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 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 4+ 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 Middle Fork of the American The Middle Fork American is another popular river of the American River. Located just outside of Auburn, California, Middle Fork American features the legendary Class 4+ rapid called "Tunnel Chute." A perfect class 4 river for the paddling enthusiast! Duration from spring to fall.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Kings River is located south of central California. This is one of the few rivers in California in which you can experience a Class III river and big water in the spring.

7. 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

Stand Up Paddleboards on the Rogue River Our guides have fallen in love with Stand Up Paddleboarding on the river. Stand Up Paddleboards (or SUPs) involve standing on a big surfboard and usin... (Apr 9)

Oregon Shakespeare Festival 2012: Review of the Captivating Chinese Fairy Tal...   Well done, OSF! This play is a rolling display of stunning visuals, from the ensemble umbrella-snake to shimmering forest boughs that drop fro... (Mar 26)

Spring Into Summer Welcome to the first days of spring, which means summer is just around the corner! To help you focus on your summer vacation plans, we are offering a ... (Mar 22)

New Middle Fork of the Salmon Video Last summer our friend Nate Herbeck of Sheer Madness Productions joined one of our Middle Fork of the Salmon trips to capture the magic of our trips o... (Mar 11)

The Boy Scouts of America on Klamath River The Boy Scouts of America were founded 112 years ago in 1910 when our United States was a much different place. Wild places were close to almost eve... (Mar 6)

California W.E.T. River Trips starts March! Holy moly it is March 1st, 2012! Where did February go? Three weekends lost to holidays and I took every weekend to heart. Oh yes, speaking of hear... (Mar 1)

An Interview with Legendary ECHO Guide Tracy Blashill Tracy Blashill has been guiding river trips around the world for decades and still has the smiles, energy, and excitement of a man truly in love with ... (Feb 17)

Starting 2012 Off Right on The West Fork of the Hood I’m not one who’s big on New Year’s resolutions, but this year, maybe because I just turned 30, I decided to think about some of my ... (Feb 14)

Dreaming Rivers I’m inside the ECHO office. Outside, it’s cold on the streets of downtown Hood River, OR. I’m working in front of a computer screen,... (Jan 31)

American Rivers Delta Loop January 2012 River Ride on January 29, 2012 "Wanna go for a ride on Sunday?" he asked quite innocently. A ride through any part of California is a favorite way to... (Jan 31)

Event: A Flurry of Changes What: Reception at 5:30 PM, Speakers at 6:15 PM When: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 Where: KEEN Footwear, 926 NW 13th Ave. #210 / Portland, OR 97209 Ho... (Jan 29)

A Well Connected ECHO ECHO’s Hood River, OR office is a hot bed of modern technology and connectivity. The first time I stepped foot in here I was blown away. I was s... (Jan 17)

New! Bluegrass with Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum on the Yampa River The Yampa is the ultimate setting for a bluegrass river trip. Its sheer canyon walls, grand overhangs, and large sandstone amphitheaters make it a nat... (Jan 3)

X - California Los Angeles Band Exene of XFunny how time stands still in moments like this. I saw "X" on Thursday night at Harlow's on J Street in Midtown, Sacramento. Time came to a... (Jan 3)

Vlad?s 1980 Sayan Oka River Trip My first trip to the Sayan Oka was not an easy one. First of all, with the exception of my wife, I went to Oka with people whom I barely knew. In the ... (Dec 29)

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.