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

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)

FOOD! on WET River Trips I admit it. I am the food writer for FOOD! and camp recipes. How I got involved in that was kinda funny as I am not a great writer... but I love food ... (Dec 24)

A Look Back at Some of the Awards and Recognition that ECHO Received in 2011 2011 was a great year for ECHO. We’re proud and humbled by all the recognition our trips received in 2011. Thanks to all our hard working, frien... (Dec 22)

WET Wishes You a Merry Christmas! December sneaked in with hardly any storms blanketing the Sierras with a promise of a another great whitewater season. California is blessed with a su... (Dec 19)

Winter? This is Just Summer Recharging My friends and family know I’m a professional river guide. This lifestyle choice sometimes confuses them, but they really get confused when wint... (Dec 16)

California Skiing and Snowboarding Rain came like a silent warrior in the night. Just enough rain to wash the house, sidewalks and streets clean. But, then the next day... brilliant blu... (Dec 16)

I?m in Love With a River Guide Our good friend Laurie Lewis just posted this wonderful video to her song “I’m in Love With a River Guide” featuring many ECHO guide... (Dec 11)

OCCUPY USA 2011 I am a bit late as a blogger to repeat or dissect the going-ons of Occupy Wall Street and the myriad communities that have jumped aboard the protest. ... (Dec 7)

Our 2012 Bhutan Rafting & Cultural Tour We just put the final touches on our our 2012 Bhutan Rafting & Cultural Tour. This is an opportunity to visit this magical kingdom and be one of ... (Dec 3)

The Great Valley - Splendor in the Grass When California is mentioned, the ocean, beaches and surfing are always a highlight of the conversation along withthe beach communities of Malibu. Los... (Dec 2)

Wild Rivers Night ? What a Great Time! We’d like to send a huge thank you to everyone that made it out for Wild Rivers Night and a big apology to everyone that didn’t (because i... (Dec 1)

Siberia 2012: The Sayan Oka For 2012 we’re offering a special expedition to the Sayan Oka River in Southern Siberia. We had a great trip to Siberia’s Kaa-Khem last su... (Nov 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.