Join us on the American River for the 2nd AnnualRiver Bear Retreat!
Two days of camping, rafting and (literally) tons of fun. This year we are offering a more challenging rafting option, bigger campground, Spoiled Bear Accommodations (for info go to the Book Now page), more fun activities and Early Arrival River Chillout if you arrive early on Friday!

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Option 1 - South Fork Only: This is the most popular whitewater in California! Although this truly is a great introduction to rafting, it certainly is not an inner-tube float down a gentle river. The 20-mile run from Chili Bar to Salmon Falls features over 20 Class II and III rapids and countless waves in between. In addition to enjoying the sun you'll hear your friends scream like girls over the next 2 days.

Day 1 - Raft the beautiful Lower Section of the South Fork. In the morning get comfortable on the water, paddling and learning how to work as a team. These skills will be needed for the afternoon when you enter the Gorge and brave the exciting rapid, Satan's Cesspool! Throughout the day your guides will share a wealth of knowledge, describing the landscape, pointing out wildlife and narrating local history, including the origins of the gold rush.

Day 2 - Today we join up with the Middle Fork group and raft the Upper Section of the South Fork. It's a more exciting and challenging day of rapids, with names like: the Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, Racehorse Bend and Troublemaker! Our rafts will conveniently end up at camp where we'll get a hearty lunch before we pack up and say our goodbyes.

 

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Option 2 - Middle Fork/South Fork (limited spaces): For those of you that want a more adventurous rafting experience, this section of river has class II, III and IV rapids. These wild rapids will take you through secluded canyons with 2000 foot walls towering above. Although there are few signs of civilization, your guide will point out remnants of the California Gold Rush. In addition, you'll raft the famous Tunnel Chute with a 6 foot drop through a narrow, churning whitewater chute and a 90 foot long tunnel blasted by miners in the 1850's.

More drops and chutes follow (that are actually quite forgiving). We carry the rafts around an un-raftable class VI waterfall before we jump in and finish up the Middle Fork section. Sunday we will join together with the rest of the group and raft down the Upper Section of the South Fork.

**Camping Information**

Everybody camps together both Friday and Saturday night at our riverside campground, complete with hot showers, flushing toilets, horseshoes, volleyball and more!

We serve a hearty breakfast (with early morning coffee) and lunch both Saturday & Sunday and a Saturday night steak, salmon and chicken bbq with fresh desserts, wine and BEER!!

This year all trips include an Official River Bear Retreat t-shirt and a CD with all the images from camp and the river (photos taken by private professional photographers). We will also be hosting the "Tie and Board Short Social" on Friday night. Wear a nice tie and your favorite trunks and meet all the boys! Show off your tent decorating style with our "Parade of Homes" on Saturday afternoon.

Sign up soon, this trip will sell out fast! Middle Fork/South Fork Option has limited spaces!

Tents are not included in this trip. We do rent 2 person tents (that come with two sleeping pads).

See you on the river!!