Best Rafting in California

Trying to find the best rafting in California? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

California, Plumas County

14 :03 hrs
32.5 mi
681.554 ft
V

This remote section of the Middle Fork of the Feather River winds through a forested canyon with unmatchable scenery, vertical rocky cliffs, and Class V+ rapids for experts only. This is intended to be a three day trip; contact Plumas National Forest for information on camping and permits required. On day one there is a large drop lead by a Class IV rapid, this requires a portage. On day two you'll reach Franklin Canyon where again you will have to portage at several places due to sharp rocks scattered below. You'll also find great camping in this canyon just below the footbridge for the Pacific Crest Trail at mile 14.6. The third day is by far the most rewarding. You'll find steep sided granite cliffs and a long series of Class V+ drops as you make your way through Devil's Canyon. There is a river right portage in this canyon which requires deflating rafts and bushwhacking. This is an undammed river where timing is everything. The best times are during spring runoff and depending on the snowpack this run can last until mid summer. Check for flow conditions before setting out for this trip. The most ideal flow is when the Milsap Bar gauge reads 1500 and dropping.

2

California, Tulare County

06 :06 hrs
16.2 mi
623.83887 ft
V

The Forks of the Kern River is an overnight whitewater run through Golden Trout Wilderness and Dome Land Wilderness. It bends past volcanic flows and into rocky canyon cliffs covered in a thin forest. What deters some from doing this run is the 1.7 mile hike to the put in. A mule service is available to transport gear and equipment; contact Golden Trout Wilderness Pack Trains. After only seconds of hitting the water you will face Class IV and V- rapids lasting until the take out site with some breaks in between. Some places of interest are Peppermint Falls (mile 9.5) where there's good camping and Dry Meadow Creek (mile 14.5) where you'll find granite water slides. At approximately mile 11.5 is the Class V rapid Vortex V. This should be portaged when the river is flowing below 1300 cfs. Just before the take out site is the most challenging rapid of this trip: Carson Falls, an 8 foot drop into a hole. A river permit is required for this trip; contact Sequoia National Forest for further information. Here is a link to a detailed map provided by Kern River Outfitters indicating places of interest and rapids: http://www.kernrafting.com/maps/forks-kern-river.html

3

Nevada, Carson City

01 :47 hrs
3.6 mi
12.381958 ft
I

Recently established as an official aquatic recreation spot, the Carson River Aquatic trail in Carson City is a great place to get out on the water. The Trail is divided into two portions, the upper and the lower, the upper being a short Class I easy area, and the lower portion being a longer and more difficult Class III. Beware of high water from spring runoff.

4

Nevada, Henderson

19 :32 hrs
39.3 mi
50.151276 ft
II

A great river route that also passes through a small lake, this river run is a great route for beginners. With relatively calm waters for a river (Class II), this course takes you from a little-known entry point north of Lake Mojave to Davis Dam. You can exit the river at the dam or at the marina northeast of the dam on the Arizona side.

5

Nevada, Carson City

05 :43 hrs
11.9 mi
70.70178 ft
III

Recently established as an official aquatic recreation spot, the Carson River Aquatic trail in Carson City is a great place to get out on the water. The Trail is divided into two portions, the upper and the lower, the upper being a short Class I easy area, and the lower portion being a longer and more difficult Class III. Beware of high water from spring runoff.

6

Nevada, Laughlin

06 :60 hrs
14.2 mi
33.68759 ft
II

An easy but very fun length of the famous Colorado River, this is a calm course without whitewater or especially difficult sections. Access this route from the River Palms Casino, and exit at the Avi Casino, two very recognizable landmarks that sit right on the river.

7

Nevada, Henderson

63 :01 hrs
126.6 mi
88.80478 ft
III

A downriver trek of epic proportions, this is a long-distance and probably multi-day adventure along the Colorado River from the Hoover Dam in Nevada to Lake Havasu in Arizona. You’ll pass through several cities, and lodging is available both in the form of campgrounds and even hotel-casinos that sit right on the river.

8

Nevada, Reno

05 :15 hrs
11 mi
74.90796 ft
III

Float through Reno on the Truckee River, past Sparks to the mouth of the canyon near Lockwood. Most of this river is calm if somewhat quick moving, but there are certain areas along the length of the river that get rapid and reach a Class III level rapid, requiring either experienced rafters or portage.

9

California, Alpine County

09 :19 hrs
19.8 mi
181.33228 ft
II

The rapids on this whitewater run along the Carson River from Hangman's Bridge to Gardnervile, NV are not as exciting as most, however, its the incredible scenery with views of the Sierra's, the hot springs, and the family friendly rapids that are most appealing. The hot springs are located at mile 8 on the right and 8.5 on the left. Beyond this, the river makes horseshoe turns all the way to the take out site. Check with El Dorado National Forest for information on camping and any permits required.

10

California, Mendocino County

26 :53 hrs
55 mi
192.85504 ft
III

From Dos Rios to Fort Seward is where this whitewater multi-day trip travels along the Eel River as it meanders through steep sided grass and woodland covered canyon walls. This trip generally takes four days to complete. There are shuttle services available in Fort Steward: Eel River Shuttles 707-926-5252 and Alderpoint General Store 707-926-5408.

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