This “snowy range” offers a multitude of outdoor recreation activities for every kind of enthusiast and environmentalist. When the temperatures rise, California’s best whitewater is supplied by the Sierra snowmelt. You can find a rafting trip close to popular tourist areas like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite.
Take a 1-, 2- or 3-Day trip on the Middle Fork of the American and soak up the incredible scenic beauty of this “Wilderness” river canyon while rafting the Class III / IV whitewater.
In the area to catch a few late season turns in Tahoe? Keep the adrenaline going and catch a ride on the Class IV rapids of the North Fork American. This intermediate / advanced section of the American river will give those just off the black diamond an extended adventure in late April-May.
Wind your way through Calaveras Big Trees State Park on
the Class IV+ rapids of the North Fork Stanislaus and marvel at the
Giant Sequoia Redwoods.
For thrill seekers in the Yosemite area, the Tuolumne provides excellent Class IV / IV+ rapids like Clavey Falls in a pristine and remote river canyon. For the ultimate whitewater challenge spend a day on California’s best Class V river, Cherry Creek.
See a map showing all 10 of our California Rivers with more information about each: