The Power of Nature
Whitewater rafting is exciting even when it is class III, so stepping up to class IV+ rafting is something else – it's a rush, but not in the engineered rollercoaster way.
There is something deeply satisfying about giving yourself over to the power of nature knowing that only the skill of your guide, the power of your paddle strokes, and sometimes just luck will get you through the day without falling out of the boat. And sometimes, even still, you may end up in the drink with your guide yelling at you to swim.
The best time to raft class IV rivers in California is in the spring as the snow from the past winter melts and comes hurtling down the mountains, though River Runners offers class IV trips on the Middle Fork of the American River all summer long as well.
Whitewater rafting the crystal clear waters of natural undammed rivers in California is a real privilege. Not only is rafting in the spring exciting but it also pleasantly green and beautiful.
If you’re looking for an extreme adventure, consider the Kaweah River, which flows out of Sequoia National Park and provides some of the best class IV+ Whitewater thrills found anywhere. The Kaweah boasts technical, exciting, unique rapids and it’s not for the faint of heart!
We begin offering Kaweah trips in the springtime, as soon as there is enough snowmelt to fill the river.
If you’re seeking thrills in Northern California, the North and Middle Forks of the American River offer iconic class IV excitement for whitewater enthusiasts looking to step it up a notch from the class II-III South Fork.
Check out our whitewater classifications page for more information about extreme whitewater rafting.
Experience is not required to join a class IV rafting trip, but we recommend participants considering a class IV trip have at least one class III trip under their belt before booking a more extreme adventure. If you’ve never done a class II-III trip on the South Fork of the American River with us, you might be surprised at how thrilling your guide can make that trip.
Middle Fork Full Day Trip
A stunning and thrilling full-day Class IV whitewater rafting experience. It is a perfect marriage of adrenaline, scenery, and togetherness.
North Fork Full Day Trip
The North Fork of the American Full Day whitewater rafting run is a full-day rafting trip on a stunning undammed Chamberlain section of the river.
Kaweah Full Day
Nestled close to Southern California is the steepest river in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Cold clear water sweeps the adventurous paddler out toward California’s Central Valley. Look over your shoulder and you will see 13,000-foot peaks covered in snow and giant Sequoia trees. Look downstream and you will see lots of whitewater. There is never a dull moment on the Kaweah.