North Fork Stanislaus Rafting Trips

2025 Season: April - May

Trip Options: 1-Day

Who Should Go:
Adventurous Go-Getters

Difficulty: Class IV+ |
Fast-Paced Intricate Whitewater

Meet Place: Arnold, CA
(3hrs from the Bay Area)

Per-Person Rate: $234

Usual Min Age: 15 years old

Whitewater Rarity Beneath the Giant Sequoias

Nestled in a high‑elevation canyon within Calaveras Big Trees State Park, this thrilling Class IV+ run beckons experienced paddlers looking for technical, adrenaline-packed fun.

A steep 5‑mile stretch with technical Class IV rapids and multiple Class IV+ drops

Paddle through pristine alpine forest amid wild spring scenery

As we’re one of the only outfitters permitted on this river, you’ll have it nearly all to yourself

Runs during a short spring window - don’t miss your chance to catch it

The North Fork Stanislaus delivers a high‑octane day of alpine whitewater that feels remote and rugged - yet remains easily accessible from the Bay Area and Sacramento.

North Fork Stanislaus 1-Day Rafting Trip

Trip Pricing

$234 All Departures

Book Now

Sample Itinerary

Meet in the morning, outside Arnold
Sign-in, shuttle, instruction
Class IV rapids
Riverside lunch
Class IV+ rapids
Take-out, shuttle
Trip ends early to mid-afternoon

Less than a minute from put-in, you'll crash through Class IV Beginner's Luck which is an immense staircase of drops, descending a total of 15-feet. After that wake-up call, the whitewater keeps coming in tight chutes and boulder-choked passageways like The Claw and Wallet Slot.

When the mood strikes, we'll stop for lunch on a forested riverside bank. Back on the water, there are still many Class III-IV challenges waiting downstream. The final rapid is Sequoia Sluice, and because it's one of the biggest rapids, it serves as an appropriate climax to an intense day of rafting.

The itinerary above may be altered due to a range of variables, including river flow levels, time of year, and other factors. Contact us if you have any questions.

More about the North Fork Stanislaus

Getting There

Before You Go

The River

Typical Season

Meals on the River

Group Rafting

Rafting Specials

GETTING THERE

Meet Place for North Fork Stanislaus Trips

Stanislaus River Access - Day Use View on map
Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Drive 20 minutes past the park entrance booth following our directions. Entrance booth address:
1170 East Highway 4
Arnold, CA 95223

Note: If you plan to use a GPS navigation system or online mapping service, please use in conjunction with the driving directions we provide.

Meet Time

9:00 am for most trips

All-Outdoors North Fork Stanislaus trips usually start at 9:00 am, but keep in mind that meet times may vary. Please refer to the information sent to you in your Trip Confirmation email, check with your group’s organizer, or contact our office. Plan to be on time; guests that arrive late may miss their trip.

Where to Stay / Points of Interest

Local Information

Driving Directions to the North Fork Stanislaus

From Hwy 99 near Stockton:
Take Hwy-4 East. Stay on Hwy-4 East for 46 miles. Once you reach the Hwy 49 intersection, continue straight on the Hwy-4 East Bypass to avoid going into downtown Angels Camp. Continue on Hwy-4 East until you reach the Calaveras State Park entrance on the right side.

After passing through the entrance toll booth, continue straight on Big Trees Parkway. Travel 20 minutes on the windy road downhill toward the river. Once you get to the bridge crossing the North Fork Stanislaus River, turn right to the Stanislaus River Access - Day Use lot on the north side of the river. Do not drive across the bridge! Look for the All-Outdoors guides and vehicles.

We encourage you to print and use our driving directions and not rely strictly on GPS navigation. GPS / cellular service is limited to nonexistent in outlying areas.

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I Simply Loved Every Part!

“There is no way to fully thank the All-Outdoors Team enough. What kind, fun, and enthusiastic people who run such a cohesive group. Me and my 5 person crew could not have been more pleased about going with them, and frankly I wouldn't go with any other company. They are people-focused and communicative while helping you to have fun (safely). Taking the 2 Day trip was definitely the way to go. I simply loved every part of the experience. Your team is the best!”

-Lauren from Carson City, NV

An Unforgettable Adventure

"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible rafting experience we had with your company. From start to finish, everything was exceptionally well-organized, and the entire team was professional, friendly, and attentive. Our guides made sure we were safe while ensuring we had an exhilarating adventure. Their knowledge and enthusiasm added so much to the overall experience, making it both fun and educational. The entire trip was an unforgettable adventure."

-Tatiana from Newbury Park, CA

Superior Service With All-Outdoors

"Service has always been superior with All-Outdoors. I’ve been booking my water rafting trips with them for the past 5 years. What makes the experience great is that they’re attentive to questions, handle first timers well, no hiccups when we arrive, and the employees seem genuinely happy to be there. The equipment is in good shape and I feel safe and the guides are capable and personable. The grounds are well kept and it’s an all out good time. I’d recommend from a novice to an experienced rafter."

-Makinya from San Leandro, CA

The Entire Event Was Impeccably Organized

"We brought a team of 30 people and it was an absolute blast. The entire event was impeccably organized, leaving me worry-free from start to finish. Communication was outstanding throughout the planning process, ensuring a seamless experience. I can't say enough good things about All-Outdoors and their staff. Their dedication to ensuring their guests have a great time is evident in every aspect of the experience."

-Michele from Sunnyvale, CA

The Only Rafting Company You Will Ever Need

"The Best Time Ever!!! All-Outdoors is the only rafting company you will ever need! The office staff is so kind, helpful, and communicative, and the guides are always top notch! This is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for an adventurous and fun outing. Our guides- Emma, Sam, and Wyatt- are so knowledgeable, kind, personable, and made everyone feel so cared for and safe. I truly cannot recommend All-Outdoors enough!"

-Elise from Novato, CA

I Have Used AO for Over 25 Years on 5 Different Rivers

"I have used All-Outdoors for over 25 years on about 5 different rivers (family, company, couples and even a bachelor party) and give them the highest recommendation. The guides are very professional and experienced and safety and fun are paramount in their minds. Cherry Creek has to be one of the most thrilling and beautiful rivers in the United States. It is hard to find a more exhilarating and memorable one day rafting trip."

-David from Danville, CA

What a Memorable Experience for Our 6 Kids

"If you want adventure in California, this needs to be on your list… What a memorable experience for our 6 kids. Unbelievable, adventure-filled experiences for life. AO was super accommodating, custom tailored, the guides were freaking amazing! Make sure you book with them."

-Ely from Fairfield, CA

Amazing!

"Would give 10 stars! The online booking process was easy and they checked in with us a couple times before the trip. Our guide Tyler was the best! Funny and informative, gave clear expectations and instructions. The actual rafting experience was so much fun! Everyone that went agreed that we'll need to do this again soon!"

-Ron from Oroville, CA

I Highly Recommend for Work Events

"I came for a two-day work retreat and loved it. It was a women's retreat and what a joy to have powerful, smart, personable female guides. They made the trip enjoyable and safe. The South Fork is a great introduction to rafting. I had the opportunity to chat with the owner Scott and he is such a nice guy, really invested in making the experience great for the guests. I highly recommend this company for work events as well as everybody else."

-Rebecca from Pleasanton, CA

Read & Write Reviews

North Fork Stanislaus Rafting Trips

Whitewater Rarity Beneath the Giant Sequoias