Goodwin Canyon > 1-Day Rafting Trips

RIVER & TRIP OPTIONS MAPS & TRAVEL DETAILS PRICING TRIP OPTIONS:   HALF-DAY TRIPS   l   1-DAY TRIPS

Challenging Class IV Rapids in a Unique Volcanic Gorge. Class II & III+ rapids scattered throughout the day and four big Class IV rapids 7 hours total trip time, 8 miles $149 Monday - Friday $179 Saturday & Sunday Two Half-Day trips combined in one day... a 50% - 75% saving on the second Half-Day!

TRIP ITINERARY: Goodwin Canyon 1-Day Rafting Trips

» 1-Day Tips: Two Half-Day trips combined in one day with a lunch break in between «

Meet Time: 8:30 a.m.
Hour One: Sign-in, bus ride, instruction
Hour Two-Four: Class III & IV rapids
Hour Four: Take-out
Hour Five: Lunch.
Hour Six-Seven: Repeat the same exciting four-mile run a second time!

The Goodwin Canyon rafting run starts just below Tulloch Lake on the Lower Stanislaus River and flows though a unique volcanic gorge. After meeting near the quaint town of Knights Ferry, we take the short shuttle to the starting point for the trip. Under towering cottonwood trees and impressive cliffs rising from the water’s edge, we take several minutes for instruction before loading into the rafts and beginning our descent. Tight shoots winding between lava boulders, giant fig trees, river willows, and alders, provide a dramatic and exciting introduction to this short and wild ride through Goodwin Canyon, one of the best late summer / early fall Class IV  runs in California.

After negociating an exciting Class III rapid and just seconds from put-in, we come to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, a long Class IV rapid that requires an on shore scout and careful planning by guides and guests before committing to the current and pull of this major drop. This big rapid makes even the most experienced rafter nervous because of its length and power.

The next event on this river occurs at Matterhorn, an eight-foot vertical drop that requires a short fast portage. After enjoying the twists and turns of Upper Pinball and Lower Pinball rapids we come to the abrupt and intimidating Haunted House Rapid, a narrow slot where the entire river drops seven feet into a frothing reversal in front of a truck size boulder. The threat of flipping on this notorious rapid is always looming.

The final part of the trip is spent maneuvering through fun Class II and III rapids flowing between tight rock walls and lush river flora. A 1-Day trip is basically a combination of two Half-Day trips and includes a delicious lunch between runs. Both the morning and afternoon run begin and end at Knights Ferry.

THE NEXT STEP: Plan Your Trip

If you have made your decision you can start planning your trip by visiting the "Plan Your Trip" page where we make it easy for you to check availability and make a reservation. You can also contact us during our business hours by calling 1-800-247-2387.