- When is the best time of the year to go on a Middle Fork American rafting tour?
California has rafting nearly year round but the Middle Fork American River runs best in the Summer from June through September.
- Do I have to know how to swim well?
Yes, Class 4 water does require good swimming ability. A personal flotation device which we provide will keep you buoyant if you happen to swim from the raft. There are plenty of calm “recovery pools” to keep you from floating down river. Participants must be able to swim back to the raft or shore before the next rapid.
- Will I need a wetsuit?
If you raft during high water (spring through early summer). Summer rafting on class 4 rivers does not require a wetsuit. Contact us if you have questions.
- What should I bring?
You need to bring shorts, swim suit, t-shirt, foot protection (old tennis shoes, booties or sport sandals), and a dry set of clothes for your ride home.Everything that you wear will get wet so plan accordingly. Please do not bring valuable items (i.e. expensive clothes or shoes, jewelry, non-waterproof cameras or other items) on the raft. Under a wetsuit you will wear swimwear or insulated synthetic winter underwear (No COTTON) on cold spring days. On cold days wear wool socks and tennis shoes or booties for extra warmth.
For camping trips bring all the camping equipment you need (even the kitchen sink if required) since River Park Resort campground has drive-in camping. We have lists of equipment recommended for all trips on our "what to bring" page. Do not bring pets to any of our trips.
- What if I am a vegetarian?
There are several non meat items you can eat for lunch. We provide fresh salads, fruit and breads on our deli-style lunch.
- How often do trips on the Middle Fork American River run?
We run trips seven days a week from June through September on Middle Fork. Weekend space is very limited since we can only take 12 persons per trip. Our weekend trips book up months before the trip date. We usually have plenty of space on our weekday trips.
- How many people go with each trip?
During midweek we have smaller sized groups and the rivers are generally less crowded making the solitude of the trip much better than on weekends. On weekends we generally book out so we run the maximum group size. Sundays are sometimes less crowded than Saturdays. Early and late season are less busy than prime season.
- What if the weather is bad?
We will run in any condition of weather or may give everyone the option to take a rain-check credit if the weather is extremely unpleasant at the check-in point. After April, the weather is usually perfect for rafting.
- Can we request a guide?
If we have at least 2 weeks notice we will make every effort possible to schedule a guide that you enjoyed in the past.
- Is it appropriate to tip our guide after the trip?
Although a tip is not expected, if you feel your guide has done an exceptional job or gone that extra step to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable, a tip is a nice way to show your appreciation.
- Can we still raft if we have young children (under 7 years)?
Not on the Middle Fork of the American River. The minimum age is 14 years old. If you have young rafters your best choice by far is the South Fork of the American River..
