Rivers with Class I flat water interspersed with occasional Class II rapids: waves 1-2 feet high. Using a self-guided watercraft
is an option.
*Best for young children and tentative adults.
NOTE: All-Outdoors Class I-II trips are designed for children aged 5-7 years old and their family.
Beginner - Intermediate
Class III
Rivers with Class I - II water interspersed with Class III rapids: waves usually 2-3 feet high, passageways contain some
obstacles. Rapids are challenging but not overwhelming.
* Best introduction to rafting for the widest range of people.
Intermediate
Class III-IV
Rivers with Class I - III water interspersed with occasional Class IV rapids: waves and drops 4 feet high and sometimes higher,
difficult passageways containing some obstacles. Unintentionally falling out of the raft may mean an uncomfortable "swim".
* Best for those with previous Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV whitewater, and for athletic, adventurous
first-timers.
Intermediate-Advanced
Class IV+
Rivers with Class I - IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages
containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering. Falling out of the raft and "swimming" in a rapid will be difficult.
* Best for those with previous Class III or Class IV experience wanting a more difficult whitewater challenge.
Advanced
Class V
Rivers with Class I - IV+ water interspersed with long, tumultuous Class V rapids: 5-8 foot drops and obstacles that must be
avoided. Falling out of the raft means an extremely difficult and potentially hazardous "swim".
* Best for those with previous Class IV & IV+ experience seeking the ultimate whitewater challenge.
Unrunnable
Class VI
Rivers containing rapids that are so difficult that safe passage is doubtful and chances of serious incident, injury and death are almost certain. If attempted and successful, luck deserves the largest portion of credit.
AO’s Frequent Floater Sven explains what he likes the most about the California Salmon River rafting trips and talks about his plan to introduce this exciting river to his family next time around. This Advanced Class V whitewater gem, tucked away in Northern California’s lush wilderness, is available during the spring snowmelt only. The season typically runs from April through June, although in most years we concentrate bookings into one weekend trip in late April. Do not miss the Cal Salmon this year and book now!
Posted on March 13, 2023 by
Jack Armstrong
Jack grew up 35 minutes from AO headquarters, and is the grandson of our founder, George. His education includes a film degree and art studies from Biola University, as well as lots of experience breaking camera gear outside. After graduating college, he started an outdoors/action sports focused production company and is largely responsible for our video, photo, and social media content. Jack’s favorite trip is the Cal-Salmon, because of the river’s awe-inspiring beauty and the sweet rapids. When he’s not rafting or playing with cameras, Jack can be found skiing, surfing, visiting art galleries, or eating tacos.