Best Whitewater River Rafting In California
Rafting Guide School
Guide School at Sierra Whitewater
River Camping Trips
the South Fork American River
Whitewater Rafting
on the American River
Rafting Guide School
Guide School at Sierra Whitewater
River Camping Trips
the South Fork American River
Season open March through October 2023.
Pre-season specials happening now! Check Our Rafting Discounts Here.
Featured Trips
“Chili Bar”
- Upper South Fork
- 11 Mile Trip Length
- 8:30am Departure
- Intermediate Level
“The Gorge”
- Lower South Fork
- 13 Mile Trip Length
- Midday Departure
- Intermediate Level
“The Full River”
- Upper + Lower South Fork
- 21 Mile Full Day Trip
- 8:30am Departure
- Intermediate Level
Whitewater Rafting Scout Merit Badge
Our whitewater rafting trip is perfect for Youth Groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and we would love to host your Troop as they complete their Whitewater Rafting Merit badge! Our Council approved and registered Counselors will aid your Scouts in learning about and safely operating a raft, while identifying unique river features and safety components for white water navigation. This experience is available in single day or two day options. We are licensed, bonded, insured, and BSA Council Approved!
Large Groups
Here at Sierra Whitewater Rafting, we specialize in providing highly tailored experiences catering to your group’s specific wants and needs. From custom menu options and meal plans to multi-day rafting trips with camping and tent accommodations, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re getting together on summer break with a group of 10 family friends, or hosting a corporate getaway with 115 people, Sierra Whitewater has everything you need for a seamless and fun whitewater rafting experience which will undoubtedly be the highlight of everyone’s summer!
The Best California White Water Rafting Experience on the American River
The American River is the best place for whitewater rafting in the Sierra Nevada – near San Francisco and Sacramento. Why not come up and camp for the weekend? You can river raft 2 days! Join us on a California whitewater rafting river adventure! We offer exciting whitewater rafting tours on the south, middle and north forks of California’s famous American River. We have a range of different runs to suit all ages and experience levels. In addition we offer:
Lunch and Dinner Catering
Rafting for Large Groups (learn more)
Exciting White Water Trips for Any Occasion!
“Sierra Whitewater was truly the best rafting experience we’ve ever had! The guides were so nice and knowledgeable. After the trip, we came back to the campsite to a delicious meal prepared for us. The tents and cots were so comfortable. Can’t wait to come back!”
– Laurie K.
“I think I particularly loved Sierra Whitewater Rafting… we had an amazing Guide, Ayden, he just kept it light. It was a great bonding experience for us. Amazing food, amazing staff, everyone’s friendly… just an amazing weekend with friends and just… bonding doing whitewater rafting.”
– Xavier S.
“WOW!!!! I can not rave enough about Sierra Whitewater. I am the leader of a church youth group… about 45 girls ranging from 11 to 17… and this was the perfect activity for us! I worked directly with Paige from SW to coordinate our trip and she was absolutely the BEST person to work with.”
– Beka C.
Meet Our Guides
Deric
I’m Deric and I’m the owner and rafting guide here at Sierra Whitewater.
Achsa
Achsa has been with Sierra Whitewater since 2008 and grew up boating on the local rivers.
Jamie
Joe
Joe was born and raised in Northern California and has always had a passion for outdoor adventure.
Carl
Robert
Robert is originally from the Bay Area but decided to visit the Sierra Nevada’s and never went back!
Zack
Zack grew up in the Sierra foothills and that has helped shape his passion for recreation. More than anything, he loves to share that passion with others.
Michelle
Tucker
Tucker is from Tuolumne California. He has spent the past 10 years exploring rivers and waterfalls in Northern California. It brings him great joy to take guests on a whitewater adventure! Go Team Tucker!
Noah
Noah grew up in Northern California and has always had a passion for the outdoors. He is also a major history buff, and can tell you everything about the local history on your rafting trip.
Aaron
Jared
Madde
Madde is Southern CA beach girl brought up to Northern Ca for the river and all the adventures it holds. After a few years of boating she wanted to become a raft guide and has been pursuing that passion ever since. Outside of rafting she can be found reading a long book by the river, going on a hike, or just hanging with friends.
Morgan
Morgan grew up in Northern California and is currently attending University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is studying pre-nursing and enjoys yoga, skiing, and spending time outside.
Spencer
Vinny
Have you already been white water rafting with us on the American River? There is a good chance Hotshot Imaging got some epic shots of you river rafting California’s most popular rapids! You can view and order your photos here.
Why Choose Sierra Whitewater Rafting?
We are a local, family owned and operated business and have proudly been in operating in the Sierra foothills since 2008. We always put your safety first with highly trained guides, top quality equipment and full insurance. There’s nothing like the feeling of conquering rafting the American River rapids while cruising through pristine wilderness in a raft.
Local + Family Owned
Safety is Our #1 Priority
Get Close to Nature
Local Area Guide
Places to Eat
- Sierra Rizing Cafe
- Old Town Pizza
- Joe Caribes
- And More!
Hiking Spots
- Dave Moore Nature Area
- Dutch Creek Falls Trailhead
- Gerle Loop Trail
- And More!