This is a 5 star River. Definitely better than those lame rivers. The American River really does all the things you’d expect a river to do. My only complaint is that it’s too cold sometimes. Hopefully the river will hear my complaint and do something about it.
O F.
Place rating: 5 Davis, CA
Had the greatest time on the river! Very relaxing you can swim down it, float on tubes, or load onto a huge float! The water is consistently frigid. RESPONSIBLE drinking is allowed but not on holidays. Pros: super chill, great for all ages, lots of places to stop and relax Cons: always cold, prepare and be responsible
Lina H.
Place rating: 5 Newark, CA
Loved, loved my entire experience at water rafting. It was my first time and I got to share that with my family so it was even better. The weather was perfect and the drive up there was not bad at all. Parking is a little crazy and for us first timers it can be a little frustrating but none of that took away from all the fun. I would definitely recommend it to anyone from any age group and we will be doing more rafting soon. :)
Tiffany K.
Place rating: 5 Sacramento, CA
I think it’s hilarious that I’m the Duchess of the American River. Sounds like some Game of Thrones title. However I suspect after this review goes up, I won’t be Duchess for long. Anyway, I grew up on this river. Back in the day(I’m dating myself now) I would get on my bike, meet up with friends, ride the bike trail, explore the river, skim some rocks and cruise back home in time for dinner.(Then again I read an article about how the Gen X set was the most«neglected» generation in recent history which is why they over compensate with helicopter parenting — but I digress…) I usually go rafting once a year, I own a six-man raft, and I grew up rafting down this river. Believe it or not, it used to be just families. Now anything goes. Yes, I even witnessed a guy with Mardi Gras beads who got women to flash him. My favorite areas are close to the old Fair Oaks bridge. You know, the one off of Bridge Street where no one is allowed to park anymore? The same bridge where they filmed scenes from The Stuntman featuring Peter O’Toole — yes I saw him in person — and Black Dog with Patrick Swayze. If you want to launch a raft, you can hoof it from Bridge Street to the boat launch across the bridge. You have to be in good shape though and have a lot of people to help. This way you won’t have to pay the launch fee! Some excellent trails that go alongside the river are at Bannister Park. Take the horse trail and get lost. Eventually all trails lead to the American River. Fall is a beautiful time of year to watch the running of the salmon. Don’t know why they«run» — easier to say that instead of «swimming upstream» I suppose. And then in winter through early spring, the river smells pretty fishy from those that didn’t make it to the hatchery. The American River runs colder in the summer ironically due to the snowmelt that gets released. Just watch out for areas notorious for undertow. Generally speaking, I haven’t heard of anyone drowning by the old bridge. And I don’t care if your friends do it, don’t jump from the footbridge! It’s not worth severing a vertebrae.
Felicia W.
Place rating: 4 Citrus Heights, CA
Beer floats are a Sacramento tradition, and the American River is he place to float! Launch at Sunrise and get off at River Bend and get ready for a party on the water. You can bring as much booze as you can float, so long as its not in glass containers. Water is best in July and August. Be sure to launch around noon and then you can take your time with your float. Along the river you will find hundreds of party-goers, tons of inflatable watercraft, and a few rope swings. During the summer it’s a party every weekend, so grab a few friends, a tube, some beer, and join in on the fun!
