River Rafting in California

River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most popular California river rafting destination is the mighty American River. The American River begins in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and runs to the Sacramento River. The American River splits into three forks before it converges. The North Fork, the Middle Fork, and the South Fork each offer rafters unique adventures.

The North Fork of the American River offers the most challenging rapids on the river. It is fed by the runoff from the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the early spring when the snow melts. This runoff, mixed with the narrow canyons found downriver make for some exciting and challenging Class IV rapids. Chamberlin Falls Gorge, the most intense part of the American River, is found on the North Fork. This fork of the river is only open for rafting for a few months of the year, usually from April to the early summer.

The Middle Fork of the American river is slightly easier to navigate than the North Fork. Adventurous, physically fit novices can try a guided tour on the Middle Fork. The Middle Fork contains some of the most popular Class III and IV rapids in the state. Parts of this fork run through beautiful 2,000-foot tall canyons. The season for Middle Fork rafting runs from April through October, giving rafters many months of the year to enjoy the river.

The American River's South Fork provides a variety of rafting pleasures. Part of the South Fork is the most popular river for beginners in the country. Other areas of the South Fork offer Class III rapids, perfect for providing a challenge to novice or intermediate rafters. The South Fork is considered by many to be the best place for families to enjoy California river rafting.

California river rafting is a great way to spend some time in the summer. There are a wide variety of rapids, some for beginners and some for the most seasoned experts.

River Rafting Info provides detailed information on river rafting trips in Washington, Colorado, California and the Grand Canyon, as well as Salmon River in Idaho and Rogue River in Oregon. River Rafting Info is the sister site of Inflatable Boats Web.

Latest News


BBC News

Is Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin Idaho outdoors tough?
IdahoStatesman.com, ID - 46 minutes ago
"She's a good outdoors person who will look out for outdoors interests," said Wayne Kabut, a hunting guide in Palin's hometown, Wasilla. ...
Video: Moms React To Palin Selection kcratv
Maine politicians surprised by pick Central Maine Morning Sentinel
McCain's running mate a stranger to national stage Irish Times
guardian.co.uk - Macomb Daily
all 5,869 news articles

Outdoors, and Out of Bounds
New York Times, United States - 8 hours ago
By BENJAMIN GENOCCHIO Seventeen artists and groups of artists are part of the second annual outdoor sculpture show organized by the Shore Institute of the ...

OUTDOORS REPORT: Aug. 30
Houston Chronicle, United States - 5 hours ago
Buddy Oakes of Hackberry Rod and Gun said limits of trout have been steady at the jetty on live bait. Redfish are good in the bayou. ...

Outdoors: Gillette Castle a full day of fun
Waterbury Republican American, CT - 8 hours ago
A trip to Gillette can be an enjoyable half- or full day of indoor and outdoor adventure on its 184 acres and inside the unique castle. ...

Outdoors calendar
HeraldNet, WA - 5 hours ago
Volunteers for Outdoor Washington: Learn how to build trails and volunteer to construct and maintain hiking routes; 206-517-3019, www.trailvolunteers.org. ...

Angeles National Forest visitors urged to prepare for the outdoors ...
Long Beach Press-Telegram, CA - 5 hours ago
Forest visitors are urged to come prepared with the proper outdoor gear and arrive early, as many of the forest's 60 campgrounds and numerous day-use areas ...
Close-to-home destinations Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
all 7 news articles

Worship in the great outdoors will be held in Merritt Park at 10 am
Welland Tribune,  Canada - 41 minutes ago
St. Alexander Parish, Fonthill, extends a welcome to its first three-day Solemn Adoration of the Eucharist. It is being held from Sunday, Sept. ...

Steve Carson's 'Outdoors' column: Dove season opener slated for Monday
Enterprise-Record, CA - Aug 29, 2008
By STEVE CARSON-Outdoors Columnist Monday marks the opening day of dove hunting season in the western United States, traditionally one of the largest ...
Fish lower Delta for striped bass around Rio Vista TheReporter.com
all 3 news articles

Providence Journal

Her love of the outdoors has never waned
Providence Journal, RI - 23 hours ago
By Arline A. Fleming Lucy Rennick, who grew up on a farm on Long Lane, in Warren, and now lives in Richmond, turns 100 years old on Sept. 8. “Me, 100? ...

Public spaces play larger roles
Sudbury Star, Canada - 1 hour ago
The outdoors has replaced the parlours and living rooms of yesteryear. With the public sphere blurring with the private world, the look and feel of the ...

Resources


  • Andinia.com - The Web, Outdoors - Search Engine and Portal
    Search engine dedicated to nature lovers, the great Outdoors and adventurous spirits: survival, extreme sports, travels, ecology, mountaineering, photography, how-to articles, courses, real experiences, gear, tips, and more; published in English, Spanish