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

It?s I.K. Season!!! Inflatable Kayaks (IK’s) are one of our summertime specialities!  We’ve run some awesome trips so far and have many yet to come.  Lower Kl... (Jul 1)

King Tut Exhibit in San Francisco Our avatar in the virtual world of Second Life did a recent blog about the King Tut exhibit on the grid. The premier builders, Rezzable, creators and ... (Jun 23)

Our new Rogue Rafting Facebook page and the first trips of the year Hello everyone. I just got off our first lodge trip of the year on the Rogue - it was amazing! We finally have set up our Rogue facebook page - it has... (Jun 16)

Another Family Trip Added! Summer is heating up on the Rogue River and since all of our discounted Family Trips are now sold out, we decided to continue the savings by offering ... (Jun 4)

Life Decisions : Family Recently, I was speaking to one of the younger members of the blogging team. He writes about the foibles of his youth and how he resolves the pending ... (May 30)

Wild and Scenic Rogue Rafting Trips We here at Momentum are excited for summer and the begginning multi-day river trips on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River!! Known as one of the best mult... (May 29)

Spring time on the California Salmon!                           It’s that time of year again, when one of our favorite rivers shows us the beauty of the Northern California wildernes... (May 22)

Memorial Day Weekend 2009 What year is this? How could it possibly already be Memorial Day Weekend?From North Fork American, Middle Fork American, South Fork American Spring 20... (May 22)

Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival Report ECHO guides had a blast at the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival last weekend and got to experience a mini-reunion before heading out to work at the... (May 19)

rafting trips in the great outdoors rafting outdoorsOriginally uploaded by W.E.T. River TripsThis past Mother's Day on Sunday, we went to a pool party. Yah... 90 degrees and melting in t... (May 11)

Spring time on the Illinois River!                                       Spring on the Illinois is here!  It’s been a great spring and we’ve had some amazing trips on the al... (May 7)

Prime California Salmon Rafting Season is almost here! We are getting near the best time for Califonia Salmon Rafting - May through early June. It is a guide and guest favorite - one of the finest class 5 ... (May 1)

Spring Newsletter   (Apr 30)

Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival (Apr 29)

Organizing Group Trips - LOL! I want to share something with you all. My nightmare of trying to organize my friends to go rafting with me. Geesh, what a bunch of flaky friends! OMG... (Apr 28)

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.