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california rafting trips & vacations

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South Fork American 1/2 Day PM Gorge Run

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Upper Sacramento River

Sims Flat, Ca (40 mis N of Redding) /

Level: Adventurous Beginner to Intermediate /

Class 3-4

  • Minimum Age: 10
  • Trip Length: 14 miles, 1 day
  • Season: April-mid-June
  • Elevation: 1600 Ft
  • Trip Pricing: Starting at $89
View Trips

Views of Mt. Shasta from the River!

The Upper Sacramento River is an excellent Northern California whitewater rafting trip in the spring, providing pure fun on 50 plus rapids in its nearly continuous 30 miles of white water. There are majestic views of Mount Shasta and Castle Crags as the river passes through the beautiful canyons of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. There is also hardly any rafting traffic! Only minutes north of Redding, the “Upper Sac” is the handiest white water in the northern California mountains. It features beautiful side creek waterfalls, abundant bird life and one of the best trout fisheries in California. We highly recommend this run for active first timers and Class III-IV veterans.

In addition to rafting, the Upper Sacramento area has a lot to offer with stunning scenery and abundant fishing, biking and hiking. The quaint historic railroad town of Dunsmuir has the beautiful waterfalls of Hedge Creek and Mossbrae, caves and soda springs. There is boating and caverns at Lake Shasta to the south and the majestic 14,162 foot Mount Shasta looms just to the north. Accommodations and restaurants are plentiful in Dunsmuir and Mt. Shasta.

Tributary operates under permit from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider.

The Upper Sacramento River is free-flowing, so entirely dependent on snowmelt. Check our Predictions Page for updates for this seasons trips.

Upper Sacramento River – 1 Day Rafting Trip

Mt. Shasta / Sims Flat, CA
/ 1 Day
Medium Spice: Intermediate (Class III)
starting at

$149

- TRIP DETAILS -
Trip Info
FAQ's

Question?

Answer

Meeting Location

Sims Flat Campground, Castella, CA 96017

Rendezvous Point:

Cross the railroad tracks and the river. DO NOT ENTER CAMPGROUND. Follow the road around to the small parking area. There are two places to launch from. One is the parking area and the other is just up river on the opposite side. If you don’t see us in the parking area, walk across the footbridge to the other side.

Get In Touch
(530) 626-7385
Tributary Whitewater
Incredible River Experiences

We launch trips on many different rivers in California, Oregon and Idaho. For questions give our main office a call – we would love to talk with you about our trips and rivers.

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the Rivers we run

Our vision is to create a sustainable and equitable reality where our rivers are enjoyed and protected, a place where families and friends can be inspired and challenged.

Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running rivers since we were first founded in 1978. Since we opened 40+ years ago we have expanded to include Adventure Connection, Mariah Wilderness Expeditions, High Desert River Outfitters, Canyon Outfitters and are the parent company of Raft California and Raft Oregon. While some things have changed over the years, Tributary remains a family-run small business with the same passion for the river and the mission of leading others to experience it.

 © 2022, Tributary Whitewater LLC, All Rights Reserved

Tributary Whitewater Tours is a permitted outfitter under the National Forest Service, the CA Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Nevada County, El Dorado County and Bureau of Land Management. Tributary Whitewater Tours is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.