Great California rafting is to be found on the American River, just north of Sacramento. Rafting trips on the American River can be experienced 7 days a week from the months of April through September depending on water levels.
Both beginner and experienced rafters can enjoy an action packed raft trip down one of the most beautiful and popular rivers in the country. Most outfitters will take rafters ages 6 and up, depending upon section and water levels.
The Three Forks of the American River in California
The North Fork, South Fork and Middle Fork of the American River begin in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada range in Northern California and winds and tumbles through spectacular granite canyons into the rolling foothills of the historic California gold country.
In close proximity to San Francisco, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, The Middle Fork of the American is one of the most popular rafting trips in the country. In a true wilderness setting the Middle Fork is runnable from May to September and contains many exciting rapids and incredible scenery. Rafters will experience a multitude of Class IV rapids as the Middle Fork wobbles and sways through an isolated canyon. This is where the notorious Tunnel Chute Rapid is to be found.
The South Fork is another very popular rafting trip in California. Running through the heart of California's Gold Country, the South Fork of the American offers outstanding rapids for both the begginer and experienced rafter.
Those with previous rafting experience will enjoy the excitement of the North Fork of the American. A classic spring run, available in April and May, the rapids are technical and continuous. The North Fork of the American River depends on snowmelt for its water flow, instead of dam releases.
What to Wear When Rafting the American River
Your outfitter provides boats, guides, helmets, life jackets and in most cases, lunch. Though wetsuits are often available (and recommended for spring trips), a swimsuit under a synthetic shirt and shorts should be sufficient for summer rafting. Good footwear, such as athletic sandals or water socks, are also strongly recommended. Don't forget your waterproof disposable camera.
It is common for spectators to gather along the banks of the rapids, and they will want to see you take a spill. It's easy to be distracted by the mossy boulders and soaring trees and ferns lining the river, but do pay attention to your river guide. He is part yarn-spinner, part boat-steerer and part drill sergeant. Your guide will tell you exactly what to do so that you can have a safe and enjoyable trip on the American River in California.
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About W.E.T. River Trips
In 1978, a couple of school teachers in the Sacramento, California area had an idea for creating a rafting program for at-risk high school students. Steve & Rich created W.E.T. for the sole purpose of offering whitewater rafting trips for students in their school district. The first few trips proved so successful that the two partners opened their doors to the general, local population. From that day, W.E.T. River Trips was born. Diverse populations and ages from all parts of the world now join W.E.T. for one day rafting trips to multiple days on the river.
Visit our website for more information on California whitewater rafting trips. Main offerings for river rafting packages include American River Rafting, Klamath River Rafting, California Rafting Trips and our new features on Teen Rafting. Our site has descriptions of the different rivers that we currently run, information on the local river areas, lodging, rafting and vacation packages, family rafting trips, group rafting trips, discounts, teen rafting trips, funny rafting stories, rafting photos, rafting contest, and links to whitewater rafting sites.
In California, all your river rafting needs will be met on the RAFTWET.com site. Choose the rafting trip that will suit your friends, family, company outing or your rafting event. Call W.E.T. River Trips toll free at 1.888.723.8938 for more information on our whitewater river rafting trips.
American River Rafting Trips
Our most popular runs on the American River Rafting trips occur from mid-March through September. These three forks of the American River include the most popular river in the West, the South Fork American; the infamous Middle Fork American Tunnel Chute run; and the advanced springtime runs on the Class 4 North Fork American. From novice to advanced river rafting, the American River system satisfys all whitewater rafting needs!
Cal Salmon Rafting Trips
The California Salmon River is our extreme best. Pulsing with the spring snow melt, the river is clean, clear, swift and powerful. The steep canyon is overhung with verdant foliage and punctuated by small waterfalls and sidestreams in counterpoint to rapids llike Freight Train, Cascade, the Maze, the Fin and Achilles Heels. The Salmon is now a member of the Wild and Scenic River System and freely flows from the Salmon-Trinity Primitive Area into the Klamath River. We sometimes finish a trip by floating into the Klamath and running the Class IV "Ikes" section above Orleans.
Klamath River Rafting Trips
The Klamath River offers a unique wilderness opportunity to float the longest undammed river in California. The river is interspersed with Class II - III rapids combined with outstanding side-hikes & fishing all under the Pacific flyway: home to every migratory bird in North America. Also, you may encounter elk, deer, bear and river otters. From two days to six days, this multiple day rafting package is most popular with the Boy Scouts of America and their whitewater and 50-miler merit badge programs. We also offer sit-on-top kayaks, inflatable kayaks along with our regular paddle boats and oar boats.
California Rafting TripsCalifornia Rafting Trips
California's diverse rivers include a myriad of rafting opportunities. From Class I to Class V, river rafters from all over the United States and the world head to California for different river experiences. W.E.T. River Trips offers the most popular rivers in the Western United States. Our listings also include our partnerships with other rafting companies throughout Southern, Northern California and other rivers throughout the western United States.
Group Rafting Trips W.E.T. River Trips suggests that most groups stay with the South Fork American or the Middle Fork American. Both runs are available to larger groups and corporate outings. These two river rafting trips offer introductory to intermediate rapids. Both rivers can be combined for multiple day packages. Corporate groups should contact our office directly for customized programs. Group offerings include corporate trips, bachelor parties, family reunions, company picnics, teen programs, bachelor parties and other types of events.
Teen Rafting Trips
W.E.T. rafting trips have so many return guests that we are now taking their children, teens and even grandchildren down the river with us! Our new teen programs allow parents to combine their vacations near the rivers with a rafting trip just for their teens. Many teens come on their birthdays along with their teen friends. The South Fork American is an ideal river for this package. Liz, our teen rafting consultant, writes stories and offers sage teen advice for teen rafters. Rafting Teens from ages 12 - 17 years old end our trips with a sense of accomplishment unmatched by other teen activities.
Family Rafting Trips
W.E.T. rafting trips have always included families. This is where the rafting education begins! Private beaches for the wilderness enthusiast offers camping for the family unmatched by any other bonding experience. We recommend the two day wilderness trips on the South Fork or Middle Fork American. Minimum ages for the family rafting trips are 8 years old in the paddle boats during regular flows or 6 years old in the oarboats. During Spring's high flows, the minimum age may be 12 years old.
Spring Whitewater Rafting Trips
During Spring's high water, our more advanced river rafting runs are geared for the experienced, aggressive rafter. A Northern California favorite is the North Fork American Chamberlain Falls run. This exciting, beautiful river is just outside of Sacramento in the foothills near Auburn. Class IV - IV+ rapids challenge the most experience rafter. Also, in the far upper reaches of California, lies a crystal clear California Salmon River. Class V rapids are interspersed with supreme scenery, excellent water quality and very difficult rapids. Watch out for Freight Train, a mile long Class V rapid! Most spring trips occur from mid-March through mid-June.
