SkiHawks are going
white water rafting on the
American Rivers
near Lotus CA
The Ski Hawks' are going White Water Rafting on the American Rivers near Lotus CA June 21 - 25, 2027. We will be on the rivers rafting for 3 days and Glamping at a modern camp for 4 nights as part of this 5-day & 4-night adventure taking place Monday thru Friday.
This is a value trip with Glamping on the shore of the South Fork of the American river. Registration to open in October 2026 for this customized river adventure.
Our outfitter, Tributary White Water, has been guiding trips since 1976. With over 40-years' experience on the predictable American Rivers such as the South Fork of the American river and the Middle Fork of the American river. The South & Middle fork are reservoir fed with dam released water flows guaranteeing white water experiences. Tributary's camp is located about 1/2 way on the South Fork of the American River.
Your experience begins on the shores of the American River at Tributary's camp near Lotus, California. We have exclusive use of the 10 modern Glamping tents situated on decks among the trees overlooking the river. Each tent has four cots with 2" cushioned pads. Brand new sleeping bags and pillows will be provided for your use. Modern restrooms and showers are nearby. A hot breakfast will be provided each morning at 8:00 a.m. providing fuel for the days adventure on the river. A couple of evenings are planned at local restaurants & bars, and the other two evening meals are planned for at camp. A community cooler will be provided for your beverages of choice.
What to bring.
On Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday will be rafting on either the South Fork or Middle fork of the American rivers. Actual day to be determined by the timed dam water releases from the above reservoir. It may be possible to raft the "Wild" North Fork of the American River if water flow permits.
The South Fork is 21 miles and is usually done in two sections: We plan to start with the Lower "Gorge" section mid-morning putting in the river above camp and rafting to camp for a hot lunch before continuing down the river. This will likely be a 4-5 hour day on the river. The Gorge section has five major rapids, Fowler's Rock (III-), Satan's Cesspool (III), Scissors, Bouncing Rock and Hospital Bar. Satan's Cesspool (III) is a series of three different back to back rapids; Lost Hat (II), Satan's Cesspool and Son of Satan's (II).
When we do the Upper Section called the "Chili Bar" section of the river, we will put in just below the dam and raft to Marshall Gold Discovery State Park for lunch, site of the infamous Sutters Mill where James Marshall first found Gold in 1848 setting off the California Gold rush. We continue down the river until we arrive at Tributary's camp.
The Chili Bar section has the longest, most technical, rapid on the river "Meat Grinder (III+) Meat grinder is followed almost immediately by Racehorse Bend (III), a sweeping left turn where the water is pushed against a sloping rock wall and the rapid Maya (II/III) a shallow riffle with a small wave during normal flows or a monster boat eating hole over 3500 CFS. Downstream past Frog Rock you enter Triple Threat (III). The rapid has three features back-to-back, most significantly is First Threat (III), followed by Second & Third Threat. The next section of the river is a series of unnamed rapids until you reach the infamous Trouble Maker (III+) about a mile downstream for what is considered the biggest, most difficult rapid on the river. After navigating around a series of boulder islands, you enter the rapid itself. The meat of the rapid consist of a top hole, a hard right turn, and a drop to either side of a large mostly submerged rock. Photographers posted on the right side of the river take pictures of your boat, accessible online.
The infamous "Tunnel Chute" rapid is on the Middle Fork of the American River which runs through the Tahoe National Forest. It is the only place in the world that you can commercially raft through a tunnel. Less than a mile onto the river, the man-made marvel features a 90-foot rock tunnel and a 6-foot drop through the 80-foot rocky chute leading into the tunnel.
On the Middle Fork we'll navigate numerous class 3-4 rapids over 15 miles of river. Rapids include Last Chance, Submarine Hole, and Kanaka during the first 6 miles on the river. Then the experience continues with Class 4 Ruck-a-Chucky rapids, a class VI 30-foot waterfall and includes a mandatory portage before the thrilling surf spot Lower Ruck-a-Chucky. Other notable rapids include numerous class 3 & 4 rapids such as Parallel Parking and Catapult ( 101 airborne). A deli style lunch will be served on the river.
What’s included on the river.
- Rafting: Class II-V white water rafting (rapids depend on water flow)
- Meals: Guides prepare all meals for you between departure and return
- Transfers: Transportation from camp to the river and back
- World class river rafting experience
- Suitable for beginners (age 12) to expert.
- Miles of Class II to Class IV+ rapids
The Trip
- 5 days, 4 nights (Monday - Friday)
- 3 days of rafting (Tuesday - Thursday)
- 4 nights of glamping on the shores of the American River.
- Transfers between airport, camp and rafting.
- Pre-trip introduction party.
- Trip capacity has 27 reservations. Additional spots may be available subject to numbers and tent assignments.
- This event is open to all
club members.
- You must be a rostered member of the MN Ski Hawks or another club to participate.
Rostered Ski Hawks members have priority registration up to October 31st, 2026.
A minimum deposit of $ TBD will reserve your spot. Dates subject to change.
- $ XXXX.XX "Early Bird Special" if deposit is received by Dec 15th
- $ XXXX.XX if deposit is received after Dec 15th and by Feb 1st.
- $ XXXX.XX if deposit is received after Feb 1st and before Mar 1st.
Not included in pricing: Suggested guide gratuity of $20 - $30 per day.
* Pricing is based on a 12-person minimum. If less than 12 people sign-up, prices may be adjusted.
*Rafting Participants must sign rafting trip liability waiver in addition to the normal Ski Hawks waiver.
* Air fare is not included in the above prices. See below for airfare plans.
* Single occupancy option may not be available
Final trip pricing may be subject to lodging price changes, tax & fuel surcharges.
Waitlist availability after 27 spots are filled.
Payment Schedule
Subject to change - To be determined
- Initial Deposit: $ xxx.xx due upon registration
- Second Payment: $xxx.xx due by TBD ($xxx.xx total including the first deposit)
- Third Payment: $xxx due by Feb. 1st, 2027 ($xxx.xx total including the first & second deposits)
- Final Payment: Remaining balance due by April 1st, 2027
Flight Information
Flight arrangements have not yet been finalized. A minimum of 10 seats must be booked to obtain a group rate. Pricing to be based on booking available for group size.
We are planning to fly to/from MSP to Sacramento CA (MSF). A 1-hour shuttle ride away from the base camp.
Airline Flights cost is in addition to the base price. Pricing is expected to be available in late November. Price per person to be determined.
Here are the planned flight details. Subject to change,
Monday June 21, 2027: MSP to MSF
Depart: Flight #
Depart: Flight #
Friday June 25, 2025: SMF to MSP
Depart: Flight #
Depart: Flight #
If you do not book the same flights as the group and if you want to utilize the Ski Hawks' transportation from and to the airport, you must be sure that your flight arrives in SMF prior to group arrival. Your return flight to MSP must depart after group departure. If you are not able to coordinate arrival and departure times, you will have to arrange your own shuttle services at your cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended, which can be purchased on your own. The Ski Hawks do not endorse any specific insurance provider. If you have to cancel, the Ski Hawks cancellation policy will be in effect. If you have questions, please contact your Trip Leaders. Scroll down for Trip leader contact info. Check out the cancellation policy here!
Options for quotes are TravelInsurance.com and InsureMyTrip.
Trip Registration
We are excited about this trip providing Ski Hawk members another white-water rafting experience. This trip offers an exceptional experience for participants.
Trip leader David Scheibel has experience rafting on the American Rivers several times including trips with Tributary White Water and personally has met the owner Jeremiah Cooper.
David has rafted through the Cataract Canyon of the Colorado River, on Oregon's Rogue River, the Snake River, Arkansas River, Flat Head River, Middle Fork of the American with infamous "Tunnel chute", and the South Fork of the American a total of twelve rafting trips. In addition, he has considerable experience leading both large and small ski trip groups including a Ski Hawks ski trip to Aspen - Snowmass.
The SkiHawks' cancellation policy will be in effect for this trip. Check out the cancellation policy here!
Questions?
Contact Trip Leader David Scheibel at (320) 579-0442.
Co-Trip Leader Steve Fager at (952) 843-8638
Click on the name to start an e-mail.
REMINDER: You must be a paid and rostered member of the Ski Hawks or another MSC affiliate club to go on this trip.
To join the Ski Hawks, Click on JOIN US.
Click for a Printable PDF Flyer
Ready to go?
Click on the "Register" button below. Once registered, make your deposit electronically online via credit or debit card. Only online payments are accepted.
IMPORTANT!
When you register and pay, be sure to follow the payment instructions shown at checkout. For deposits and interim payments use the INVOICE ME option. To pay in full use the PAY ONLINE option. Reversals and cancellations will be less incurred fees which run 3.5% of the payment.
Register.
