THREE FORKS WHITEWATER TOURS

Three Forks Whitewater Tours
P.O.Box 950
Lotus, California 95652

1-530-626-4718
1-800-257-RAFT
E-Mail: raftmom@aol.com

Business Description:

Unique Whitewater Rafting
Adventures in The Sierra Foothills
Beautiful Riverside Campground
Gourmet Meals ~ Skilled Guides
Family Owned and Operated

Whitewater rafting, camping, etc, on the American River. Trips on the North, Middle and South Forks as well as other locations. Operated by Jerrie and Scott Groven.

TRIP DESCRIPTIONS

SOUTH FORK
class 3 April- Oct. Min. age 8
TWO- DAY CAMP-OUT
A great way to combine 2 days rafting with camping in our private camp right on the river. your trip Includes 5 delicious meals, a Gorge run on day 1 and an Upper run on day 2.

UPPER RUN Lunch included
Ten miles of some of the most beautiful scenery in the west! It starts out quickly with the longest rapid on the river, Meatgrinder, and it slows down after the famous Troublemaker rapid. Its a relaxing float through Gold Discovery Park, some fun class 1-2 rapids, then a buffet lunch at our camp.

GORGE RUN Lunch included
Your trip begins with a buffet lunch at our camp, then we do a 12 mile lower run that starts out mild and ends up WILD! A few miles of class 1-2 rapids, maybe a water fight or two, then its on to the Gorge. From Fowlers Rock to Surprise rapid, the fast-flowing class 3 action makes this our most popular run.

WHOLE RIVER 22 mi. Lunch included
Combine the upper and lower runs, put lunch in between, and get ready for a long, full day of excitement! The high water from April until June is the best time to enjoy the whole river run.

MIDDLE FORK
18 miles Class 4+ Late May-Sept. min .age 14
ONE DAY Lunch included
This Sierra river starts out fast and furious. Its noted on the west coast for its unique rapid,
The Tunnel Chute. This is a class 4+ rapid that propels you down a 100' granite chute, ending with a float through a 90' tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, you enter the beautiful Middle Fork Canyon. A thrilling day of class 2-4+ rapids, stopping for a buffet lunch on a pristine beach, makes this an unforgettable day.

TWO-DAY COMBO
Combine the South Fork 1 day, with a camp out at our campground, then another full day on the Middle Fork. Includes 5 meals.

TWO-DAY WILDERNESS TRIP
An Adventurous 2 days in the wilderness of the Middle Fork Canyon. We travel at a more relaxed pace, so you might take time to hike, fish, or relax and enjoy the solitude. Your guides will prepare hearty, delicious meals and entertain you with their knowledge of the area. Beautiful scenery and wildlife observation will add to an already exciting adventure. includes 5 meals.

NORTH FORK
9 Mi. Class 4-5 Min. Age 14
FULL DAY Lunch included
The North Fork of the American river is set in
a beautiful granite canyon. Swollen by spring run-off, it is non-stop class 4-5 action. Due to its assertiveness, participants must be healthy, energetic, and have previous rafting experience. Wetsuits are mandatory. Helmets are provided.

CHOOSING YOUR
RIVER TRIP

River trips vary with the time of year and the difficulty of the river. If you are a beginner, the South Fork is for you. If you have previous river experience and want more of a challenge, the Middle Fork is a good choice. For the boater in great shape and wants a total rush, The North Fork is your choice.
Two-day trips are a wonderful way to enjoy the rafting experience. Relaxing and fun, they are a real vacation bargain. You may want to consider taking your trip during the week, when the river is less crowded and the fares are slightly lower.

SPECIAL EVENTS
We are always happy to help you plan a special event of your own. Our camp is available for Weddings, Reunions, Company Picnics, Bachelor/Bachelorette parties, or just about any other reason you can think of to get together with your friends. Our camp is a romantic setting for an intimate retreat with your sweetie. Get creative. Give us a challenge. You won't be disappointed!

GUIDE SCHOOL
We have a guide school to train new guides, or for anyone who wants to know more about the river. Get certified in Swiftwater Rescue, CPR, First Aid and learn the necessary skills to navigate the river safely. The class is in June. Call or write for details.

CAMPING
We are privileged to share our private, riverside campground with you. Relax in a hammock under huge oak trees, play volleyball, or Frisbee Golf, or swing on the best rope swing on the river! We have restrooms, and wonderful hot showers overlooking a flower garden. In the evening, enjoy S'mores around the campfire, or relax in the Sauna overlooking the river. If you choose to prepare your own meals, there are Barbecues for your use. If you prefer, you can arrange for the Three Forks Chef to do the cooking for you!.

KIDS CAMP
For the first time we are offering 2 sessions of children's camp. Its a great opportunity for your kids to learn about water safety and outdoor living. Co-Ed. Ages 9-14. Call or write for more information.

RESERVATIONS

Trips on weekends fill the fastest, sometimes up to a year in advance. Some trips can have a space available with only a days notice. If you have a preferred date its best to reserve your space as soon as possible. We advise you to call our office first to check if your date is available. Reservations can be made by phone or by mail. Phone reservations are held 5 working days until your deposit is received, or, a credit card may be used to pay the deposit. Deposits are 50% of the total trip fee, and are required to reserve your date. The balance is due on the day of your trip. Full payment is required if your reservation is made less than 30 days before the trip. If you must cancel your reservation, you will receive a refund of your deposit, less a $25 per person cancellation fee, provided we have written notice of the cancellation in our office more than 30 days before the trip. For cancellations less than 30 days before the trip, the entire amount paid is non-refundable. If this occurs, you may find a substitute for your space(s) at no extra charge.

Please understand that when you make a reservation with us for a particular trip, we are holding that space for you and turning away others for that date. If you cancel, it may be impossible for us to re-book those spaces on short notice. Three Forks reserves the right to cancel any trip due to any circumstance that does not allow us to run a safe trip. In this case, a full refund will be given, or your trip will be re-booked at no extra charge to you.

CONFIRMATIONS
When we receive your deposit, we will send you a packet with information, directions, and your receipt. All questions are welcomed, and we encourage you to call with any special requests.

THINGS TO BRING

*Swimsuit
*Wetsuit
*Tennis Shoes or Rafting Sandals
*Wetsuit Booties
*WOOL OR POLARFLEECE SOCKS
*WINDBREAKER
*Wool or Polarfleece Sweater
*Sun Hat with Chin Strap or Holder
*Sunglasses with strap
*Extra Set of Warm Clothes for Camping
*Including Jacket, Sneakers or
*River sandals
*Sleeping Bag
*Air Mattress ( important for comfort ! )**Tent
*Ground Cloth
*Flashlight
*Towel and Washcloth
*Personal Items ( toiletries, etc. )
*Medications
*Fishing Gear and License
*Sunscreen
*Mosquito Repellant

NOTICE: Three Forks Whitewater Tours
is a licensed, permitted outfitter that is granted a license to operate by the Bureau of Land Management, The U.S, Forest Service, California State Parks, and El Dorado County, which requires the following notice:
" The South Fork of the American River, in its natural state, would not normally have sufficient flows during the summer to support rafting or any other floating activities as they are known today. Adequate flows result from releases from Hydroelectric Facilities located at Chili Bar and above. Such releases are made when necessary for power generation, and are not subject to the control of the county or commercial rafting company operating permits from the county of El Dorado. ".


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