High in the Sierra Nevada, in the Tahoe, originates the beautiful American River. With three main forks, South, Middle and North, The American River flows freely passing through the Sierra foothills and then converge just east of Sacramento.

White water rafting in the legendary American River is always a fun filled adventure. Each fork has different thrills to offer every rafter despite all originating from the Sierra Nevada. The South Fork of the American River is the friendliest part of the American River among the three forks. In this Class II, 3-mile II stretch from the Coloma to the Lotus portion is an ideal introduction of beginners to white water rafting. For a bit of challenge, other rafters can try the increased challenge of the Class III runs, Chili Bar and Gorge. Surely in the South Fork, experts as well as beginners will surely enjoy white water rafting on this part of the American River.

The Middle Fork gives spice and variety of challenges ranging from experienced to expert. The popularly exhilarating Tunnel Chute white water rapid never fails to bring numerous rafters back year after year. The Middle Fork also has several class III rapids such as Alarm Clock, Last Chance, Kanak and others. These rapids make the Middle fork a perfect white water rafting trip for intermediate rafters. The North Fork, on the other hand, consists of white water particularly for experts only. The Generation Gap, found in the North Fork area is the highest run in terms of elevation and difficulty. The Generation Gap offers expert rafters 12 miles of exciting class V white water. Rafters have to take a three mile hike in order to put in for Generation Gap and there is no other way to go out of the remote canyon but to go downstream on a raft.

Another part of the North Fork that most people are excited about is the adrenaline pumping run of the class IV Chamberlain Falls. The Chamberlain Falls, which runs for 9 miles, is famous for its stunning beauty, continuous white water and for its easy access. The world famous six feet Chamberlain Falls and the Slaughter’s Sluice being the run while the Staircase and Bogus Thunder ends the five mile class IV section before starting with the exciting class II to III rapids for take-out.

If you want to experience the white water rapids of the American River, you can either choose to enroll in a trip offered by commercial outfitters. This is advised when you are planning to go on a trip with a group like friends or family. Beginners up to intermediate level rafter should always go white water rafting with an experienced and licensed rafting guide. For experts who want to explore the American River alone, private boating clubs can help you get geared up. Those who are going on their own for the first time are encouraged to at least take on class from famous rafting and kayaking schools around the American River vicinity.