What to do and see in California, United States: The Best River Rafting & Tubing

Zephyr Whitewater is one of the most popular and experienced outfitters in California. We offer river rafting trips near Yosemite on the Merced, Kings, and Tuolumne rivers. Family and group rates, and internet special discounts are available. Our trips range in length from 1/2 to 3-days. On the Merced river, the closest river to Yosemite, we offer both morning and afternoon 11 mile 1/2 day trips, plus full day trips every day. Many guests have said their rafting trip on the Merced river near Yosemite was the highlight of their Yosemite Vacation. Join us and see why!

American Whitewater Expeditions is the premier whitewater rafting company in California on the American River, providing rafters with first class trips since 1980. Our goal has always been to provide high quality rafting adventures that are exciting, relaxing and, most importantly, lots of FUN!The American River has become a popular destination for whitewater rafting enthusiasts in California. Due to their close proximity to several major California cities including San Francisco, San Jose, Fremont, Sacramento, Reno, and South Lake Tahoe, rafting on any one of our guided trips is an exciting vacation option.American Whitewater Expeditions offers fun and relaxing trips forindividuals, families, friends, and groups of all sizes. With three different rivers and three levels of adventure to choose from, we can give anyone from ages 6 to 106 a really great time whitewater rafting on the American River.

Tahoe Whitewater Tours is a family owned and operated company. Our goal to provide you with the most memorable river experience possible. Work with our team to experience a whitewater rafting, kayaking, or tubing the thrill of a lifetime.

The beautiful American River is the site of California's 1849 Gold rush and now is the most popular whitewater rafting river in the Western US... let us show you why! One of the few rivers in California to have adequate water flows year round for rafting, The South Fork of the American River is a wonderfully fun guided rafting adventure for first timers, families and groups. The class 3 rapids are perfect for all types of participants, lots of action but not too intense for novices. Half, one and two day trips are available.

We are located in the bright blue building right next door to the Early Bird

Sunshine Rafting has operated on the Stanislaus River out of Knights Ferry, CA for over 35 years. This family-friendly, low-cost, self-guided float trip is perfect for those looking for a scenic and relaxing day on the river. This trip is popular among all age groups and is a great value for a full day trip.

River Journey Adventures has operated on the Stanislaus River out of Knights Ferry, CA for over 30 years. This family-friendly, low-cost trip is perfect for those looking for a scenic and fun float trip on the river. This trip is popular for ages 5 and up.

The only American River rafting company combining rafting plus a zip line & ropes challenge course. With 46 years of experience & the best safety record in the industry, we've guided over 290,000 happy guests on the 3 forks of the wildly popular American River. Our private campground spans 1/2 mile of riverfront with hot showers running on solar power, canvas tents & cottage rentals, huge riverside group camping sites, flush toilets, volleyball court, charming river stone walkways leading to beautiful river views, a calm eddy pool for swimming and soaking your feet, & close access to 25 miles of hiking & biking trails along the river. Our experienced professional staff will help with all your needs from whitewater rafting to gourmet meals. The River Center is an essential stop between the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. We start rafting in March and go all the way through October. In addition, we offer outdoor education & team building ropes course programs for schools & businesses.

All-Outdoors is a family-owned and operated outfitter with over 55 years of experience professionally guiding white water rafting trips on 10 of California's rivers. We offer white water rafting trips near the San Francisco Bay Area. Please note that rafting trips do not meet or take place in Walnut Creek; refer to our website for location information for each river we run. Each 1, 2, or 3-Day river trip is led by our crew of professional guides devoted to making your trip safe, fun, and memorable. Whether your group size is large or small, family or friends, a bachelor party, corporate group, or if you desire a private trip - we're here to give you an adventure like no other. Choose from springtime classics like the Kaweah, Merced, and North Fork Stanislaus, an overnight trip in a wilderness canyon on the Tuolumne or Middle Fork American, summer fun on the South Fork American, or a thrilling adventure on the Class V Cherry Creek. We hope to see you on the river!

Recognized by National Geographic Adventure as “The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth” and Outside magazine’s runner up for “Best Outfitter,” OARS is among the most trusted names in the travel industry. Since 1969 the company has set the standard in first-class rafting & sea kayaking adventures with unparalleled experiences in the most iconic national parks and wilderness areas in Western North America and abroad. OARS caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with experienced, professional guides and top-notch equipment and today offers more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes. Over the last four decades the California-based company has positively affected the lives of more than 500,000 travelers, due to their ability to meet the diverse needs of their broad spectrum of clientele—more than 60% of passengers return for additional trips or are referred by past guests each year.