California Whitewater Guide — River Summaries
South Fork American River
Class: II–III+ | Season: Spring–Fall | Best For: All Levels
The state’s most popular whitewater run! South Fork offers exciting but approachable rapids, multiple access points, and reliable summer flows. Great for first-timers, families, and intermediates; guided trips and kayak instruction available.
Middle Fork American River
Class: III–IV | Season: Summer | Best For: Intermediate–Advanced
A wilderness adventure with legendary rapids like Tunnel Chute and Ruck-a-Chucky. Stunning canyon scenery and technical paddling make it a bucket-list trip for confident intermediates and up. Flows are from dam releases; check schedules.
North Fork American River
Class: IV–V | Season: Spring | Best For: Advanced/Expert
Wild, challenging, and remote—known for big rapids like Chamberlain Falls and Bogus Thunder. Only for skilled kayakers during the brief spring melt. Cold water, continuous action, and classic Sierra granite gorges.
Tuolumne River
Class: IV+ | Season: Spring–Summer | Best For: Advanced/Expert
A legendary multi-day or stout day trip featuring pristine wilderness, continuous rapids (Clavey Falls, Ram’s Head), and technical moves. Cherry Creek section is for experts only (Class V+). Permits required for private trips.
Merced River
Class: III–IV+ | Season: Spring | Best For: Intermediate–Advanced
Big waves and beautiful Yosemite foothill scenery—classic California pool-drop whitewater just outside the park. Red Bud to Bagby is the go-to run; season depends on snowmelt.
Yuba River (North, Middle, South)
Class: II–V | Season: Spring | Best For: All Levels (by section)
A system of classic Sierra runs: North Yuba (Goodyears Bar) for advanced/expert, South Yuba for intermediates (scenic and technical), and Middle Yuba for adventurous intermediates. Flows are rain/snowmelt-dependent and change fast.
Kaweah River
Class: IV–V | Season: Late Spring | Best For: Advanced/Expert
Steep, technical, and powerful—Kaweah near Sequoia National Park is a creek boater’s dream. Short, intense season; signature rapids like Suicide Falls and Drop Zone. Hospital Rock and Upper Kaweah are expert-only.
Stanislaus River
Class: III | Season: Spring | Best For: Strong Beginners–Intermediate
Camp Nine run offers beautiful granite gorges and fun, approachable rapids for those moving into intermediate whitewater. Season is short and flow-dependent; check for water before you go.
Mokelumne River (Electra Run)
Class: II–II+ | Season: Spring–Summer | Best For: Beginners/Families
Northern California’s best beginner-friendly run: warm water, roadside access, and fun rapids like S-Turn. PG&E often schedules weekend releases into early summer. Perfect for learning and group floats.
How to Use This Guide
- Tap a river for maps, trip planning, rapid guides, and shuttle info.
- Check class/season/type for the best fit for your paddling level.
- Always check real-time flows, and scout major rapids on your first run!
