Choosing your California whitewater rafting trip

We have a wide range of California rafting trips, some suitable for children from 4 years, seniors and those with special needs. We also offer some of the wildest whitewater rafting in California, so we really do have something for everyone.

lf you know you want an American River Rafting trip (located near Sacramento), then go straight to Choosing Your American River Rafting Trip.  

California Rafting - which level of difficulty? 

Please check out the guidelines for each of the categories below. Factors to be considered are swimming & athletic ability, age and how adventurous the group is. For more details on things to consider about choosing your trip, especially if you have a mixed group, are planning on rafting in the spring, or are concerned about weight limitations etc. see For Your Safety for further information.

Our California Whitewater Rafting trips will be resuming in April 2012. We are hoping for another great season to celebrate our 34th year. So check out our Rafting Hot Deals and come join us !!

California Rafting - Class 1-2 (Easiest/Younger Children):

Rafting at this level is suitable for younger (under 8) or more timid children, seniors and special needs. These trips can also be enjoyed by adults and older youths as well, especially with the addition of inflatable kayaks, or because of unique aspects like the hot springs on the East Fork Carson. Some trips in the Class 2-3 category can also be customized for youths under 8 yrs, like certain sections of the Lower Klamath and Trinity Rivers. Minimum age is 4 years.

• Rafting with Children - easiest
• Family Specials (kids raft for 20%- 50% off adult rates) - trips 2-4 days
• Lower Middle Fork American River (1/2 day)
• Lower North Fork American River (1/2 day - 1 day)
• South Fork American River- Lotus Run (1/4 day)
• Lower Middle Fork American/South Fork American Lotus Run combo (overnight)
• Lower Middle Fork American/Lower North Fork American combo (overnight)
• Lower Middle Fork American/South Fork American combo (overnight)
• East Fork Carson River (1-2 days, wilderness run only)

California Rafting - Class 2-3 (Easy/Beginner):

Suitable for first time rafters, corporate groups, families (kids from 7-8 years), most youth groups, bachelor parties or bachelorette parties. OK for non swimmers when flows are at normal levels. This is an ideal level for most, you definitely get wet and its fun and exciting, but not too scary for most beginners. There are some of the easiest runs (see above section) which might also be considered especially with the addition of inflatable kayaks. Minimum age is 7 years.

• Rafting with Children - easy
• Family Specials (kids raft for 20% - 50% off adult rates) - trips 2-4 days
• South Fork American River - 1/2 day, 1 day or 2 days
• Truckee River (Boca Run) - 1/2 day
• Truckee River (Verdi Run) - 1/2 day
• Lower Klamath River - 2-4 days
• Trinity River - 2 days

California Rafting - Class 3-4 (Intermediate/Adventurous First-timers):

Suitable for adventurous first time rafters and groups (adventure Scout groups, some corporate and bachelor/bachelorette parties) and those with previous Class 3 experience looking for a bit more excitement. Does require that all participants can swim - no non-swimmers on Class 4 runs. Minimum age 13 years (12 with previous Class 3 experience).

• Rafting with Children - adventurous
• Middle Fork American River - 1-3 days
• South/Middle Fork American River Combo - 2-5 days
• South/North Fork American River Combo - 2-3 days
• Upper Sacramento River - 1-2 days
• North Yuba River (Class 4 sections) - 2-3 days
• North Fork Yuba/North Fork American Combo - 2-4 days

 
California Rafting - Class 4+ (Intermediate/More Difficult):

Previous Class 3 experience preferred with strong swimming ability - NO NON-SWIMMERS). Minimum age 13-14 yrs.

• North Yuba River (Class 4/5 combo) - 2-3 days
• North Fork American River - 1 day
• North Fork Yuba/North Fork American Combo - 2-4 days
• Upper Klamath River - 1-2 days
• Kaweah River - 1 day

 
California Rafting - Class 5 (Advanced/Most Difficult):

Requires previous Class 4 experience with very strong swimming ability (may require swim tests - absolutely NO NON-SWIMMERS). Minimum age usually 16 yrs.

• North Yuba River (Class 5 sections) - 1-2 days
• Burnt Ranch Gorge 1-2 days
• Cal Salmon and Scott River - 2-3 days