The Best Whitewater Rafting In California
Northern California Class II-III Trips: The South Fork of the American River (Class III)
This is the classic California whitewater trip perfect for families, friends, colleagues, team building groups, school groups, church groups, bachelor/ette parties, wedding parties, athletic clubs and Scout and Guide groups.
If you have never been whitewater river rafting in California, we can't recommend the South Fork of the American River enough. It’s not just a one-and-done thrill though, River Runners has customers that have come back yearly for decades because the experience can’t be matched.
The South Fork of the American River showcases everything Californian rivers have to offer. River Runners whitewater trips on the American River are perfect for many different groups and occasions.
River Runners' Specialty - A Two Day/Two Night Rafting Trip
River Runners' specialty is an all inclusive 2 day/2 night rafting trip, with two days of rafting, two nights of camping, and 5 delicious fresh meals catered at our lush, green, riverside campsite.
This is the classic California whitewater trip perfect for families, friends, colleagues, team building groups, school groups, church groups, bachelor/ette parties, wedding parties, athletic clubs and Scout and Guide groups.
If you have never been whitewater river rafting in California, we can't recommend the South Fork of the American River enough. It’s not just a one-and-done thrill though, River Runners has customers that have come back yearly for decades because the experience can’t be matched.
The South Fork of the American River showcases everything Californian rivers have to offer. River Runners whitewater trips on the American River are perfect for many different groups and occasions.
River Runners' specialty is an all inclusive 2 day/2 night rafting trip, with two days of rafting, two nights of camping, and 5 delicious fresh meals catered at our lush, green, riverside campsite.
South Fork Two-Day Trip
Relax, unwind, and unplug with River Runners' premier two-day whitewater rafting adventure on the South Fork of the American River.
This trip combines the Chili Bar and Gorge rafting sections of the South Fork of the American River to give you a memorable and inspiring California whitewater rafting experience. Two-day whitewater rafting trips with River Runners include two nights of camping at our private campsite within Camp Lotus, tent rentals, five meals prepared with love and fresh ingredients, and two days of rafting.
Are you just passing through and just want to get a taste of the river on a one-day trip? River Runners delivers one-day trips that make you feel like you are lost in the wilderness. Check out the Gorge and Chili Bar packages. The Gorge has a later start time and is a longer day trip, whereas the Chili Bar trip has an early start time and is a shorter day trip. Both are class II-III sections. Lunch is always included in our full-day trips.
South Fork Gorge Full Day
This is California whitewater rafting at its best! Meet us at our camp in the morning and depart from there. Enjoy the whole day on the river rafting, swimming, playing, relaxing, and passing quality time with your friends and family. This trip starts with the easy stuff, offers a deli lunch in the middle of the trip, and finishes with all the exciting rapids exactly when you are ready for them. It's perfect for most ages and adventure levels.
South Fork Chili Bar Full Day
Another California whitewater classic! Meet us at our camp in the morning and take a bus to the river put in. Dive deep into a forested canyon. Enjoy the scenery while your guides safely lead you through class II/III rapids. Take the opportunity to jump off a rock and swim a rapid, or skip a rock and pick blackberries. This trip starts with the exciting stuff and ends with a relaxing float and a BBQ lunch.
Northern California Class IV Trips: North Fork American River and Middle Fork American River
These trips are perfect for athletic families, friends, colleagues, team building groups, bachelor/ette parties, and athletic clubs.
If you are looking to get your heart pumping in some big rapids, these trips are for you. The Middle Fork and North Fork trips are perfect for people who are in good health and are looking to experience the strange serenity of class IV boating. Located about 90 minutes from of our basecamp in Coloma, California, the North Fork and Middle Forks of the American River offer unmatched class IV thrills.
These rivers are less playful than the South Fork of the American River and usually a little colder, so there is less swimming and playing and the focus in most cases is on the whitewater. All these rivers, just like the South Fork of the American, show off California's beauty and the classic rafting that its rivers provide.
Winding down out of miles of wilderness, the North Fork of the American River is beautiful and exhilarating. Beautiful rock and clear water frame the entire day as you slide down creek-like rapids congested with boulders. This river takes some serious paddling and serious maneuvers from your guide. The North Fork of the American River is undammed so each year’s snow pack will determine the length of the river rafting season.
Coming out of Oxbow Reservoir, the Middle Fork of the American River winds down a pine and oak-covered canyon. The 18 miles of stunning Northern Californian scenery is punctuated by exciting class IV rapids.
Southern California Class IV Trips: Kaweah River (Class IV+)
The Kaweah River is one of our favorite Class IV+ whitewater rafting trips. It is ten miles of non-stop whitewater. Look over your shoulder and you will see the Sierra Nevada mountains towering over you from Sequoia National Park.
The Kaweah River is the steepest major river in California. The Kaweah is unique as the section flows through the town of Three Rivers so it feels like wilderness and parkland all at the same time. You will pull over at a sandwich shop where we serve you lunch whilst all the other patrons ask you about your adventures. The Kaweah River is fun, exciting, and social!
Kaweah River
- Class IV+
- 10 miles of continuous action.
- Full day trips available.
- Season: April - June. NOTE: Kaweah River trips are offered as soon as there is enough snow melting to create the river itself. The season generally starts in April, and ends by early June.
- Minimum age: 14-years-old
- Trips start at $180 per person
- Ideal for experienced rafting enthusiasts looking for an exciting and challenging step up.