High Sierra Whitewater Rafting
BACK TO TOP
Truckee River is a short stretch of whitewater just a short distance out of North Lake Tahoe. Five+ miles of class 2 and 3 rapids and finishes off with a mile of class 3+ rapids. This is a short stretch that can be accomplished in half a day. Can be crowded with tourists from Tahoe. Raft rentals are also available for a separate 3-mile, mellow stretch of the river.
CLASS: Class II-III+
DISTANCE: 10 miles
SEASON: June - September
LOCATION: North of Lake Tahoe in Truckee
OUTFITTERS:
Truckee River Rafting
Truckee River Raft Company
Tahoe Whitewater Tours
Tributary Whitewater Tours
Map |
Accommodations |
Other Ideas
Carson River is a fun, fast moving river that's fun for families and inexperienced runners. The upper portions of the river offer class 3 rapids and mellow slightly to class 2 in the lower 20-miles. Grover Hot Springs State Park is nearby and offers large pools of warm, natural spring water. Camping options are abundant in this lesser-traveled portion of the state - Not for lack of beauty, that's for sure.
CLASS: Class II-III
DISTANCE: 30 miles
SEASON: April - July
LOCATION: South of Lake Tahoe in Sorensens
OUTFITTERS:
Tahoe Whitewater Tours
Tributary Whitewater Tours
American River Recreation
Map |
Accommodations |
Other Ideas
Tuolumne River offers class 4 and 5 rapids for the experience runners only. A start from Lumsden Bridge awards 2-miles of class 4 rapids and a nice waterfall before the class 5's start at Meral's Pool. After that you'll encounter boulder dodging, big waves, holes and more waterfalls. Plenty of camping and picnicking options along the way. A short hike from Devil's Gate awards a natural waterslide and swimming hole with cliff diving.
CLASS: Class IV-V
DISTANCE: 20 miles
SEASON: April - June
LOCATION: East of Modesto
OUTFITTERS:
Adventure Connection
Arta River Trips
Oars
Whitewater Voyages
Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions
Mariah Wilderness Expeditions
All Outdoors
Sierra Mac
Map |
Accommodations |
Other Ideas
Cherry Creek is possibly the most technical stretch of whitewater in the entire U.S. The creek runs into the Upper Tuolumne River at a higher elevation that the typical start of Tuolumne River runners. Water released from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir supplies the Bay Area with drinking water and river runners a challenging test that only the best can overcome. A plethora of class 5 rapids combine with drops up to 10-feet. The rapids have fitting names like Corkscrew, Blind Faith, Coffin, Lewis's Leap and more. The take-out is at Meral's Pool where most commercial rafting companies put-in.
CLASS: Class V+
DISTANCE: 10 miles
SEASON: April - June
LOCATION: East of Modesto
OUTFITTERS:
Whitewater Voyages
Mariah Wilderness Expeditions
All Outdoors
Sierra Mac
Map |
Accommodations |
Other Ideas
Merced River flows from the high altitude mountains in Yosemite National Park providing solid class 4 rapids in the river below. Toward the end of season, Briceburg replaces Red Bud as a put-in. One of the best rapids on the river follows Briceburg. Plenty of camping options along the way as well as at the large, McClure Reservoir finale.
CLASS: Class III-IV
DISTANCE: 30 miles
SEASON: April - June
LOCATION: Northeast of Merced
OUTFITTERS:
Oars
American River Recreation
Arta River Trips
Whitewater Voyages
Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions
Mariah Wilderness Expeditions
All Outdoors
Whitewater Excitement
Map |
Accommodations |
Other Ideas
Kings River flows down big and easy from some of California's highest elevations. The river runs through Kings Canyon National Park with solid class 3 fun for beginners and the experienced alike. Plenty of campgrounds, access points, shuttles and high sierra beauty make this a favorite for many.
CLASS: Class III
DISTANCE: 10 miles
SEASON: April - July
LOCATION: East of Fresno
OUTFITTERS:
Whitewater Voyages
Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions
Mariah Wilderness Expeditions
Kings River Expeditions
Map |
Accommodations |
Other Ideas
Kaweah River flows down from some of California's highest elevations. The river runs through Sequoia National Park with solid class 4 boulder dodging for the more experienced in the first few miles. After the merge with the East Fork Kaweah, several drops and a keeper hole are located in a long stretch of rapids. The final few miles mellow to class 2 and 3 fun. River access and parking is limited.
CLASS: Class II-IV+
DISTANCE: 10 miles
SEASON: April - June
LOCATION: East of Visalia
OUTFITTERS:
Adventure Connection
Tributary Whitewater Tours
Whitewater Voyages
American River Recreation
Beyond Limits Adventures
All Outdoors
Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting
Map |
Accommodations |
Other Ideas
Kern River is broken into many parts and offers the largest variety of whitewater scenery in the state. This is the closest whitewater rafting to the Los Angeles basin so crowds can be an issue.
-
The Forks of the Kern begin high in the Sierras offering a plethora of class 4 to 5 rapids for the experienced only. There are several drops, holes, sieves and rocks along this stretch. Picturesque waterfalls, granite domes and campgrounds are plentiful.
-
The Upper Kern begins 20-miles north of Lake Isabella. This portion of river is separated in 6 different sections by several dams and powerhouses. This is the most popular section that offers class 2 and 3 rapids but gets a little thick with brush towards the end. Along the way is Riverside Park where the river bottom has been manipulated to add some skill for kayakers. Camping is available around the lake.
-
The Lower Kern begins just below Lake Isabella and is a 12-mile stretch of class 4 rapids for rafters and kayakers. Campgrounds and natural hot springs are available. An additional 6-miles beyond that offers class V+ rapids that are just for experts.
CLASS: Class II-V+
DISTANCE: 35 miles
SEASON: April - June
LOCATION: Northeast of Bakersfield
OUTFITTERS:
Whitewater Voyages
Kern River Tours
Kern River Outfitters
Sierra South
Mountain & River Adventures
Map |
Accommodations |
Other Ideas
|
