Kaweah River

INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED - CLASS IV+

Explore Kaweah River Rafting Trips

2024 Season: mid-April - mid-June. More

Whitewater rafting trips on the Class IV+ Kaweah River located just outside of Sequoia National Park feature continuous thrilling rapids with a scenic alpine backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Previous rafting experience is highly recommended, as there is no time to learn to paddle!

Difficulty & Scenery

  • Intermediate-Advanced Class IV+
  • Long, swift, non-stop action
  • Populated area, scenic backdrop

Who Should Go

  • Experienced rafters
  • People wanting demanding whitewater
  • Usual min. age: 15

Trips Include

  • Pro guide & instruction
  • Equipment & shuttle
  • Fresh, delicious lunch

Trip Planning



Kaweah 1-Day Rafting Trip Options

A full day of continuous Class IV rafting just a few miles outside Sequoia National Park

Class IV+ non-stop in your face morning, Class IV afternoon
9 miles
Lunch included

Kaweah River
1-Day Trip Pricing

$224 All Departures

Book Now


View Available Discounts
Cancellation Policy

Sample Itinerary

  • Meet early morning in Three Rivers
  • Sign-in, shuttle, instruction
  • Class IV+ rapids
  • Riverside lunch
  • Class IV rapids
  • Take-out, shuttle
  • Trip ends early to mid-afternoon

Just downstream from put-in, Class IV Willows rapid starts your day off with a bang! From here the whitewater is ceaseless--each corner twirls into a new rapid and each new vista reveals another tumultuous chute. It is hard to imagine having any more rapids packed into this relentless run.

After Upper and Lower Slicky, we stop for a riverside lunch. But your whitewater adventure is hardly over, you still have several rapids to tackle before we take-out in Lake Kaweah.

The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, time of year, and other factors. During periods of high water we sometimes run a morning to early afternoon trip or late morning to late afternoon trip. Contact us if you have any questions.

Kaweah River Rafting Map

More About the Kaweah River

The rapids: Fast and Continuous

THE RAPIDS:
Fast and continuous Class IV+ thrills to challenge experienced rafters

There's no stopping once you begin a Kaweah River trip. The river rushes through boulder-choked passageways punctuated by powerful hydraulics. Some rapids are long while others are sudden and extreme. Just remaining in the raft can represent an accomplishment on this lively run! Technical and deft maneuvering is required to successfully navigate many rapids. Consider yourself a master paddler after tackling the Kaweah!

The River Scenery: A backdrop of snowcapped mountains

THE RIVER SCENERY:
Low hills in a sparsely populated area with a snowcapped mountain backdrop

The Kaweah's canyon is low and open. Its riverbanks are made up of private lands and homes and are largely hidden by multitudes of willow and alder saplings. The gentle rolling hills beyond the river canyon explode in greenery and the colors of wildflowers. A quick look upriver exposes the crowning peaks of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park where the Kaweah originates.

Located just outside Kings Canyon / Sequoia National Park

LOCATION:
Two miles west of Sequoia National Park

Four hours from San Francisco, and three and a half-hours from Los Angeles, the Kaweah is the most southern river All-Outdoors runs. Nearby highways include 99, 198, and 65.


 
The rafting season on the Kaweah River

TYPICAL RAFTING SEASON:
mid-April - June*

The Kaweah is a free-flowing river. With no upstream dams, the river depends on snowmelt for its flows. The Kaweah begins to run when the snow begins to melt in the mountains. Flows generally peak around Memorial Day.

* Season length and flows may vary. For this year's flow predictions and real-time water levels go to the River Flows page.

Meals: Freshly prepared riverside feasts

MEALS:
Freshly prepared riverside feasts

We provide a gourmet "build-your-own" sandwich lunch that includes all the fixings you’ll need to assemble the perfect sandwich along with kettle style potato chips, dried fruit, and chocolate. Enjoy your relaxing, riverside meal before heading back out on the water for more adventure.

If you have special dietary requirements, we encourage you to tell us at the time of your reservation so we can discuss options.

How You Participate in Rafting the River

GUEST INVOLVEMENT:
How You Participate in Rafting the River

During normal water flows, All-Outdoors operates paddle rafts on the Kaweah. In a paddle raft, each guest and a professional guide have a paddle and navigate the river working as a coordinated team. In high water situations, we may opt to run oar-paddle combination boats (a professional guide steers the raft with oars while simultaneously calling commands to paddlers). All guests should be able to swim.

Highly Recommended with Great Reviews

All-Outdoors is the most recommended whitewater rafting outfitter in California. See for yourself:

Leave us a review on Google
Leave us a review on Yelp
Leave us a review on Trip Advisor
Leave us a review on Facebook

Amazing and exciting rapids

"It was a great day, exciting rapids, water levels were high . The staff was extremely nice and professional. This was the best rafting trip I have had on a California River so far."

Silvia from Los Angeles

Read & Write Reviews

Deals & Discounts

Start here to find the best possible deal for your next California whitewater rafting adventure. Please note that only one discount can be applied per person and must be mentioned at the time of reservation.

Group Discount

There are a variety of discounts for group rafting trips. All types of groups are welcome!

Learn More

Youth Discount

Youth 17 years or younger receive a 10% discount on any trip on any date!


Frequent Floater Program ®

You earn a FREE day of rafting with our exclusive Frequent Floater Program!®


Learn More

 

Group Rafting Trips on the Kaweah River

We Can Accommodate Groups as Large as 75 People

One of our specialties is creating fun and memorable whitewater rafting trips for small or large groups.

What Type of Group Trip are You Looking For?

Back to Top

Email Newsletter

Get season updates, latest rafting videos & blogs, plus enter to Win a Free Trip for Two! Learn more



Manage My Reservation