Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
White-Water Rafting
California has dozens of kick-ass rivers, and feeling their surging power is like taking a
thrilling ride on nature's roller coaster. Paddling giant white-water rapids swelled by the
snowmelt that rips through sheer canyons, your thoughts are reduced to just two simple
words: 'survive' and 'damn!' Myriad opportunities are suited to the abilities of any river
rat, even beginning paddlers. Most of the premier river runs are in the Sierra Nevada and
Gold Country, but the Northern Mountains also offer some rollicking rides.
White-water trips are not without danger, and it's not unusual for participants to fall out
of the raft in rough conditions. Serious injuries are rare, however, and most trips are
without incident. No prior experience is needed for guided river trips up to Class III, but
for Class IV you want to be an excellent swimmer, in good shape, and with some paddling
experience under your life-jacket belt.
Best White-Water Rafting Rivers
Name
Class Season Description
Class
II-V
The South Fork is best for rafting newbies, while the more challen-
ging Middle and North Forks carve through deep gorges.
Apr-Oct
Class
III-V
Apr-
Sep
The Upper and Lower Forks offer some of the southern Sierra's
best whitewater.
Kern River
Class
II-V
Steeply dropping past Sequoia National Park, then mellowing out
past Three Rivers.
Kaweah River
Apr-Jul
Class
III
One of California's most powerful rivers, with put-ins outside Kings
Canyon National Park.
Kings River
Apr-Jul
Merced River
(
Click here
)
Class
III-IV
Starting near Yosemite National Park, this canyon run is the Sierra
Nevada's best one-day intermediate trip.
Apr-Jul
Stanislaus
River
Class
II-IV
The North Fork provides rafting trips for all, from novices to the
more adventure minded.
Apr-Oct
Truckee River
(
Click here
)
Class
I-IV
Apr-
Aug
Near Lake Tahoe, this gentle river is a great beginners' run, espe-
cially for families.
Class
IV-V
Apr-
Sep
Experienced paddlers prefer ferocious runs on 'the T'; in summer,
experts-only Cherry Creek is a legendary Sierra Nevada run.
