Known for its hot, dry weather, Los Angeles is the perfect place for a surfing or beach vacation. Unfortunately, because of how dry the area is, it’s not necessarily a whitewater rafting destination. California, on the whole, however, is a whitewater paradise, and Raft California does offer whitewater rafting trips within a long day’s drive of Los Angeles.
Because rafting near Los Angeles is ultimately limited, many guests choose to head a little farther afield to the Gold Country Area and Lake Tahoe where there are more adventures to choose from. Depending on the river and area, we run whitewater rafting trips in California from April through September.
We offer lots of rafting options for all ages 4+ from Sacramento up to Portland, Oregon! Our white water rafting trips range from quick half day trips, full day adventures with lunch, or overnight rafting & camping vacations where we provide meals. Our trips are unique and we love taking people rafting. Raft California has the best gear and guides around.
The American River is near Sacramento, about 6-7 hours north of Los Angeles. Raft California runs trips on multiple forks of the American River, including the South Fork, North Fork, Middle Fork, and Lower Middle Fork. Choose accessible Class II rapids on the South Fork American River (great for kids 4 years and up) or the exciting Class IV Tunnel Chute on the Middle Fork American River! We offer half-day trips and multi-day wilderness camping adventures. We also have a private campground on the South Fork American River, perfect for a long weekend getaway from Los Angeles.
There are so many amazing places to visit in Southern California. Lots of vacationers visit the area well known for famous people and cartoon characters. Some of our favorite places to visit are:
Getting Here from Los Angeles
The drive from Los Angeles to our American River outpost near Sacramento runs approximately 6-7 hours (~430 miles), typically via I-5 North or Highway 99. Both routes are straightforward and well-traveled, making this an easy road trip for a weekend getaway.
Our recommended approach for LA travelers:
It is highly recommended that you leave the Los Angeles area the day before your trip so you arrive relaxed rather than rushed. Weekend traffic on I-5 can add significant time, and hitting LA between 7-9 AM or 4-7 PM can add up to an hour onto your trip.
If you’re planning on an early rafting trip, your best option is to take advantage of our free riverside camping the night before your trip—you’ll wake up steps from the water, gear already staged and ready to paddle by morning. It’s one of the best ways to get the full California river experience without burning half your day in the car.
