Rivers with Class I flat water interspersed with occasional Class II rapids: waves 1-2 feet high. Using a self-guided watercraft
is an option.
*Best for young children and tentative adults.
NOTE: All-Outdoors Class I-II trips are designed for children aged 5-7 years old and their family.
Beginner - Intermediate
Class III
Rivers with Class I - II water interspersed with Class III rapids: waves usually 2-3 feet high, passageways contain some
obstacles. Rapids are challenging but not overwhelming.
* Best introduction to rafting for the widest range of people.
Intermediate
Class III-IV
Rivers with Class I - III water interspersed with occasional Class IV rapids: waves and drops 4 feet high and sometimes higher,
difficult passageways containing some obstacles. Unintentionally falling out of the raft may mean an uncomfortable "swim".
* Best for those with previous Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV whitewater, and for athletic, adventurous
first-timers.
Intermediate-Advanced
Class IV+
Rivers with Class I - IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages
containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering. Falling out of the raft and "swimming" in a rapid will be difficult.
* Best for those with previous Class III or Class IV experience wanting a more difficult whitewater challenge.
Advanced
Class V
Rivers with Class I - IV+ water interspersed with long, tumultuous Class V rapids: 5-8 foot drops and obstacles that must be
avoided. Falling out of the raft means an extremely difficult and potentially hazardous "swim".
* Best for those with previous Class IV & IV+ experience seeking the ultimate whitewater challenge.
Unrunnable
Class VI
Rivers containing rapids that are so difficult that safe passage is doubtful and chances of serious incident, injury and death are almost certain. If attempted and successful, luck deserves the largest portion of credit.
Whitewater Rafting Trips near
the San Francisco Bay Area
Whether you live in San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, or anywhere else in the Bay Area, a whitewater rafting trip is closer than you might think. In just a few hours, you can escape the bustle of the Bay and immerse yourself in the scenic beauty, sunshine, and exhilarating rapids of the Sierra Nevada rivers.
We offer trips on ten of California's premier rivers, many of them within a three-hour drive from major Bay Area hubs. Our trips cater to all experience levels, from families with young children and cautious beginners to seasoned adventurers seeking the ultimate challenge. We have options that are ideal for:
Family white water rafting trips
Groups of friends planning a summer getaway
Corporate teams seeking a memorable off-site event
Anyone craving a break from the city
Best Rafting Rivers Accessible from the Bay Area
These rivers offer exciting rapids, scenic views, and easy access for Bay Area adventurers. With reliable flows, long seasons, and locations within a three-hour drive, they’re top picks for a hassle-free rafting trip.
Perfect for: First-timers, families, youth groups, corporate off-sites and anyone after crowd-pleasing, fun whitewater
Trip options: Half-day, 1-Day, and 2-Day adventures
Highlights: Class III rapids, sunny weather, beautiful scenery, very accessible
Located in the Gold Country, this river is the most popular in California, offering reliable flows and a mix of Class II and III rapids suitable for various skill levels. It's an excellent choice for first-time rafters and families due to its consistent water levels and proximity to the Bay Area. Start your South Fork adventure!
For families with young children (typically ages 5–7), the Tom Sawyer Float Trip runs on a gentle, Class I–II section of the South Fork and offers a relaxed, splashy introduction to rafting.
Perfect for: Adventurous rafters looking for exciting, lively whitewater
Trip options: 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day overnight trips
Highlights: Class III and IV rapids, famous Tunnel Chute Rapid, wilderness setting
Known for its stunning canyon scenery and a thrilling man-made Class IV rapid called Tunnel Chute, the Middle Fork provides a more adventurous experience that’s best enjoyed as a multi-day trip. Take on the Middle Fork!
Trip options: 1-Day, 2-Day, or 3-Day wilderness expeditions
Highlights: Class IV+ rapids, remote backcountry setting, pristine campsites
A designated Wild & Scenic River located just outside Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne offers thrilling Class IV+ rapids and unspoiled wilderness, making it a favorite for experienced rafters and those looking for multi-day adventures in a remote setting. Venture into the Tuolumne!
One of the Best Rafting Trips We've Been On!
"Our extended family did a 2 day rafting trip with All-Outdoors and it was terrific! All of the staff are super friendly, professional and fun. Big shout out to Reese and Fred who were our guides. They handled the rapids perfectly even when us “paddlers” did not. The trip includes camping overnight and they prepared an awesome dinner, appetizers and campfire brownies. Top notch! Breakfast was equally as good. We loved our rafting trip and recommend without reservation."
Rita from San Francisco, CA
AO delivers again
"I chose All-Outdoors because I continue to not only have a good experience but a GREAT experience. They did not disappoint on this trip and not only met my expectations but surpassed them. Everyone on the trip had a great time and one of the ‘newbies’ was looking at her next trip as soon as we returned. Great job AO and thanks."
Oscar from Oakland, CA
Great guides, smashing time
"Overall, had a spectacular experience on the two-day Tuolumne rafting trip. The guides were super professional while being fun and relaxed at the same time. The food was excellent. Sitting under the stars at night can’t be a bad thing! The rapids on Day 2 make the trip a killer 5-star event all around. I definitely recommend the two day trip. 5/5!"
Christie from San Jose, CA
You should raft with All-Outdoors
"Over the past 25 years I've done many rafting trips with All-Outdoors and I have enjoyed them all. "AO" is one of the original rafting outfits and offers trips down several California rivers. If you live in Northern California or are just visiting, you really need to experience white water river rafting and you should do it with All-Outdoors."
CA2Hawaii, San Jose, CA
The Middle Fork American was perfect
"Our group of 15 went rafting on the Middle Fork American and it was perfect for our group. We had a 19 year old and an 80 year old. We went mid week and it was great. We were just about the only ones on the river. This river is great for all levels of rafters as there were plenty of thrilling rapids and as well as periods of calm floating down the river. All Outdoors was great on communication. Our numbers kept on changing as some friends opted in or out at the last minute and All Outdoors was very accommodating with this."
Allen from San Francisco, CA
Would do it again
"We wanted to introduce our kids (youngest 5, others 8 and 9) to rafting so we needed something appropriate for our youngest child. The float trip was great. It was fun, not too scary or difficult, but exciting enough. Our kids enjoyed it (as did the parents) which was the objective! The guides were great and really tried to engage our kids. We would do it again and go with All-Outdoors again on other trips, without reservation."
Mark from San Francisco, CA
Super Fun for Beginners and Thrill-Seekers Alike
"The South Fork American is super fun for beginners and thrill-seekers alike. I highly recommend this rafting company due to their focus on safety, hiring excellent/experienced guides, and the frequent rafter program is an awesome perk since it carries year over year (once you raft 5 days, your 6th day is free - even if it takes a few years to get there!). You also get $60 off a second trip in the same season - a great deal!"
Jennifer from San Francisco, CA
A fun time!
"We were very glad to have chosen the two day trip. It gave us an opportunity to see sights along the American River that we wouldn't otherwise have. The guides were friendly and the trip was well organized. A fun time for the husband, myself, our teenagers and their friends."
Beyond the most accessible rafting trips near the Bay Area, California offers a variety of guided whitewater rafting experiences with shorter seasons, challenging rapids, and unique wilderness settings. Whether you’re seeking expert-level adventure or exploring new rivers, these options provide unforgettable rafting trips worth the journey.
Perfect for: Serious thrill-seekers chasing the most challenging whitewater in California
Trip options: 1-Day trip; 2-Day and 3-Day Combo trips with the Main Tuolumne
Highlights: Class V rapids, steep technical whitewater, shorter but intense summer season
Cherry Creek is widely regarded as the most challenging commercial rafting trip in the United States. With near-continuous Class V whitewater, steep drops, and demanding lines, it's a true test of skill for experienced paddlers - just a few hours from the Bay Area. Test yourself on Cherry Creek!
Perfect for: Adventurous beginners and intermediate rafters after a spring Yosemite getaway
Trip options: 1-Day trips
Highlights: Class III–IV rapids, scenic canyon near Yosemite, great spring flows
A classic introduction to Class IV whitewater just outside Yosemite National Park, the Merced River delivers big waves and breathtaking scenery. Without upstream reservoirs to regulate flows, its rafting season is limited to the spring snowmelt runoff. Hit the Merced this spring!
Perfect for: Confident paddlers who enjoy technical, fast-paced spring whitewater
Trip options: 1‑Day trips
Highlights: Class IV+ rapids, early-season snowmelt flows
An easily accessible yet more challenging run than the South and Middle Forks, the North Fork American delivers serious Class IV+ action during its short spring season. Explore the North Fork American!
Perfect for: Adventurous go-getters seeking a thrilling fall rafting experience
Trip options: 1-Day Double Runs
Highlights: Class IV+ rapids, narrow volcanic gorge, rare late fall whitewater
A hidden gem just a few hours from the Bay Area, Goodwin Canyon offers a rare chance to raft powerful Class IV+ whitewater in October. Tucked inside a narrow volcanic gorge, this unique stretch of river runs only 2–3 weekends at the end of each season. Discover Goodwin Canyon!
Perfect for: Adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path rafting experience
Trip options: 1-Day trips
Highlights: Class IV+ rapids, giant sequoia groves nearby, short spring season
Tucked deep in the high Sierra and just 3.5 hours from the Bay Area, this remote river charges through a granite canyon lined with towering pines. Its swift, technical flow lasts only a few weeks, making every trip a rare and rewarding experience. Don’t miss the North Fork Stanislaus!
Plan Your Trip
Whether you’re planning a last-minute day trip or a full weekend getaway, we make it easy to get out on the river. Our California Rafting Consultants can help you choose the right river and trip for your group’s goals and experience level.
Give us a call or explore our trip options online, then leave the city behind and join us for an unforgettable adventure. We look forward to guiding you on an incredible rafting journey from the San Francisco Bay Area!
