> Goodwin Canyon Rafting Trips

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The closest whitewater rafting river to the Bay Area. Season varies. more Difficulty & Scenery Fun Class III rapids Two Int-Adv Class IV Secluded steep-walled volcanic canyon Who Should Go People seeking a new rafting experience Small to medium groups Usual min. age 15 Trips Include Pro guide and instruction Fresh, delicious lunch Equipment and shuttle Location Select a Goodwin Canyon Trip Option 1-Day Trips $154 Complete price list

MORE ABOUT GOODWIN CANYON:

Goodwin Canyon is the closest Class IV whitewater rafting river to the San Francisco Bay Area. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada just east of Oakdale, Goodwin Canyon offers 4 miles of fun whitewater rafting in a narrow, and very unusual volcanic gorge. The run is short and the rapids that are there are not extremely numerous but very enjoyable. The day consists of Class III rapids alternating between swift calms, interrupted by two Class IV's that are both powerful and exciting (even intimidating). When winter leaves a large snowpack in the Sierra, as it did in 2011, upstream reservoirs release good flows from April through October providing a unique Intermediate - Advanced California whitewater experience.

THE RAPIDS: Steep and narrow Class IV to challenge your skills

Considering some of the names of the rapids on the Goodwin Canyon, you may think the river flows straight out of Disneyland! The rapids are enjoyable and fun, something Walt might consider a good addition to the Magic Kingdom. There are a couple (Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and Haunted House), that are challenging, unpredictable, and provide an awesome adrenaline rush! There is no cable or tract under our raft guiding us along... just current and wild water!

THE RIVER SCENERY: Remote, lush volcanic gorge

Goodwin Canyon sits at a low elevation of just 350 feet in the Sierra foothills about 20 minutes east of the small town of Oakdale and minutes from the historic, quaint town of Knights Ferry.. The river runs through a beautiful, steep and narrow volcanic gorge, full of lush willows and tall cottonwoods native to California. High rocky bluffs tower hundreds of feet above the river as reminders of the past when Native Americans and cowboys lived in the area. Waterfalls created from irrigation canals above the river frequently cascade into the river creating a lush setting reminiscent of tropical islands. We raft under a covered bridge at the end of the trip which is the longest of its kind west of the Mississippi. Goodwin Canyon is one of the most diverse and interesting canyons in California and rafting is one of the only ways you can experience it. Since there aren't any other outfitters offering regular trips on this river, your group will most likely be the only one on the water. This exclusivity means Goodwin Canyon trips offer nearly private access to a remarkable and isolated canyon.

RIVER LOCATION: Only 1.5 to 2 hrs from San Jose & San Francisco!

Goodwin Canyon is the closest whitewater to the Bay Area. It is located just 75 miles east of Dublin, near the small, quaint town of Knights Ferry off Highway 120. You could leave the comforts of your home and be at the river an hour and a half later…that’s convenient rafting!

THE RAFTING SEASON: April-October in wet years; October in normal years

Whitewater rafting in Goodwin Canyon is controlled by an upstream reservoir. Flows on this river vary from year to year and are based off the amount of snow left in the Sierra during the winter months. During years of heavy snowpack, as in 2011, flows are consistent from April to October, 7 days a week and range between 1500 CFS and 2500 CFS. In "normal" years good rafting flows are released in October.

MEALS: Freshly prepared riverside feasts

Our gourmet "build-your-own" sandwich bar includes all the fixings needed to assemble the perfect deli sandwich. We also serve juice and hors d'oeuvres of tortilla chips, salsa, and juicy summer fruits. We finish it off with a delicious dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth.

GUEST INVOLVEMENT: How You Participate in Rafting the River

All-Outdoors runs paddle raft trips on Goodwin Canyon. In a paddle raft, each guest and a professional guide have a paddle and navigate the river, working as a coordinated team. All guests should be able to swim.

GROUP TRIPS: We Can Accommodate Groups as Large as 48 People

One of our specialties is creating fun and memorable whitewater rafting trips for small to large groups. Our permit on Goodwin Canyon allows us to accommodate almost any size group any day of the week.

What Type of Group Trip are You Looking For?

• I'm planning a trip for my friends and myself.
• I'm planning a family rafting trip.
• I'm planning an offsite corporate outings!
• I'm planning a bachelor party!
• I'm looking for bachelorette party ideas!
• I'm organizing a family reunion!
• I'm putting together a birthday party trip!
• I'm organizing and planning a class reunion!

Our reservation specialists can help you through every step of the planning process. We even provide you with free materials to promote your trip and communicate details to your group members. To learn more about our group-specific discount plans & packages and organizational tools, visit our groups page.

THE NEXT STEP: Explore Trip Options or Begin the Booking Process

To learn more about our Goodwin Canyon rafting trips, explore our 1-Day trip option. If you want to start booking your trip now, you can call our office at (800) 247-2387 during business hours or check for available space online.