Canyon Raft Rentals
Affordable do it yourself river adventures
Near the North, Middle & South Forks of the American River
Runs for experienced guides and newbies
A group learning about river navigation in the Scurvy Dog Theater.
Welcome to the world of self guided river running! If you want a more interesting trip than just flat water, Canyon Raft Rentals has three different class 2 (basic maneuvering) and more advanced runs available on nearby forks of the American River above Folsom Lake. Free training for beginners is available with a half hour video presentation in the movie room. Thousands of newbies have successfully run their first class 2 rivers here. Many go on to eventually run the more advanced class 3 runs. Or you can take equipment to one of the mountain lakes.
How it Works: Rafts come deflated and will fit in a car trunk in most cases. They are supplied with a large hand pump, an optional electric pump, life jackets and paddles. You can can do your own transportation to and from the river or you can get shuttle service at the beginning or end of your trip depending on which river you decide to run. At the end of your trip you deflate the raft, roll it back up and return it to Auburn. If you are running the Gorge on the South Fork and you are getting a shuttle through Canyon Raft Rentals, then the gear is returned for you. On the Middle Fork run the shuttle is done to the starting point with your vehicle(s) left at the takeout point.
How it Works: Rafts come deflated and will fit in a car trunk in most cases. They are supplied with a large hand pump, an optional electric pump, life jackets and paddles. You can can do your own transportation to and from the river or you can get shuttle service at the beginning or end of your trip depending on which river you decide to run. At the end of your trip you deflate the raft, roll it back up and return it to Auburn. If you are running the Gorge on the South Fork and you are getting a shuttle through Canyon Raft Rentals, then the gear is returned for you. On the Middle Fork run the shuttle is done to the starting point with your vehicle(s) left at the takeout point.
About raft rentals on the upper American River forks
There are no raft rental establishments located along the river.
The north and middle forks of the American River are part of the Auburn State Recreation Area and flow through a canyon environment. The regulatory environment and lack of facilities in these canyons makes it impossible to locate a rental business along the rivers.
The South Fork of the American River is located in El Dorado County, which does not allow raft rental type businesses at all. Only outfitters that do guided tours are allowed there and they are not allowed to rent gear.
For these reasons and the multiple locations of the various runs, equipment is rented in Auburn and brought to the river.
The north and middle forks of the American River are part of the Auburn State Recreation Area and flow through a canyon environment. The regulatory environment and lack of facilities in these canyons makes it impossible to locate a rental business along the rivers.
The South Fork of the American River is located in El Dorado County, which does not allow raft rental type businesses at all. Only outfitters that do guided tours are allowed there and they are not allowed to rent gear.
For these reasons and the multiple locations of the various runs, equipment is rented in Auburn and brought to the river.
River Flow Information
In 2015 the Middle Fork and the South Fork are dam controlled only and recreational releases on certain days and between certain hours allow us to raft through the summer and fall. The water releases happen on a set schedule and arrive at the launch points during specific hours of the day and then go back down. So trips have to be planned accordingly depending on the river and section you are running. When you choose a river, pay attention to the estimated flow times listed for that section. Also, there are links to the flow gauges on this site so you can check the levels before leaving home. There are time delays from dam to your launch point to consider as the water works it's way down the river. For the Middle Fork it takes five hours for the water to get from source to the Driver's Flat put-in. On the South Fork the delay is about two hours before arriving at the Coloma Valley.
Middle Fork American
2016 - Water release 7 days a week through Sept
Launch Time Window
2:00 PM to 5:00 |
South Fork American
2016 - Water release Sept- Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
Oct- Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon Launch Time Window from Coloma area
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
North Fork & Lower North Fork
Upper North Fork - Too low now
Lower NF - After 4:00PM |
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The North Fork is the only one not dam controlled. For that reason it can only be run in spring while the snow is melting or rain storms bring it up. Unschedualed Water ReleasesSometimes there are boatable flows at unscheduled times also. This is especially the case on hot days when more power is needed on the electrical grid. If you monitor the flow guages you might get a lucky opportunity. At other times there is "fish flow" only - just enough to keep them alive. That's the flat line on the right of the graph which is not enough to float through the rapids without getting stuck. The volume of flow is measured in cubic feet per second (CFS).
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Reservations
It is important to make a reservation at least 24 hours before your rental or at least call to give a heads up and check for availability for the raft(s) you want. Monday thu Fridays are by appointment or get lucky. Saturdays are the busiest days during summer, so consider Sundays for your trip.
Pre-trip Planning
A self guided river trip is a kind of expedition and requires certain elements to be in place. There are matters like driving directions, travel times, what to wear, food & drink, proper clothing, transport, organizing the shuttle, how to get to the river and if you are beginners; some pre-trip study. You want to avoid arriving at my door late and clueless, especially on a busy weekend. Check out the training menu items at the top of page.
25% off on rentals on the lower North Fork (Confluence Run). This is a really nice evening trip when the flow comes up at 4:30. Very peaceful and relaxing. Weekends only. State Parks currently has the takeout access road closed.
How to Get Here
Office Hours - Summer
Weekends - Mornings & evenings Midweek by appointment or reservation Please use the email for questions or reservation form links below. Calls 530 823-0931 |
Canyon Raft Rentals is located at
133 Borland Ave, Auburn Ca 95603 From Sacramento take highway 80 into Auburn and take the Hwy 49 South Placerville exit. Turn left off the ramp, left at the bottom of hill on High St (also 49), go through the railroad underpass and take immediate right turn onto Borland Ave. Look for the little brown office with the blue roof about 1/8 mile on your left. |
