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

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)

WET River Trips North Fork American Race Team W.E.T. River Trips: 1st place commercial raft in the 1st annual Nork Fork American River race held a couple weeks ago. Yes, the W.E.T. Ri... (Apr 30)

Upper Klamath Race April 19 & 20 The upcoming Upper Klamath race is a can't miss trip since $20 entry fee includes shuttles from Ashland. For those of you that have done the Upper Kl... (Apr 11)

Momentum's Guide Orientation Weekend in the Mail Tribune Our raft guide orientation weekend on the California Salmon was written up in Southern Oregons mail tribune. Check out the article, pics, and video he... (Apr 11)

MOD MUSIC for RAFTING PARTY Events, parties and everything California, the sun is shining here! Our rafting trips are going full bore now with daily trips available from now unti... (Apr 10)

Undaunted Location: Tappan Falls on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. (Apr 9)

North Fork American Race This weekend (April 5th) is the first annual North Fork of the American Race. For more information, visit the North Fork American Race 2008 Blog. (Apr 4)

NORTHFORK is a Go! Go! Go! The North Fork American has arrived for the Spring of 2008... with W.E.T. River Trips on the first commercial rafting trip of the year on a beautiful ... (Apr 1)

Mistakes Photo courtesy of Adam Farmer. He didn't take the photo, but we thank him for it. (Apr 1)

Definition of Mancation man·ca·tion (m?n-kã?shen) n. 1. a coming together of men to celebrate all things man. 2. an annual activity comprised of great friends that is limite... (Mar 27)

$400 Discount on August Middle Fork Trips Here at ECHO, we believe that everyone deserves a vacation, especially during these challenging economic times. We want to do our part to make sure y... (Mar 26)

Wind River Race Last weekend the Oregon Rafting Team held the Wind River Race in Southern Washington. Teams from California, Oregon, and Washington showed up for the ... (Mar 24)

We have Yet Another Trip! The Lower Owyhee 7-day Inflatable Kayaking Expedition ? Class III/IV : Seven days immersed in one of the most remote, wild, and beautiful areas of the... (Mar 21)

Rafting on Oregon's Illinois River.... We have a new spring trip that we are very excited about! This April we will start running 4-day wilderness trips on the Illinois River in Southern Or... (Mar 19)

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.