Whitewater rafting trips near Chico are available April thru the end of September (rivers vary) and feature spectacular views, secluded river canyons, abundant wildlife and a unique experience for any age. The tamer rapids on the Lower Middle Fork American River are great for families with younger kids, for older kids, beginners, and many returning rafters the South Fork American River is a great ride, while adventurous first timers can enjoy the Middle Fork American and Upper Sacramento, and expert rafters can get their thrills on the Upper Klamath, North Fork American and Yuba Rivers.

See below for the location of trips in the Chico area

Rafting near Auburn & Colfax:

The Middle Fork American River’s secluded wilderness runs for 25 miles, getting its water from the mountain snow melt on the west side of Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe National Forest. The river flows south east into the Auburn State Recreation Area (meeting in Auburn about 2 hrs. from Chico). Rafting trips are available from ½ day on the Lower Middle Fork class 2 section (suitable for kids as young as 4) to an exhilarating 1-2 days on the class 4 Middle Fork, or 3 days for all 25 miles. The Middle Fork American River provides reliable river rafting well into September. Combine one on these trips with the South Fork American (25 mins. south) or North Fork American (below, spring only, 20 mins. east) for overnight combination trips.

The North Fork American River begins in the Granite Chief Wilderness between the ski areas of Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley and flows freely through steep gorges in the Tahoe National Forest than into Lake Clementine in Auburn. The North Fork American River "Chamberlain Falls Run" is a challenging class 4 run with boulder slalom rapids, and large drops so previous experience is most definitely required. For an extended adventure add a day on the majestic and exciting North Fork Yuba River (about 2 hours from Chico near Downieville, more below) to your North Fork American for a class 4-5 multi-day rafting and camping adventure.

Rafting near Placerville & Coloma-Lotus:

The South Fork of the American River runs for over 21 miles through the beautiful gold and green Sierra Nevada foothills. It is accessible from Placerville or Auburn, in the Coloma and Lotus areas and ends in Folsom Lake. It serves as an introduction for many beginners and rafting trip options include just a couple of hours to multi-day camping trips where all meals are provided. The South Fork American River provides some of the most reliable rafting in California, still running at full flows even into September, when other river rafting options have dried up.

Rafting near Downieville & Sierra City:

The North Fork Yuba River has Class 4 and 5 rafting options for the very adventurous beginner rafter to expert only on 35 miles of river. As only 3 permits are issued by the Tahoe National Forest for commercial rafting trips, this ensures a unique rafting experience on the North Fork Yuba River in a rustic, quiet and less traveled part of the Gold Country. The season depends on snow pack, with May and early June being the most reliable, but trips can be available into July in a big snow pack year. The meeting location is between Camptonville and Downieville, a little over 2 hours from Chico.

Rafting near North Lake Tahoe:

The Truckee River is a popular beginner ½ day trip suitable for kids as young as 8 (7 w/ previous rafting experience). A trip on the Truckee begins with 6 miles of mellow class 2 rapids, than drops into the Floriston Gorge for another mile of class 3 excitement. Great for groups, family reunions, and those on a tight schedule. The Truckee River trip is run mid-May thru September and space is limited so book in advance. We meet in Truckee, 2.5 hrs from Chico, but only 30 minutes north of Lake Tahoe's popular north shore Kings Beach, Incline Village, and Tahoe City.

Rafting near Weed:

The Upper Sacramento has a lot to offer with over 30 secluded miles of Class 3-4 rapids, amazing trout fishing, camping, and beautiful scenery. We meet at Sims Flat (2 hrs. and 15 minutes from Chico) between Mt. Shasta and Redding. The Upper Sacramento River is a naturally fed spring run great for adventurous first timers and veteran Class 3-4 rafters looking to spend 1-3 days on this exciting river.

The Upper Klamath River is one of the best Class 4 summer whitewater trips suitable for returning adventurous rafters. Beginning with 6 miles of mellow Class 3 rapids the river than continues for another 6 miles of Class 4+ rapids! The Upper Klamath is typically not crowded due to its location. We meet in Weed (2.5 hrs north of Chico, just 12 mins from Mt. Shasta) and travel into Southern Oregon for our put-in.

Planning a rafting trip near Chico:

Whitewater rafting trips near Chico have so much to offer and can be combined with many other activities to make a great get away for many occasions. The area information page for each of the rivers provides links to visitor information for accommodations, camping, wineries, mountain biking, hiking, restaurants and other places of interest. You can also access these area information resource pages through the site map.

Consider a rafting trip near Chico for the following:

• An adventure packed family vacation or youth group trip with camping and additional activities for kids - be sure to explore the 3,670 acre Bidwell Park, great on foot or bicycle.
• Exhilarating rafting for corporate groups and adventurous singles with a variety of bike trails available, and with the Sierra Nevada Brewery right there, why not take a complimentary tour.
• A unique getaway for couples looking for plenty of outdoor fun and romance with wine tasting, rafting, and all types of cuisine.

Whitewater rafting near Chico is also accessible for trips in the Gold Country, and Sacramento areas (both 2.5-3 hrs).