Whitewater Rafting in California

This site is intended as a resource for whitewater recreation in California. The information is designed to benefit rafting enthusiasts and private rafters. Our site has information about California outfitters and also resources for rafting businesses. Our goal is to provide river information, stories, discussion, gear, flows, and other resources specifically for California whitewater rafting.

The Five Must-Do Rivers in California

1. The South Fork of the American: This is the most popular rafting trip in California because it has lots of Class III+ rapids, a long rafting season, and is relatively safe. Spring, Summer and Fall.

2. The North Fork of the American: Steep Class IV rapids in a tight gorge with crystal clear water. This is the premier class IV trip on the American River. This makes a great trip for those of you that want a technical challenge. Spring and early Summer.

3. The Tuolumne: This river is the cream of the crop with famous Class IV rapids and "Wild and Scenic" scenery. Located near Yosemite National Park, most of the river takes advantage of the great hikes and spectacular scenery by spending a night or two in the canyon. Spring and Summer.

4. The Cal Salmon: This California rafting trip is for those of you that are hooked. Near the California-Oregon border, this river is well worth the drive for the numerous Class IV rapids and three famous Class V rapids. You'll set up a base camp as you explore different sections of this river. Spring only.

5. Forks of the Kern: This three day trip has over 40 Class IV rapids and 3 big Class V's. Granite boulders, breathtaking vistas, and huge waterfalls make this a spectacular rafting trip. You'll have to hike two miles into the put-in and warm-up on some other class IV rivers first, though. Spring only.

California Rafting News

New Rapid on the Middle Fork of the Salmon The combination of laster year's fires and this year's thunderstorms has created a few new rapids on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. The... (Aug 9)

More Wonderful Quotes from this Season Rogue Trips “Thanks for all the hard work getting our trip together. All the hard work, advance planning, high quality gear, attention to detail... (Aug 6)

PUNKS ON WATER ... P.O.W. W.E.T. River Trips has had an alter-ego for the past 27 of our 30 years in business as a whitewater outfitter.... P.O.W. Punks on Water! P.O.W. re-em... (Aug 1)

SPEEDO SUNDAY and P.O.W. Event! This season W.E.T. River Trips has been joined by a new seasoned rafting guide from Colorado: Ky. Ky is a high school math teacher and head varsity sw... (Jul 28)

Take the Leap! We’re sitting around the campfire on the last night of our trip, sharing our favorite trip experiences, enjoying the company of our new friends,... (Jul 24)

Curry Chicken Salad We have had several requests for our Curry Chicken Salad recipe over the past week, so we thought we would share it with the world! The ingredients 6 ... (Jul 3)

Quotes From Our First Trips of the Season Middle Fork of the Salmon Trips “Scenery, Weather, Water, Food—it was all great!” “The bliss experienced by floating the Middl... (Jun 25)

Exploring the Owyhee by Tate Higgins It’s Just Rocks and Water (River Rescue Part I) Our mid-morning float is punctuated by the occasional class III rapid. The upstr... (Jun 10)

Klamath River and Salmon I've been watching and reading the missives from Friends of the River in California about the bus company up in Oregon that refused to run an ad for t... (Jun 3)

NEW YORK CITY and TOURISTS Connections and relationships are what this world is all about right? So, when my one of my sisters best friends took care of us upon moving to NYC, w... (May 30)

The Upper Clackamas River Festival This past weekend was the 35th annual Upper Clackamas River Festival. It was my first. Wow, what an amazing event! This was a weekend packed with just... (May 22)

Social Networking for River Guides As river guides, outfitters, and private boaters we all know that one of the most special things about river trips is the people it attracts. These a... (May 22)

Upper Clackamas River Festival - May 17 -18 This weekend is the 25th annual Upper Clackamas River Festival. This is one of the biggest boating events of the year and the flows are predicted to b... (May 16)

Good Snow = Great Flow! Throughout the winter and spring, we at ECHO World HQ have watched in wonder as the snow continued to fall in the Salmon River Basin. Why does the sno... (May 8)

W.E.T. Secret's Out! Rafting Triple Crown Shhhhh... oh yeah, I forgot to leak this news. W.E.T. River Trips and the W.E.T. crew came up with a funny idea a few weeks ago... well, actually, Big... (May 8)

Disclaimer: River descriptions and classifications may change due to natural events that may create new hazards or flows. C-W-R advises that any paddler that uses this site be additionally informed by seeking out local news and updates for changes on this river.