Gold Country River Rafting

Gold Country Whitewater Rafting Overview

California has many whitewater rafting locations and plenty of professional guide services to make your experience memorable. From the class IV+ of the Yuba or Stanislaus Rivers, to the popular class II American River that traverses historic Gold Country, California has a whitewater experience for any skill level. Navigate glacial-carved granite canyons or high sierra passages and it all depends on which river you choose.

Gold Country Whitewater Rafting
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Yuba River is a fantastic Spring river for the more experienced runner. This trek has no crowds and plenty of camping options. The river passes through the historic Gold Country town of Downieville. Downieville offers plenty of accommodations, shops and saloons. Stop at The Lure Resort situated alongside the river and catering to fly fishermen.

CLASS: Class IV-V
DISTANCE: 40 miles
SEASON: April - July
LOCATION: North of Nevada City

OUTFITTERS:
Beyond Limits Adventures
Tributary Whitewater Tours
Whitewater Voyages

Map  |   Accommodations  |   Other Ideas

American River is California's most popular whitewater river. The North Fork is for the more experienced and starts out in a gorge with plenty of boulders to dodge. These class 4 rapids eventually mellow to a relaxing class 2. The South Fork offers class 2 and 3 rapids that are fun for both beginners and the experienced alike. Stop off at one of California's most historic spots where James Marshall first discovered gold. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park resides alongside the river. Try your hand at gold panning. The Middle Fork offers more class 4 action.

CLASS: Class II-IV
DISTANCE: 30 miles
SEASON: April - June
LOCATION: East of Sacramento

OUTFITTERS:
All Outdoors
Adventure Connection
American Whitewater Expeditions
Arta River Trips
Whitewater Excitement
Beyond Limits Adventures
Mariah Wilderness Expeditions
Whitewater Voyages
W.E.T. River Trips
Tahoe Whitewater Tours
Oars
Tributary Whitewater Tours
Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions
Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting
American River Recreation

Map  |   Accommodations  |   Other Ideas

Stanislaus River has had its ups and downs over the years. The New Melones Dam has limited whitewater rafting in the upper portion of the river. Goodwin Canyon, below the dam, is the more consistent portion but offers difficult class 4+ rapids.

CLASS: Class III-IV+
DISTANCE: 10 miles
SEASON: Year round
LOCATION: Northeast of Modesto

OUTFITTERS:
All Outdoors
Oars
Tributary Whitewater Tours
River Journey
Sunshine Rafting Adventures
Beyond Limits Adventures

Map  |   Accommodations  |   Other Ideas

River Rafting by River

River Rafting by Region