Whitewater Tours has been safely guiding California whitewater rafting and American River rafting trips since 1978 and offers something for all levels, from Mild to Wild. Choose from California rafting trips suitable for kids that make great family vacations, to extreme California white water rafting adventures for the expert, and everything in between. With so many rivers to choose from, we know we have the right California rafting or American River Rafting trip for you. We pride ourselves on the excellence of our well-qualified and personable employees that will make any rafting trip with us something to remember.

We offer California river rafting trips throughout the state. In Central California, you can try American River rafting, Truckee River rafting, North Fork Yuba River rafting and East Fork Carson River rafting. Some of these Gold Country and Sierra Nevada California white water rafting trips run throughout the summer, and they are close to great vacation areas like Lake Tahoe, Reno, Sacramento and San Francisco. Escape to beautiful uncrowded Northern California rivers in the Trinity Alps, Smith River Recreation Area, Siskiyou Mountains and near Mount Shasta. Here you can find some of the wildest whitewater rafting in California, which includes trips on the Upper Klamath River, Cal Salmon, Scott River, Upper Sacramento River, Smith River and Burnt Ranch Gorge. Northern California also offers some of the best California rafting trips for families on the Lower Klamath River and Main Trinity River. In Southern California, the exciting Kaweah River is located at the entrance to Sequoia National Park.

A Whitewater Tours California rafting trip combines all the elements of a memorable river rafting adventure -- beautiful scenery, thrilling rapids, sun, solitude and relaxation. Each California white water rafting trip is carefully geared to meet your level of experience and sense of adventure, whether it is an express half-day run or a multi-day California whitewater rafting vacation.

Check out all our California rivers in the map below and locations for a California white water rafting vacation, or we have selected some options below to assist you finding something special. We look forward to helping you plan a wonderful California Rafting trip, so please call us at 800-6-RAFTING (800-672-3846) for assistance or see below for other contact information.

Please visit us for Yuba white water rafting, Rafting American River, Klamath whitewater rafting, Northern California river rafting, and Tributary Whitewater Tours

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Choosing Your California Whitewater Rafting Trip

We have a wide range of California rafting trips, some suitable for children from 4 years, seniors and those with special needs. We also offer some of the wildest whitewater rafting in California, so we really do have something for everyone.

California Rafting - Class 1-2 (Easiest/Younger Children):
Rafting at this level is suitable for younger (under 8) or more timid children, seniors and special needs. These trips can also be enjoyed by adults and older youths as well, especially with the addition of inflatable kayaks, or because of unique aspects like the hot springs on the East Fork Carson. Some trips in the Class 2-3 category can also be customized for youths under 8 yrs, like certain sections of the Lower Klamath and Trinity Rivers. Minimum age is 4 years.

California Rafting - Class 2-3 (Easy/Beginner):
Suitable for first time rafters, corporate groups, families (kids from 7-8 years), most youth groups, bachelor parties or bachelorette parties. OK for non swimmers when flows are at normal levels. This is an ideal level for most, you definitely get wet and its fun and exciting, but not too scary for most beginners. There are some of the easiest runs (see above section) which might also be considered especially with the addition of inflatable kayaks. Minimum age is 7 years.

California Rafting - Class 3-4 (Intermediate/Adventurous First-timers):
Suitable for adventurous first time rafters and groups (adventure Scout groups, some corporate and bachelor/bachelorette parties) and those with previous Class 3 experience looking for a bit more excitement. Does require that all participants can swim - no non-swimmers on Class 4 runs. Minimum age 13 years (12 with previous Class 3 experience).

California Rafting - Class 4+ (Intermediate/More Difficult):
Previous Class 3 experience preferred with strong swimming ability - NO NON-SWIMMERS). Minimum age 13-14 yrs.

California Rafting - Class 5 (Advanced/Most Difficult):
Requires previous Class 4 experience with very strong swimming ability (may require swim tests - absolutely NO NON-SWIMMERS). Minimum age usually 16 yrs.

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Lower Middle Fork American River Rafting

The Lower Middle Fork American River is a beautiful, almost wilderness rafting trip located in the Gold Country near Auburn. It is a great choice for the younger or more timid child, and kids as young as 4 years can safely raft. It is also a great trip for the grand parents or less able bodied. Inflatable kayaks can be shared for some added rafting adventure for older youths and adults, so the trip can accommodate a diverse group quite happily.

The Lower Middle Fork American rafting trip is more relaxed, mellower, and much less traveled than the nearby South Fork American river It is close to civilization, yet it is possible to feel that you are really getting away from it all. This river is a gem, though few outfitters offer this raft trip and group sizes are usually small. The river flows through the steep, rugged and forested canyons of the Auburn State Recreation Area. There are safe beach areas for picnicking and play, together side hikes up creeks into shady dells with waterfalls. Very few people are seen on this raft trip, but we often see nesting ducks, deer, heron and fish jumping. Late in the season, we also stop to pick the most incredible juicy black berries.

Schedule for Lower Middle Fork American River Rafting trips:
As water releases are minimal over night, increased in the morning and the water takes several hours to reach our put-in location, we can only offer this raft trip as an afternoon ½ day. We usually meet after lunch around 1:30 pm in Auburn, and transport the group from here to the river, which requires driving down a spectacular, winding and steep dirt road into the river canyon. We suggest you bring a snack for the kids to have as we like to stop on the river, and there is an optional side hike to a waterfall and plunge pool. We will usually not be back in Auburn until approx. 6:30 pm if we take advantage of all the canyon offers, but we do provide refreshments at take-out.
 

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Lower Klamath

Class III
18-28 mi. (2-3 days)
April-October
Happy Camp, CA (meeting place)
3 ½ hrs. northwest of Redding
7 hrs. north of San Francisco

The Klamath is located in the northwestern corner of California, in an area referred to as the "Klamath Knot" (also a book title) for its semblance to the palm-side of a closed fist as viewed from space. It has 185 miles of runnable whitewater and is California's third longest river. Flowing west out of the Cascade Range, it traverses through a series of small mountain ranges named the Siskiyous, Salmon, Marble Mountains, Scott Bar Mountains and the Trinity Alps, collectively known as the Klamath Mountains. For most of its length, the river passes through the Klamath National Forest. Thirty- five miles before it reaches the Pacific Ocean the Klamath turns to the northwest and cuts through the Pacific Coast Range, one of only three rivers on the west coast that does so.

With many fun rapids such as Rattlesnake, Devil's Toe Nail, the Trench, Dragon's Tooth, Osprey, and Sasquatch Squeeze, plus large sandy beaches for camping and play, this is an ideal multi-day trip for families and first timers. With the addition of inflatable kayaks to our trip, there can be more than enough excitement for the hardy and more experienced river runner. One highlight of the trip is the rain forest setting of Ukonom Creek up to the twin 20' waterfall cascading into a large swimming hole. Besides Ukonom Falls, the Klamath is known for its warm water, swimming , steelhead and salmon fishing, and of course, abundant wildlife which can be seen from its shores.

Our typical two or three day trips are run on the thirty-six miles below Happy Camp but there are many miles both upstream and downstream that allow for four to five day trips or even longer.

The lower stretch is home to the Yurok tribe (whose name means "downstream") while the Karuk ("upstream") inhabit much of the river typically traveled by rafters and kayakers. The Karuk Traditional ceremonies are conducted at various locations on the sacred banks ("Inaam") of the Klamath. Out of respect to the Karuk tribe, camping and stopping is at times prohibited in these areas. Further downstream, Sugarloaf Mountain is also a sacred area. According to tribal culture, souls of the dead climb to the top then leap to the heavenly hereafter.

The Klamath is the legendary home to Sasquatch and it's not hard to imagine the "Big Foot" creature hidden in the majestic forests along the river. Among the more visible creatures are heron, osprey, eagles, black bear, deer, beaver, raccoons and the fur-bearing otters, fishers, and minks.

Tributary operates under permits issued by the Klamath National Forest.

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South Fork of the American 

Class II-III+
9,11, or 21 mi. ( ½ day-2 days )
March-October
Coloma, CA (meeting place)
1 hr. east of Sacramento

The South Fork of the American River is the most popular whitewater rafting river in the West. It is exciting and lots of fun, with many memorable rapids. The river flows through the green and gold foothills of California's Gold Country. The South Fork American serves as an introduction to rafting for countless beginners and continues to lure veterans back year after year.

The action begins immediately with Meatgrinder and continues for the next five plus miles with Racehorse Bend, Triple Threat, the Class III+ Troublemaker and others. The river slows after this and we float past Sutter's Mill and the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. The lower section of the river starts off fairly mild with several Class II+ rapids as a warm-up. Soon we enter a steep granite canyon known as the 'Gorge' and the rapids occur frequently, with Fowler's Rock, the Class III+ Satan's Cesspool, Bouncing Rock, Hospital Bar and numerous milder but fun rapids.

Both half day or one day trips can be run on the lower or upper sections. The full length trip is usually run in two days, but we also offer this trip as a long one day option. Spring high water can make for an exciting Class IV adventure or a combination Class III-IV trip with the Middle Fork American River is a great choice for more excitement throughout the season.

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Middle Fork of the American

Class III-IV
17-25 mi. (1-3 days)
May-October
Auburn, CA (meeting place)
Auburn State Rec. Area 1 hr. east of Sacramento

The Middle Fork American is a beautiful wilderness run that is eligible for Federal Wild and Scenic status. It is suitable for active, fit and adventurous first-timers and is also a great choice for those seeking a step up from the more crowded South Fork American. From its headwaters in the Granite Chief and Desolation Wildernesses on the west rim of Lake Tahoe, it flows through steep, rugged canyons within the Tahoe National Forest into the Auburn State Recreation Area. This river is one of our guides' favorite trips especially as a multi-day trip as they appreciate escaping into this pristine road-less area.

The infamous "Tunnel Chute" is one of the first big rapids encountered, but clients have the option of walking around this fierce looking cataract. There are numerous Class III-IV rapids in the first six miles, such as Last Chance, Submarine Hole and Kanaka. For the next seven miles, the pace is more mellow , allowing time to appreciate the solitude and beauty of the lush, forested canyon. You may get a glimpse of some wildlife, perhaps a bear, or spot a trout swimming in the incredibly clean and clear Sierra mountain water. We stop for lunch and possible side hikes while plenty of excitement lies ahead.

The Ruck-a-Chucky rapids start just below the entrance of Canyon Creek, a possible lunch spot. A 20' drop through a sieve of huge boulders makes the middle of these three rapids a mandatory portage, but the Class IV drops of Upper and Lower Ruck-a-Chucky are usually runnable. A two mile gorge laced with Class III-IV rapids such as Parallel Parking and Catapult follow. On a one day trip, our rafting finishes after seventeen miles, at the old Greenwood Bridge site. The bridge was demolished in the 1954 floods by a wall of water that surged down the canyon after the old Hell Hole Reservoir failed. Cold beverages are available at the take-out and our vans shuttle you up a rough dirt road to your awaiting vehicles where you can review photos taken earlier.

On two to three day trips, you have the chance to enjoy the beauty of this river in a more leisurely way. Between the 17-23 miles from Greenwood Bridge to Mammoth Bar, there is a wonderful hike up the American Canyon to some incredible waterfalls. We spend the night at isolated wilderness camps with plenty of opportunity to fish, gold pan, hike, swim, play or simply relax by the river with a cold beverage. The two miles from Mammoth Bar rapid to the North Fork Confluence can be run on our three day trips and includes the Class V Murderers Bar rapid.

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North Fork of the American River

Class IV
9-13 mi. (1/2 day-1 day)
18-26 mi. (2 days)
April-June
Colfax, CA (meeting place)
off I-80, 1 hr. east of Sacramento

The North Fork American, with most of its length protected by federal Wild and Scenic status, starts its journey west from the headwaters in the Granite Chief Wilderness nestled between the ski areas of Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley. The river freely tumbles through steep gorges on the Tahoe National Forest into a de facto wilderness area named the Auburn State Recreation Area.

The Chamberlain Falls run is the most intimate and romantic run in the Sierras. This clear, free-flowing aqua jewel makes rafting an inspiration. The rivers' polished gray rocks, nearly continuous pool and drop rapids and unsurpassed back country scenery provide a wilderness experience you will never forget. Paddle experience and competent swimming ability are requirements for paddle raft participation.

The challenge starts right from the beginning. First, we negotiate a Class III-IV gorge with a series of boulder slalom rapids called Slaughter's Sluice before crashing over Chamberlain Falls. In short order comes more Class III-IV rapids named Zig-Zag, Bogus Thunder, and Devils Staircase.

Next, we take a breather, do lunch, and savor the previous four miles of intense Class IV rapids. The second half of the trip the river mellows and we float through a tranquil, peaceful Class II canyon and take the opportunity to admire the beautiful, clean water and polished granite. Double runs in the same day may be possible for suitably qualified groups. On two day trips we can do the same stretch over or combine the North Fork with a one day on the South or Middle Fork American or the Yuba.

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Truckee River Rafting near Lake Tahoe

Exciting Truckee River whitewater rafting, close to Reno and North Lake Tahoe. This Lake Tahoe rafting trip is a fun, 7-mile guided white water adventure, with many Class 2-3 rapids for the first 6 miles and exciting Class 3+ rapids in the last mile. The Truckee River passes through the High Sierra desert, with cottonwoods lining the banks and though the river parallels I80, the road is out of sight and hearing. The duration of this rafting trip is approx. 3 ½ hrs. Clients are transported from our meeting location in Truckee, to the put-in site on the Little Truckee River near the old Boca town site. Before embarking on your Truckee River rafting trip, life jackets and paddles will be provided and a safety talk will be given. Each whitewater raft will be under the control of a professional river guide who will call out commands and help steer. Early in the rafting trip, maneuvering and paddling skills will be explained and practiced. Above the rapid "Bronco", it will be possible for the more timid passenger to disembark and hike from here to the take-out at Floriston. Most will opt to run the most exciting rapids on this Truckee River rafting trip. At the take-out point, the equipment will be loaded while refreshments are served and we then return to our meeting location. Oar rafts may be provided on request, due to physical limitations.

What is needed: During normal summer rafting conditions, previous experience and swimming ability are not required, and no special attire is needed. Swim suits with fast drying shorts and shirts are recommended and footwear should be sneakers (that will get wet) or sturdy sandals (not slip-ons). Any hats and glasses are best attached with a strap. Leave expensive cameras behind; the waterproof, disposable cameras are fine and professional photographers are usually present at the last rapid.

Youths from 7 years up may participate. Special arrangements may be made for 5-6 year old kids with a family group, water levels permitting. For children under 7 years, the Class 2 run on the Lower Middle American or the East Carson are recommended (see below).

Reservations: We recommend making your reservations well in advance for your Truckee River Rafting trip, though we may have space available for last minute bookings. An advance payment by credit card is normally required, though cash or check on the day of the trip can be arranged.

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2012 Discounts on California and American River Family Rafting Trips (2-4 days)

South Fork American River - Class 3 Family Rafting Specials:

Rafting on the South Fork American River is exciting and lots of fun, with many memorable rapids. Its one of the most popular and reliable California Rafting trips. Suitable for adventurous youths from 7-8 years of age (pick one of the other runs below for younger or more timid children). Riverside private camp, hot showers, volleyball. View the fun of the day with rafting photos and a roaring campfire with s'mores in the evening. Located in the Gold Country and close to Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and San Francisco areas.

2 DAY CLASS 3 RAFTING TRIPS: Adult $234, Youths $117 ea (50% off)
 

Lower Klamath River - Class 3 Family Rafting Specials:

A California whitewater rafting trip on the Lower Klamath River offers a wonderful, semi-wilderness experience in NW. California. The Lower Klamath River has fewer Class 3 rapids than the South Fork American River, so very suitable for younger or more timid children. Great wildlife (otters, blue herons, deer, eagles & hawks etc.). Camping in secluded, undeveloped camps on the rivers edge. Inflatable kayaks are usually available for the more adventurous child or adult to share. These Lower Klamath River rafting trips can be schedule for 2, 3 and 4 day for a real family rafting vacation.

2 DAY RAFTING TRIPS: Adult $294, Youth $235.20 (20% offt)
3 DAY RAFTING TRIPS: Adult $394, Youth $315.20 (20% off)
4 DAY RAFTING TRIPS: Adult $494, Youth $395.20 (20% off)
 

Lower Middle/South Fork American River - Combos Class 2 and Class 2/3 Family Rafting Specials:

This easier Class 2 American River rafting Combo rafting trip is usually suitable for those with younger children (4-7 yrs). This trip can also be run as a Class 2/3 American River Rafting Combo to allow older kids to experience Class 3 rapids on the 2nd day. The family would raft together until after lunch on day 2 and then the older kids and some adults raft the 9 miles of Class 3 on the Gorge. This trip only includes 3 meals as the trip starts after lunch on the 1st day

2 DAY CLASS 2 RAFTING TRIPS: Adult $198, Youth $148.50 (25% off)
2 DAY CLASS 2/3 RAFTING TRIPS: Adult $224, Youth $168 (25% off)
 

South/Middle Fork American River Combo - Class 3-4 Family Rafting Specials:

This more advanced American River Rafting Combo rafting trip is a great trip for families with adventurous teenagers (ages 13-17 years). Ideal rafting trip for those wanting to warm up on some Class 3 rapids on the South Fork American River before stepping up to the more exciting Class 4 action on the Middle Fork American on the 2nd day. Thursday/Friday trips though offereing the same discounts are not designated family trips and may include adult groups.

2 DAY CLASS 3/4 RAFTING TRIPS: Adult $268, Youth $201 (25% off)
 

Family Camping - Exclusive Trips:

Please note that on our Family Special dates the raft trip and the entire camp is exclusively reserved for family groups (except Thurs/Fri Combo trips), so unlike some outfitters that offer discounted family trips on general dates, you can rest assured that on these trips there will be no conflicts with adult groups sharing the rafts or camp location with your family group.

** California Family Rafting - Restrictions:

•Max. of 1 youth @ special discount with each full paying adult
•Youth rate above is discounted rate and applies to above listed trips/dates only.
•All trips subject to availability.
•No other discounts apply, though extra participants are eligible for usual youth, group and senior discounts.

A 3%-7% Government river use fee is added to the invoice on all trips. Call our office for the availability of other dates. Additional Special Family California whitewater rafting trips may be added on other days/dates.

Use the valuable coupon for $30 off 2 day, $15 off 1 day and $8 off 1/2 day trips. Additional discounts may also be available (off-season, group, youth, senior etc), please ask us for a quote.

Region	Cost
Northern California	$68-$695

Contact: Tributary Whitewater Tours 20480 Woodbury Drive Grass Valley, CA 95949 Phone: (800) 672 - 3846 or (530) 346 - 6812 Email: rafting@whitewatertours.com Click here for map For more adventures click here CalAdventures.com  Help us help you! For specific answers to questions about this adventure, please Email to the company directly using the email address above. CalAdventures.com seeks to offer you the highest quality adventures throughout the state. Comments about how you liked (or disliked) this company, we'd like to know! Thank you!

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This page was last updated on Monday, March 05, 2012