Best White Water Rafting Close To The Bay Area
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With the whole state of California entrenched in a full-blown drought, many Bay Area residents are making the trek to enjoy the cooling refreshment of nearby rivers. There is no better way to enjoy a little heart-pounding fun than to hop in a raft, grab a paddle, and join in a whitewater rafting trip. There are trips for everyone from those seeking an adrenaline rush away from the Bay's hustle and bustle, to those looking to enjoy the scenery and wildlife along some of California's more remote waterways. Here are five of the best rafting trips near the Bay Area. For even more ideas, check out Whitewater Rafting Near The North Bay.
1250 Pine St., Suite 103
Walnut Creek, CA 94956
(800) 247-2387
www.aorafting.com
All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting offers professionally guided trips along 10 of California's largest rivers. All-Outdoors has trips to accommodate all experience levels from beginners to seasoned pro rafters. Both single and multi-day long trips are available on rapids ranging from Level I through Level V. With a commitment to safety and fun, trips include quality equipment, guides, and generously portioned fresh meals and snacks. Folks new to rafting will want to look into an excursion along the popular South Fork of the American River.
1955 Railroad Drive
Sacramento, CA 95815
(800) 977-4837
www.gowhitewater.com
With some the nearest-to-the-Bay Area rapids, Sacramento-based Whitewater Adventures offers rafting excursions along the Upper Cache Creek. Trips along the Upper Cache Creek wind through a serene volcanic canyon that is only accessible by water. Both one and two day trips are available, and a special Friday Night VIP camping experience add-on is available for two-day bookings. The VIP treatment includes a grilled dinner, nighttime movie under the stars, continental breakfast and shuttle service. All trips include unbeatable scenery, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and a riverside picnic lunch.
20 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-5599
russianriveradventures.com
Sonoma's Russian River Adventures offers self-guided trips for those looking to enjoy a more leisurely-paced river rafting experience. Half and full day trips are available on SOAR inflatable canoes, which provide for a more quiet, peaceful rafting experience. Full day trips are dog-friendly for those looking to spend some quality time on the river with Fido. Paddles and life jackets are provided, and rafters are responsible for bringing their own drinks, lunch and snacks.
20390 Paoli Lane
Colfax, CA 95713
(800) 672-3846
www.whitewatertours.com
Tributary Whitewater Tours offers a wide selection of rafting trips along several of California's major rivers. With trips appropriate for a variety of experience level rafters, Tributary is family-friendly and offers trips able to accommodate those with children as young as four years old. Rafters can choose from everything from multi-day family-centered trips to 16 or older-only Class V rapids adventures. All necessary rafting and safety equipment is provided, and meals are included with full-day and longer trips.
5981 New River Road
Coloma, CA 95613
(800) 333-7238
www.arrafting.com
In addition to whitewater trips along its namesake river, American River Recreation also leads rafting trips along California's Merced and Kaweah Rivers. Everything from half day trips beginning at an affordable $79 per person, up to multi day rafting and camping experiences make trips accessible for everyone. Families are welcome, and kids as young as four years old can join in the fun on the river. Full day and longer trips include lunch.
