Tom Sawyer Float Trip

THE RAPIDS:
Smooth and easy Class I-II rapids make for a fun and relaxing day

Tom Sawyer Float Trips do exactly that...they float an easy 5 mile section of the South Fork American River through the Coloma Valley. This section of the South Fork American River is the perfect float trip for families with small children. The river is gentle and forgiving, with just enough excitement to delight a young child and hold an adult's interest. Most of the time, the whitewater is more "riffle" than "rapid," allowing lots of time for reverie.

THE RIVER SCENERY:

As the South Fork traverses the Coloma Valley, it passes between high rolling hills and gentle meadows that were homesteaded in the early 1800s. The river meanders slowly by oak tree groves; alder and cottonwood trees grow right out of the riverbed. In late summer, wild blackberry bushes dot the riverside, offering a delicious time-out for paddlers. The valley is not densely populated, but remains home to local people who reside in this quiet community. As we float down the river, homes are usually buffered from our view by thick river foliage.

LOCATION:
50 mins from Sacramento, 1.5hrs from Lake Tahoe

Because the South Fork is so close to many metropolitan areas, it's easy to go on a rafting trip yet still arrive back home with plenty of time to relax. You'll begin rafting and kayaking late afternoon, have lunch, then raft and kayak some more before ending in mid-afternoon.

TYPICAL RAFTING SEASON:
Sun-Fri, June - October*

The South Fork American is a dam-controlled river. Because the river's flows are regulated, its levels are dependable and extremely consistent. Tom Sawyer Float Trips are offered during warm weather months, typically June through October. In high water years the beginning of the season may be delayed until the river flows drop to normal levels.

* Season length and flows may vary. For this year's flow predictions and real-time water levels go to the River Flows page.

MEALS:
Freshly prepared riverside feasts

On Tom Sawyer trips, we provide a gourmet "build-your-own" sandwich lunch that includes all the fixings you’ll need to assemble the perfect sandwich along with kettle style potato chips, dried fruit, and chocolate. Enjoy your relaxing, riverside meal before heading back out on the water for more adventure.

If you have special dietary requirements, we encourage you to tell us at the time of your reservation so we can discuss options.

GUEST INVOLVEMENT:
How You Participate in Getting Down the River

All-Outdoors uses oar-paddle assist rafts on this trip. With this type of raft you can sit and enjoy yourself while the guide does all the work with their oars, or you can choose to assist them with your paddle. During the trip you can also have the option of paddling in one- or two-person inflatable kayaks. Guides will provide kayak instruction and close supervision while you guide your kayak downstream. All guests who would like to kayak should be able to swim.