Trinity River Rafting in California

Find an Outfitter and Go Rafting on the Trinity River

Circling the southern boundary of the Salmon-Trinity Alps Wilderness and within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the Trinity River suddenly changes from its more mellow Class II-III whitewater, as the river cuts through a remote, formidable , sheer, rock-walled canyon named Burnt Ranch Gorge.

The river bed is nearly blocked by a maze of boulders and there are countless falls, holes and waves to negotiate. Only paddle boats are used because of the narrow and intricate passages and all participants must be experienced, physically fit and competent swimmers. The first raft descent was accomplished in 1982 and prior to this, the Gorge was considered impassable by raft . The introduction of the more maneuverable self-bailing raft, paved the way for commercial trips down such challenging whitewater.

Burnt Ranch Gorge is a classic pool and drop, and one of the few Class V rivers available in the summer months.

The Main Trinity's best whitewater stretches are downstream of the North Fork confluence where historic gold mining remnants are left behind, and the scenery is more lush and green as the river flows through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. A myriad of Class II-III rapids like the Slot, Sailors Bar, and Fish Tail, plus the big one , Hell Hole (Class III+) provide a thrill for first timers and youngsters.

Featured California Whitewater Rafting Outfitter

Offering Quality California Whitewater Rafting Trips

In 1978, a couple of school teachers in the Sacramento, California area, produced an idea for creating a rafting program for at-risk high school students. 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.