one being the Tunnel Chute. Lunch and drinks are included. Middle Fork is an 18 mile day trip for the advanced rafter, Class IV+, you will go through the Tunnel Chute and other exciding rapids. Lunch and drinks are included. For the family/children you can choose the Lower Fork of the American River which is a 9 mile 1/2 day relaxing river and scenic wilderness. Be sure to check their web site for schedule, prices and other information.
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RIVER RUNNERS

They offer rafting trips on the North Fork and Middle Fork of the American River. The North Fork is a Class IV+ available March – May for a full day, one rapid with be the Chamberlain Falls. This trip is not for the faint of heart. The Middle Fork is only available week days and is a Class IV. Be prepared for a stunning and thrilling day of rafting. There will be many rapids along the way, one being the Tunnel Chute. Be sure to check the web site for schedule, prices and more information.
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PARC(PROTECT AMERICAN RIVER CANYONS)

Protect American River Canyons (PARC) protects the natural, recreational and cultural resources of the North and Middle Fork American River Canyons for all to care for and enjoy. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. PARC supports California Wild & Scenic River designation for 16 miles of the North Fork from Upper Lake Clementine to Mineral Bar, and produced a short film, “The Wild and Scenic North Fork American” which was a selection at the SYRCL 2014 Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Nevada City. It is available on DVD and on-line.
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NORTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER

The 4.0 mile river run from the Iowa Hill Bridge to Yankee Jims provides several Class IV – V rapids, most notably: Chamberlin Falls, Staircase Rapids, and Bogus Thunder. Two class II – III segments from Yankee Jims Bride to Ponderosa Way Bridge and from Ponderosa Way Bridge to Upper Lake Clementine. Each offer a beautiful 4 mile boating experience. Trips down this river are typically made in one day. Boating the North fork requires a sound background in technical whitewater skills. The most desirable flow range is between 1,500 – 3,000 cfs. If you are uncertain about your ability to navigate any rapid, PORTAGE! Boating downstream beyond Mammoth Bar is not recommended, as the Murderer’s Bar Rapid has claimed lives.
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MOTHER LODE RIVER TRIPS

They offer everything you want in a rafting trip on the Middle and North Forks of the American River. The Middle Fork trip is for Class III – IV rapids, the first one will be the Good Morning then the Tunnel Chute and more exciting rapids. You can choose a 1 – 2 day trip. The North Fork is for Class IV+ of exciting and adrenaline pumping rafting action with the Chamberlain Falls. This trip is the most challenging for a 1 day trip, duration of 9.4 miles. Be sure to check their web site for schedule, pricing, requirements and more information.
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MIDDLE FORK AMERICAN RIVER

One, two, or three-day trips are possible on this challenging scenic river. The 15 mile run from Oxbow put-in to Greenwood take-out features several Class IV rapids, as well as numerous Class II and III rapids. Most notable are the Tunnel Chute and Kanaka Falls. A seven-mile trip from Greenwood access area to Mammoth Bar offers a wonderful Class II – III rapids. If you are uncertain about your ability to navigate any rapid, PORTAGE! Boating downstream beyond Mammoth Bar is not recommended, as the Murderer’s Bar Rapid has claimed lives.
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H20 ADVENTURES

They offer 1/2 and full day rafting trips. The guided rafting trips start in April – May, Class IV/V on the North Fork of the American River. The Middle Fork offer Class III/IV in early May for thrilling rafting experience. The Middle For covers 18 miles for a full day of rafting. This one is great for the first timer or intermediate. They specialize in offering affordable rafting trips build for fun, quality and value for every budget. Be sure to visit their web site for schedule, prices and more.
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CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS RANGER STATION

Auburn State Recreation Area Rangers Station offers free maps and brochures, as well as special permits.
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CALIFORNIA WELCOME CENTER – AUBURN

Each of the California Welcome Centers scattered throughout the state are staffed with personal travel concierges. These knowledgeable experts are ready to provide information that will enhance and enrich your visit including suggestions on where to eat, what to see, and where to stay. Welcome Centers also offer free maps and brochures on local attractions and things to see and do.
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Mon - Sat: 9:30am-4:30pm; Sun: 11am-4:30pm
Location:
1103 High St, Auburn, CA 95603
Phone:
530.887.2111

BEAR RIVER PARK

Rafting and tubing are permitted. You will cruise along the riffles on the Bear River. Rafters use the section of the river from upper to lower portion of the campground or shuttle to the Dog Bar Rd Bridge. Be aware the water is swift and cold and conditions can change rapidly. Day use is 1/2 hour before sunrise and end at 1/2 hour sunset.
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AUBURN ENDURANCE CAPITAL COMMITTEE

The Endurance Capital Committee is a committee of members appointed by the City Council. It was established to help raise the level of endurance awareness by: Showcasing endurance, athletic and outdoor sporting activities that take place in and around Auburn; Promoting Auburn as a destination point for endurance and outdoor activities; Promoting a healthier lifestyle; Strengthening existing events and attracting new events to Auburn; Assisting with the overall economic well being of Auburn
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Auburn City Hall 1225 Lincoln Way Room 10 Auburn, CA 95603
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AMERICAN WHITEWATER EXPEDITIONS

They offer 1/2 and full day rafting trips. The guided rafting trips start in April – May, Class IV/V on the North Fork of the American River. The Middle Fork offer Class III/IV in early May for thrilling rafting experience. The Middle For covers 18 miles for a full day of rafting. This one is great for the first timer or intermediate. They specialize in offering affordable rafting trips build for fun, quality and value for every budget. Be sure to visit their web site for schedule, prices and more.
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ADVENTURE CONNECTION

North Fork American River Rafting is a Class IV | Class IV. A thrilling advance whitewater challenge plummeting out of the Desolation Valley basin near Lake Tahoe lies the free-flowing North Fork American River with some of California’s most exciting sprinting technical rapids. Rafters ready for the North Fork are in good physical condition and possess prior Class III paddling experience. They will cover advance paddling, safety, and swimming techniques before beginning the run. Wetsuits are usually required for this run. There are 1 & 2 day trips. The Middle Fork of the American River is Class III/IV adventure for the first time rafter. This is a great choice for an individual or groups who want to experience the adventure of a remote wilderness river trip. The first time or intermediate rafter will need to be in good physical condition. There is one Class V rapid “Tunnel Chute” the river drops through a narrow churning white water chute leading down to a flat water tunnel through a narrow ridge. It is an excite roller coaster ride. You can choose 1 or 2 day trips. The Lower Middle Fork of American River is a Class II for the first time rafters, families with young children and youth groups. There is 1/2 or 2 day trips and along the rafting trip you will see wild flowers and wildlife. Be sure to check their web site for schedule, pricing, requirements and more information.
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ACTION WHITEWATER ADVENTURES

They offer trips on the Middle Fork American River (Tunnel Run) which is 18 miles, Class III – IV section of the river. The trip offers breath taking views as well as exciting run. The North Fork (chamberlain Falls) is 10 miles, 4 hour trip for Class IV. You will enjoy clear blue water and steep challenging loops. Minimum age is 13 and prices start for day trip at $229 and weekend trips $249. Be sure to check their web site for schedule, pricing, requirements and more information.
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