Rafting FAQ

All-Outdoors has been guiding whitewater rafting trips in California for over 60 years, making us one of the most experienced outfitters in the state. Guests appreciate our Peace of Mind Cancellation Policy, which gives you flexibility if plans change, and our Quality Service Guarantee, which ensures that your trip meets the high standards we set for every river adventure. If you love rafting as much as we do, our Frequent Floater Program rewards you with free trips the more you join us on California’s best rivers. We can’t wait to welcome you into the AO family!

Whitewater rafting is open to just about everyone, from families with young kids to adventurous adults, as long as you choose the right river. Families can start with the Tom Sawyer Float Trip, a gentle family rafting experience designed for children ages 5–7, or step up to the South Fork American, a fun Class III whitewater run that’s great for first-timers and families with kids seven and older. At the other end of the spectrum, intrepid paddlers take on Cherry Creek, California’s most advanced rafting trip with challenging Class V rapids. If you’re unsure where you fit on the spectrum, our trip finder tool makes it easy to compare rivers and choose the adventure that’s right for you.

Recommended minimum ages vary depending on the river, the season, and the level of whitewater. Higher spring flows can raise the minimum age requirements on most rivers. Here's a quick guide:

• Tom Sawyer Float on the easy Class I–II section of the South fork American: Typically 5 years old.
• South Fork American (Class III): Typically 7 years old.
• Merced & Middle Fork American (Class III-IV): Typically 12 years old.
• Tuolumne at summer flows (Class IV+): Typically 12 years old.
• North Fork American, North Fork Stanislaus, Kaweah, Goodwin Canyon, Tuolumne at spring flows (Class IV+): Typically 15 years old.
• California Salmon (Class V): Typically 15 years old.
• Cherry Creek / Upper Tuolumne (Class V): Typically 17 years old.

A parent or legal guardian must give permission for an unaccompanied minor (aged 17 years or younger) to participate in an All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting river trip. This is done electronically in advance of the trip. The information may be alternatively provided by filling out our Parent / Guardian Permission & Liability Release Form on paper.

Swimming ability is not required during normal flows on the South Fork American River. However, rafters on all other rivers should be able to swim and select a trip that's right for their level of fitness. The higher the classification and/or the river flows, the better shape participants should be in. Individuals that are exceptionally tall or whose height and weight ratio is out of range (overweight) may not be appropriate for rafting due to the inherent nature of the activity. If you are unsure how to evaluate your abilities and size, have special health physical considerations, or are pregnant, we invite you to contact us to discuss options.

Seasonal snowpack and weather can affect river flows. Participants rafting during period of higher flows should be competent swimmers, adventurous, active, not overweight. Usual minimum age may be increased on trips taking place at higher flows.

All guests are required to wear a life jacket provided by All-Outdoors. Due to sizing restrictions, persons with a chest or torso size over 52" (life jacket maximum size) cannot participate in an All-Outdoors rafting trip.

Each river we raft is unique. Beginners and adventurers alike may find what they are looking for on one of California’s two most popular whitewater rivers: the South Fork and Middle Fork of the American River. For exciting Class IV+ and Class V whitewater and wilderness, it’s hard to beat Tuolumne and Cherry Creek. The Merced, Kaweah and North Fork Stanislaus are springtime favorites among the Class IV+ crowd.

Not sure where to start? Use our trip finder tool to filter rivers by difficulty, location, and season. You’ll find detailed descriptions, maps, travel details, videos, and photos for each option. Keep in mind the paddling skills and physical abilities of everyone in your group, and if you’d like personal guidance, call us at (800) 247-2387. Our California Rafting Consultants are experts at matching individuals and groups to the right river.

Whitewater rafting rivers in California - and around the world - are rated on the International Scale of River Difficulty, which ranges from Class I (easy, calm water) to Class VI (extreme and unrunnable). This system helps paddlers understand what to expect on the river, from gentle family floats to intense, expert-only rapids.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Class I–II – Trips for Young Kids: Mostly flat water with small rapids. Perfect for children ages 5–7.
• Class III – Beginner to Intermediate: Moderate rapids with some obstacles. Great first-time rafting for most people.
• Class III–IV – Intermediate: Occasional Class IV rapids with higher waves and tricky passages. Best for rafters with Class III experience or athletic beginners.
• Class IV+ – Intermediate to Advanced: Long, technical rapids with 4–5 ft drops. Requires skill and quick maneuvering.
• Class V – Advanced: Intense, long rapids with serious hazards. Best for those with previous Class IV+ experience seeking the ultimate whitewater challenge.
• Class VI – Unrunnable: Extremely dangerous rapids; serious injury or death is likely. Attempted rarely.

Check out this visual guide to White Water Rafting Levels / Classes to learn how these different ratings play out on California rivers.

California rafting season runs from April through October, with daily departures offered by All-Outdoors throughout the season. The best time depends on the river and the type of experience you’re seeking:

• Early Spring (April): Free-flowing rivers like the North Fork of the Stanislaus, North Fork American, Cal Salmon offer thrilling, unregulated flows (no upstream reservoirs).
• Late Spring (May - early June): Rivers such as the Merced and Kaweah typically reach peak flows as the snow in the Sierra Nevada snow melts.
• Dam-controlled rivers: The South Fork American, Middle Fork American, Tuolumne, and Cherry Creek (Upper Tuolumne) offer regulated flows, allowing rafting well beyond spring runoff - even during drought years.

Learn what makes each segment of The 4 “Seasons” of the California Rafting Season unique, and check the current California Rafting Season Update to see real-time conditions, because every year on California rivers is different.

Want to find a California rafting river close to home? Here are the rivers we run near major cities and regions across the state:

Northern California
Fresno, Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Davis, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Pleasanton, Napa Valley, Gold Country, Wine Country, Sierra Foothills, Northern Sierra Nevada, Placer County, El Dorado County, Nevada County, Placerville, Coloma and Reno, Nevada

Southern California
San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Click any location to see which rivers we run nearby and plan your next California rafting adventure.

Trip prices vary depending on the river, itinerary, and day of the week. For detailed fees, check out our Trip Pricing, and explore our Discounts for group and youth savings. Guests rafting with All-Outdoors benefit from exceptional quality, experience, and attention to detail - every trip is carefully planned, staffed by expert guides, and designed to deliver a full California rafting adventure. Considering the costs of hotels, flights, and other vacation activities, a California rafting trip with All-Outdoors offers excellent value for adventure and entertainment.

Trips can fill quickly due to limited space, so we recommend booking your rafting trip as soon as your travel plans are confirmed. For the best availability and biggest savings, consider our 25% Pre-Season Sale, held annually from November to January. While advance reservations are required, we also accommodate last-minute bookings up to a day before departure whenever space is available - we’re happy to help you get on the river, even at the last minute!

You can make a reservation online or over the phone. Our California Rafting Consultants are available during business hours to help you plan and book your trip. Most trips can be reserved directly through our online booking platform with real-time availability. Book your trip today and secure your adventure on California’s rivers!

On the South Fork American, our rafts comfortably hold up to 8 guests plus a guide. Most other rivers use smaller boats to navigate Class IV & V rapids, accommodating 5–6 guests plus a guide. On Cherry Creek, our most advanced run, rafts carry 2 or 4 paddlers. For more details about the boats we use, see our Rafting Equipment.

Reservations are based on the overall space available on each trip. Our guides determine the boat assignments on the morning of the rafting trip and keep parties together whenever possible. Booking a Private Charter Trip guarantees an exclusive trip with only your group members in all the rafts. Other reserved boat options can be made available in certain circumstances - please direct special requests to our office in advance.

All-Outdoors rafting guides are skilled professionals and very likable, so requests for a specific guide are common. If you've had a guide you especially liked, we'll do our best to match their schedule to yours. Just let us know when you make your next reservation.

To provide flexibility and peace of mind, we have a lenient and simple Cancellation Policy. If your trip must be canceled for any reason, you will receive a fully transferable 100% credit toward a future river trip. Guests canceling their trip must notify us by phone or Live Chat during business hours, at least 3 days prior to the departure date.

Dressing right for a whitewater rafting trip helps you stay comfortable and enjoy the adventure. The best choices depend on the season and water conditions, but here are the basics:

• Quick-drying clothing (avoid cotton)
• Secure footwear that won't slip off in the water
• A hat, sunglasses with a strap, and sunscreen

For a complete guide, including seasonal tips and gear suggestions, visit our What to Wear for White Water Rafting page. If your trip is in spring, early summer, late fall, or at higher flows, be sure to check out our recommendations on wetsuits and extra layers.

Rafting is a splashy adventure, and while you’re welcome to bring devices, it’s good to know the risks:

• Phones: Not recommended. They can get wet or lost. We offer the use of dry bags, but they aren't 100% waterproof and don't protect against impact.
• Waterproof cameras: Fine to bring, just be sure to use a strap to secure them to your life jacket.
• GoPros: A great option! These can be attached to our helmets.

No matter what you bring, please remember it's always at your own risk.

We're proud to serve high-quality, gourmet-style meals with plenty of options, allowing our guests to create their ideal meals. Think hearty breakfasts to fuel your morning, satisfying sandwiches for mid-day energy, and delicious dinners after a full day on the river. Our offerings also include a variety of homemade specialties crafted by our talented food staff. If you have special dietary requirements, we encourage you to tell us at the time of your reservation so we can discuss options.

Guests are not permitted to raft if under the influence of alcohol or other substances known to cause impairment. If either by direct observation or by exhibited behavior, staff believes someone to be impaired, that person will not be allowed to raft and no refund is provided.

On overnight trips, guests are more than welcome to bring their own alcohol for the evenings. All-Outdoors does not provide alcohol. For wilderness overnight trips - the Tuolumne and Middle Fork of the American - we provide an ice chest to transport guest beverages (if guests show up with excess alcohol, our guides will ask you to leave the excess in your car). For our South Fork American overnight trips, guests will have access to their vehicles and can store their beverages in their own ice chest. Alcohol is to be consumed in moderation.

Each of the 10 California rivers we raft has its own designated meet place. The address, directions, and a map are listed on each river's Getting There section. Use our Trip Information page to navigate to the river you'll be rafting on.

Important: None of our rafting trips meet at our Walnut Creek address.

Lodging and nearby attractions vary by California rafting river. Check our Trip Information page and select your river to see options for your trip.

Many of our guests ask us, "should I tip my guide?". Our high level of service is not exercised in order to receive a tip. We serve you because we want to. If you feel the service you received from your guide is exceptional, and you want to say "thank you" with a tip, although it is not expected, it is always appreciated. Our guides are happy to accept tips given in cash, credit card, or via Venmo right after the trip, as well as those called/emailed into our office at a later time. Any amount you feel appropriate is a valued gesture, but if you are looking for a tipping guideline, most gratuities in the rafting industry range between 10% and 20%. Any and all tips collected are shared by all guides who worked on the trip.

A professional photography company may have captured images of your whitewater rafting adventure. You can view photo companies, organized by the river they cover, and purchase your trip photos directly from them.

Contact us if you have any additional questions.

If you'd like to share your experience with others (and us too), we invite you to post your review on our website or your review site of choice.