Tahoe Whitewater Tours has been running the American River since 1994. Our Pilot Hill base — the American River Headquarters at 4531 Salmon Falls Rd — sits in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills, about 45 miles east of Sacramento and 20 miles south of Auburn. Visitors from the Bay Area arrive in under two and a half hours. Folsom is 18 miles to the west; Placerville is 22 miles to the south; the Gold Rush town of Coloma is just 6 miles up Hwy 49. If you’re rafting the South Fork of the American River, this is where your day begins
Find Us on the Map
American River Headquarters — Contact & Location
Tahoe Whitewater Tours – American River
Address: 4531 Salmon Falls Rd, Pilot Hill, CA 95664
Phone: (530) 587-5777
Email: [email protected]
gowhitewater.com
Check-In Times, Parking & Facilities
When you arrive at 4531 Salmon Falls Rd, check in with your guide before your departure time. Arrive a few minutes early — your guides will get you oriented, fitted for gear, and briefed on river safety before you head to the water.
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- Check in by 8:15 AM for the AM departure
- Guides begin safety orientation shortly after check-in
- Chili Bar run departs the base around 8:30 AM
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- Check in by 12:45 PM for the PM departure
- Guides begin safety orientation shortly after check-in
- Gorge Run departs the base around 1:30 PM
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- On-site parking — free, no reservation needed
- Restrooms available at the base
- Gear provided: paddle, PFD (life jacket), helmet, wetsuit when conditions require
Full-day rafters (combining both the Chili Bar and Gorge runs) check in at 8:15 AM and finish at the Pilot Hill base in the afternoon.
Whitewater Trips from Our Pilot Hill Base
South Fork American River: Chili Bar & Gorge Run
California’s most popular whitewater river. The South Fork runs through the original Gold Rush country, past canyon walls and granite boulders, with a mix of calm floats and splashy Class II-III+ rapids that make it ideal for first-timers and returning paddlers. Two runs leave from Pilot Hill daily:
Chili Bar Run (AM Trip)
- Check in at 8:15 AM at 4531 Salmon Falls Rd
- Upper section: put in at Chili Bar, take out near Pilot Hill HQ
- 12 river miles | Class II-III+ | approximately 4.5 hours
- Great for first-time rafters — strong current, fun rapids, beautiful canyon scenery
Gorge Run (PM Trip)
- Check in at 12:45 PM at 4531 Salmon Falls Rd
- Lower section: the Gorge — bigger waves, more whitewater intensity
- 9 river miles | Class II-III+ | approximately 4 hours
Full Day: “The Whole River” Experience
- Combine both trips — check in at 8:15 AM, finish mid-afternoon
- 21 total river miles | the complete South Fork from Chili Bar through the Gorge
- Lunch included on full-day trips
Adult
Ages 13+
$ 115
Child
Ages 7-12
$ 105
More Tahoe Whitewater Trips
Middle Fork American River: Tunnel Chute
For experienced paddlers only. The Middle Fork is a challenging 17-mile run through one of California’s most spectacular river canyons. The signature rapid is Tunnel Chute — a unique feature where the river flows directly through a tunnel bored into solid granite. Class IV+ throughout, this trip rewards those seeking the ultimate thrill on the water.
- Class IV+ (Advanced) — previous whitewater experience highly recommended
- 17 river miles through a remote wilderness canyon
- Full-day experience | approximately 6–7 hours on the river
- Guides provided — no prior kayaking or rafting experience required, but physical fitness is essential
Meeting location note: Middle and North Fork trips meet at Raley’s Grocery Store, 13384 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 94603 — not at our Pilot Hill base.
North Fork American River
The North Fork of the American River runs through some of the most remote canyon wilderness in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Check our North Fork page for current availability, trip details, and booking.
Driving Directions to Pilot Hill, CA
Our American River Headquarters: 4531 Salmon Falls Rd, Pilot Hill, CA 95664
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Take US-50 East toward Placerville. After approximately 30 miles, take the Bass Lake Rd / Ponderosa Rd exit near El Dorado Hills. Head north on Bass Lake Rd, which becomes Salmon Falls Rd. Continue north on Salmon Falls Rd for approximately 7 miles to 4531 Salmon Falls Rd on your left. Watch for our signs near the parking area.
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Head east on I-80 through Davis and Sacramento. Merge onto US-50 East toward Placerville and follow the directions from Sacramento above. Allow extra time during morning commute hours on I-80 through the Sacramento corridor.
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Take Hwy 49 South through Cool. Continue south on Hwy 49 through Georgetown Divide. Turn right (west) on Salmon Falls Rd and continue approximately 2 miles to 4531 on your right. Auburn is also the meeting point for Middle Fork trips — use Lincoln Way / Raley’s for the Middle Fork, and Salmon Falls Rd for South Fork.
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Head east on Greenback Lane through Orangevale, then continue east as it becomes Salmon Falls Rd along the north shore of Folsom Lake. Continue east on Salmon Falls Rd past the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area to 4531 Salmon Falls Rd. Scenic route — you’ll drive along the reservoir before reaching us.
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Head north on Hwy 49 toward Coloma and Cool. Continue north on Hwy 49 through Cool. Turn left (west) on Salmon Falls Rd and continue approximately 2 miles to 4531. Placerville visitors can also approach via US-50 West to the Bass Lake Rd / El Dorado Hills exit.
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Head south on Hwy 49 toward Cool for approximately 5 miles. Turn right (west) on Salmon Falls Rd and continue to 4531 Salmon Falls Rd. Coloma is home to Sutter’s Mill — Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is a worthwhile stop if you’re making a weekend trip out of Gold Country. The history of the Gold Rush is all around you on this stretch of the American River.