For the ultimate outdoor adventure travel, nothing beats a California river rafting trip. River rafting in California is best between April and September, when the snowpack begins to melt into roaring whitewater rapids. Second only to Idaho in total river rafting miles, California boasts almost 10 different rivers, catering to every level of experience.
When choosing a California river rafting adventure, pay close attention to its class. For example, a Class I river rafting adventure is mostly a float, with only slight maneuvering required. Class II rafting requires only basic paddling skills with some portions of heavy rapids. Class III whitewater rapids might include small drops and waves, with some maneuvers and paddling. Class IV rapids have rocks, big drops and medium-sized waves with sharp maneuvering skills required. Finally, Class V whitewater trips are the most challenging, with high-intensity rapids, large waves, hazards and drops. Class VI rapids are only for the most experienced rafters and are rarely offered on rafting trips.
Following is a guide to some of the best river rafting in California.
River Rafting Northern California
River rafting in Northern California is a thrilling experience, and one of the best outfitters for river rafting Northern California is O.A.R.S. (800-346-6277), which offers 16 unique adventures along nine different California rivers. Their California whitewater rafting trips vary from unique gourmet river rafting excursions (complete with specialty wines and a private chef) to basic California river rafting trips tailored to beginners and experts. Children as young as 4 are welcome on the O.A.R.S. family rafting trips, and the ability to swim is not required. Life jackets are included for each participant.
- Upper Klamath River: Considered California's second-largest river, the Klamath River is located in Northern California's Klamath Mountains near Mount Shasta. Some of the most turbulent Upper Klamath river rafting is found along rapids such as Ambush, Snag Island Falls and Hell's Corner. The 150-foot-long Caldera Chute (class IV) guarantees thrills around every bend as it plunges through a rocky volcanic canyon. Gentler Class III rapids are found a few miles below the J.C. Boyle Dam and Powerhouse. View Tours.
- Lower Klamath River: Located near the Oregon border, the Lower Klamath River offers plenty of bouncing waves that are perfect for families with young children. These Class II rapids, combined with with plenty of warm swimming holes, are the perfect introduction to California river rafting. During the trip, you'll pass several old mining sites — perfect for an impromptu history lesson on the California Gold Rush. View Tours.
-
California Salmon River:
For expert river rafting, the Cal Salmon River offers a thrilling ride, providing white-knuckle challenges around every bend. Designated a class IV-V river, the Cal Salmon traverses through tight granite gorges, down plunging waterfalls and along quick-moving currents. Be sure to take time to enjoy the scenery — if you can. this stretch of the Salmon Trinity Wilderness Area is home to a large population of bald eagles. View Tours.
-
Tuolumne River: One of California's most spectacular rapids, the Tuolumne River is located at the northern entrance to Yosemite National Park. And during the spring snowmelt, there's no better place to be. Cascading through scenic canyons, Tuolumne River Rafting is rated Class IV-V, depending on the time you visit. View Tours.
- American River: Located near Sacramento in California's gold country, the American River is a perfect place for beginners. Choose from South Fork American River rafting, with Class III rides and lazy swims along the raft, or join a Middle Fork American River rafting adventure, which traverses through secluded canyons along the Sierra Nevada foothills. Designated a Class IV adventure, Middle Fork river rafting is packed with thrills. Be sure to check out Tunnel Chute, created when Gold Rush miners blasted a tunnel that created one of the most exciting whitewater rapids in California. North American River Rafting takes you through pine forests and canyons, framed by 2,000-foot-high cliffs.
- Merced River: Known for its rollercoaster-like "wave trains," the Merced River is filled with Class III-IV rapids. April and May are the best times to enjoy the most thrilling Merced River rafting. Located near Yosemite National Park, the Merced River boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in California. Here, you'll be surrounded by sandy beaches, colorful wildflowers, fragrant pine forests and lovely picnic areas. View Tours.
- Stanislaus River: Nicknamed "The Stan," the North Fork Stanislaus River is a picturesque journey through some of California's most breathtaking wilderness. The river, which hurtles at a 70-feet-per-mile slope, rushes past ancient Miwok Indian sites, through the giant sequoia groves of Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and through narrow rock gorges. You'll enjoy plenty of thrills on this Class IV California river, including the 15-foot-drop at Beginner's Luck, to the turbulent and churning waters of Rattlesnake, Whiteout and Dig Dog. Stanislaus River Rafting is among the best whitewater in California. View Tours.
Southern California River Rafting
River rafting in Southern California is popular along the Kern River in the Southern Sierra mountains. The drive is roughly 3 1/2 hours from Los Angeles and 5 hours from San Diego.
One of the best outfitters for Southern California river rafting is Kern River Outfitters (800-323-4234). Kern River Outfitters specializes in 1- to 3-day trips along the Upper Kern River near Kernville and the Forks of the Kern near Mount Whitney. Kern River Outfitters offers special themed trips throughout the season. The Kern River Pub and Grub Trip is a 2-day adventure featuring brews from Kern River Brewery, while their Whitewater and Wine Tasting Adventure highlights varietal wines from Central California. Family rafting trips are offered along the Lower Kern for children ages 9 and up.
- Lower Kern River: Located below the Greenhorn Mountains in the Sequoia National Forest, the Lower Kern River is fed by Lake Isabella. It flows most of the summer, reaching temperatures of around 70 F. Perfect for family river rafting trips, Lower Kern River Rafting boasts more Class III-IV rapids than any other river in the west. The best time to visit the Lower Kern River is May through September. View Lower Kern River Map.
- Upper Kern River: Located alongside historic Kernville, the Upper Kern River has several Class III-V rapids, perfect for every level of experience. One of the most popular and thrilling runs is Thunder Run, known for some of the biggest drops along the Kern River. Designated a Class IV-V, Thunder Run is not recommended for children or first-time rafters, and the minimum age is 14. Other hot spots for Upper Kern River rafting are found at Squashed Paddler, Sockem Dog and Screaming Right Turn — all designated Class V rapids. The best time to visit the Upper Kern River is between April and July. View Upper Kern River Map.
- Forks of the Kern River: Originating below Mt. Whitney — the tallest mountain in the West — Forks of the Kern is considered one of the best whitewater rapids in California, if not North America. The best time to navigate these rapids, framed by scenic canyons, is between April and mid-July. Be sure you're in good shape before heading out on a Forks of the Kern rafting adventure. There's a 2 1/2 mile hike (complete with gear) to the river, and most of the 22 miles of river are filled with white-knuckle Class V drops and racing Class IV-V rapids. Vortex and Gauntlet are sure to thrill even the most experienced rafter. The best time to visit Forks of the Kern is May and June. Minimum age is 14 to join these trips. View Forks of the Kern River Map.
California River Rafting Gear
If you're planning a California river rafting adventure, be sure you have the proper rafting gear. Check with your outfitter to see what is provided. Here is a general guide to some essentials.
- Sneakers
- River Sandals/Shoes
- Sunblock
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses with strap
- Light jacket
- Lip balm
- Fleece pullover
- Hat
- Waterproof camera
- Change of clothing
- Helmet (provided with most tours)
- Life Vest (provided with most tours)