Equipment hints and suggestions:
Other than basic camping equipment, you do not need any specialized gear for this trip. Your vehicle will be accessible from our campsite, so there are no weight or space restrictions. Here are a few hints to make you more comfortable:
SUMMER TRIPS - (June 15 - September 15) It is likely to be hot and wet on the river, so wear clothes that dry quickly, (nylon shorts, bathing suits, athletic sandals, etc). Please don't forget a hat, waterbottle, and sunblock. In camp, tents are nice for privacy, but many guests prefer to sleep out under the stars.
SPRING AND FALL TRIPS - (before June 15 and after September 15) Everyone should come prepared for cool and/or wet conditions, (even if its sunny). We strongly advise a thick synthetic fleece pullover and a waterproof rainshell for each person. Synthetic fleece (commonly called “polartec" or "polarfleece"), retains its insulation when wet and works well on the river. Thick tops are available at outdoor stores and most department stores.
DO NOT BRING COTTON. Wetsuits are also advised for anyone who chills easily, (and may be required for everyone on cold and rainy days). They can be rented from The River Store in Lotus, (530/626-3435) and should be reserved in advance.
Type of Rafts:
Paddle rafts are used on South Fork American trips. Four to seven paddlers form a paddle team and, following the instructions of a guide who sits in the rear of the raft, propel the raft through the rapids using canoe-type paddles. We have found this to be the most enjoyable way to experience the river because of the added level of participation and involvement. Previous experience is not required and our guides are excellent instructors and inspirational leaders.
Additional Information:
1-day Option
Our one day trips on the South Fork of the American River are exciting journeys through the rolling foothills of California's Mother Lode country. We will cover 10 miles of river and tackle over 20 rapids, from small riffles to big drops, and we will enjoy the scenery and history of the region. Depending on your wishes and the water levels, we will either run the upper stretch from Chili Bar to Camp Lotus, (Meatgrinder and Troublemaker), or the lower stretch from Camp Lotus to Folsom Reservoir, (Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar). Both stretches are 10 miles long and offer the same amount of whitewater. The most difficult rapids are rated Class III+, perfect for families and first-time rafters, yet still exciting enough for seasoned veterans.
2-day Option
Our 2 day trips on the South Fork of the American are fun-filled adventures through the rolling foothills of California's Mother Lode country. The 20 miles of river between Chili Bar and Folsom Lake contain over 50 rapids including Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, and Troublemaker, as well as the numerous rapids of the famous American River Gorge. The rapids range in difficulty from Class II to Class III+, making South Fork trips ideal for first-time rafters, yet still exciting enough for seasoned veterans. Two-day South Fork Camp Lotus trips camp at a private, secluded section of Camp Lotus, complete with its own river access. Your vehicles, hot showers, and flush toilets are a short walk away. Meals are prepared by our guides at our outdoor kitchen and, after a campfire, you will be serenaded to sleep by the sound of the river. Our two-day Wilderness trips camp along an isolated stretch of the river that has no vechicle access. There is often a delay on the second morning of the trip, as we wait for the upstream water releases, so be prepared for a relaxing morning.
Meals & Drinks:
ARTA menus feature fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats and the guides double as camp chefs. Dinner is usually grilled chicken or fish, pasta, green salad and a baked Dutch Oven dessert. If you have special dietary needs, please tell us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you. ARTA provides fruit drinks at meals and sodas at take-out. If you want alternative beverages in camp, please bring your own. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at lunch or on the river.
Weather:
The California Foothills enjoy warm to hot temperatures for most of the Summer with very little rain. Summertime highs can reach the 100's, however, it is usually cooler along the river. In the Spring, (April, May and early June), it is generally cooler and there is a greater chance of rain. Good rain protection for both the day and night is advised during the early part of the season. The water on the South Fork is a chilly 60 to 65 degrees most of the year.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend that you purchase short-term travel insurance that provides trip cancellation and medical coverage for you and your family. Please request a Travel Insurance packet from ARTA if you have not already received one.
Gratuities:
We want you to feel like a guest in our home and tipping is never expected. It is certainly appreciated, however, and is accepted as recognition of an outstanding trip or exemplary service. Normal tips range from 5% to 10% of the trip cost and are usually given to the Lead Guide who splits them equally among the entire crew.
Whether and how much you tip should depend on your satisfaction with the guide service, your financial means, and your feelings about tipping in general.
NOTE:
El Dorado County requires that we print the following notice: Water flows in the South Fork of the American River result from releases from hydro-electric facilities located upstream. Such water releases are not subject to the control of El Dorado County or commercial companies operating under permits from the county of El Dorado.
More Information
If there are any questions we haven't answered, please feel free to contact us. Our office staff enjoys telling folks about our trips, so don't hesitate to call 800-323-2782.
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