california rafting trips & vacations

Thank you for a Fantastic Rafting Season

50% Off Kids on Weekdays

Family Rafting Trips

1/2 day, 1 day, and overnight vacations with riverside camping & meals included!

Raft California is proud to be one of the first rafting companies to offer a special series of rafting trips for the whole family, designed to bring fun and adventure, education and growth to our guests. These trips offer you time together in the outdoors, sharing the thrills of the river, meals, campfire and sleeping out under the stars. Our white water rafting adventures are suitable for even the youngest rafters starting at ages 4+.

Class 2

Beginner Rafting Trips for Families
Ages 4+

These rafting trips are ideal for non-swimmers who want some fun and exciting rapids! Overnight trips with camping and meals are available on most rivers making them a great option for youth groups looking for an outdoor experience!

  • Class 2
  • Short 1/2 day trip
  • 4 miles
  • Ages 4+
  • Non-swimmers welcome
  • Great all summer long rafting
  • Great for youth groups!
  • Camping available!

Lower Middle Fork American River

  • Class 2-2+
  • 1/2 day & overnight trips
  • 7 miles
  • Ages 4+
  • Close to Lake Tahoe, Sacramento and the Bay Area!
  • Guaranteed all summer!
  • Camping available!

East Fork Carson River Rafting

  • Class 2-2+
  • 2 day rafting trips
  • 21 miles
  • Ages 4-5+
  • Hot Springs on river!
  • Close to South Lake Tahoe
  • Spring run – availability depends on snowpack run-off
  • Class 2-3+
  • 3 day rafting trip
  • 36 miles
  • Ages 5+ (depends on river flow)
  • Non-swimmers welcome
  • Close to coastal Redwoods and Oregon!
  • Great flows all summer long!
  • True wilderness trip

Class 3-3+​

Beginner Rafting Trips for Families
Ages 4+

These rafting trips are ideal for non-swimmers who want some fun and exciting rapids! Overnight trips with camping and meals are available on most rivers making them a great option for youth groups looking for an outdoor experience!

  • 1-2 days
  • 11-21 miles
  • Ages 7+
  • Close to Sacramento, San Francisco and Lake Tahoe
  • April – October!
  • Camping available!
  • 1/2 day rafting trip
  • 7 miles
  • Ages 7+
  • Closest rafting to Lake Tahoe and Reno!
  • Available May thru September!
  • Great for groups!
  • Class 2-3+
  • 3 day rafting trip
  • 36 miles
  • Ages 5+ (depends on river flow)
  • Non-swimmers welcome
  • True wilderness trip

Class 4

Intermediate/Advanced Rafting Trips for Families​
Ages 14+

These are our most popular trips, please visit our Class 4 Rafting Trip page for more options.

  • Class 2-4+
  • 1-2 days
  • 17-25 miles
  • Ages 14-16+
  • Swimming skills required
  • Closest Class 4 rafting to Sacramento, San Francisco and Lake Tahoe
  • Guaranteed dam controlled river
  • Available May thru October!
  • Camping available!
  • Class 4-5
  • 1-2 day rafting trips
  • 9-18 miles
  • Ages 14-16+ (depends on river flow)
  • All participants must swim
  • Spring run – availability depends on snowpack run-off.
  • Typically available March thru mid-June, sometimes into July!
  • Class 4+
  • 1 – 2 day trips
  • 11 miles
  • Ages 14-16+ (depends on river flow)
  • All participants must swim
  • Typically available April thru mid-June, sometimes into July!
  • Camping available!
  • Chamberlain Falls Run – rafting near the Bay area
  • Class IV
  • 1 day
  • 11 miles
  • Ages 15+
  • Swimming Required
  • Closest rafting to Mt. Shasta
  • Rafting in Oregon
  • Available May thru September!
  • Hells Corner and Caldera rapids!