LOTUS RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
South Fork — The Gorge Express: A family-ready Class II–III run through Lotus’s Lower Gorge
Action Whitewater’s South Fork - The Gorge Express delivers a splashy, picture-ready descent of the Lower Gorge; this guide lays out the rapids, route, and practical essentials for running the trip.
South Fork — The Gorge Express: A family-ready Class II–III run through Lotus’s Lower Gorge.
The Gorge Express is the quintessential Class II–III run on the South Fork in Lotus — a popular lower-canyon section that pairs easy, scenic floats from a campground put-in with a string of splashy rapids that keep families and first-time rafters laughing and engaged.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Campground put‑in and a relaxed upstream float
The trip embarks from Action Whitewater’s campground and opens with a pleasant float through the lower river before the canyon tightens and the rapids pick up.
A string of splashy Class II–III rapids
Expect lively Class II rapids early on and a series of bigger Class III features as you descend the canyon — notable rapids include Fowlers Rock, Satan’s Cesspool, Bouncing Rock and Hospital Bar.
Family-friendly, photo-ready rafting
The Lower Gorge run is Action Whitewater’s most popular family section — a mix of playful rapids and easy stretches, with photos and souvenirs available at the camp store before and after your trip.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The Gorge Express moves from a tranquil campground put-in into a lively lower canyon. The flow alternates gentle, scenic floats with splashy, laughter-inducing Class II moves and progressively bigger Class III rapids as you pass named features in the canyon; the company notes the run as ideal for kids and families and offers photo and souvenir service at camp.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
River time is listed as 2.5 hours on the river; note that water levels can change run length and timing.
Participants should meet the operator’s minimums: recommended age 7+ and a minimum weight of 50 lbs; bring whatever personal items Action Whitewater advises when you book.
Photos and souvenirs are available at the camp store before and after the trip.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the river portion of the trip?
The river portion is listed as 2.5 hours on the river.
How long is the run in miles?
The trip listing gives 11 miles for the run.
What is the difficulty rating of the rapids?
The Gorge Express is a Class II–III run — a mix of gentle stretches and splashy rapids, with bigger Class III features in the lower canyon.
What are the age and weight requirements?
The operator recommends participants be age 7 or older and specifies a minimum weight of 50 lbs.
Are photos available?
Yes — photos and souvenirs are available at the camp store before and after your trip.
How much does the trip cost?
Rates are listed at $129 per person (ages 7+) Monday–Friday and $159 per person (ages 7+) on Saturday and Sunday.