Water You Waiting For?

OARS 2015 Whitewater Raft on the American River

04.28.2015

There are only a few rivers in California that will be whitewater ready throughout the summer. Rafting season is a go on the American River, and O.A.R.S. is the leader when it comes to fun, professionalism, and affordability—not to mention being #1 rated on TripAdvisor. Choose between the South Fork or Middle Fork, then prepare to get wet. Beginners and intermediates who want splashy fun should go for a half or full day on the South Fork of the American River; as one of the most popular rivers in North America, this classic paddle in the Sierra Nevada foothills is scenic and relaxing, with rapids like Satan's Cesspool to keep things interesting. Looking for a more remote adventure, with bigger rapids to boot? Go for the Class IV Middle Fork of the American River. This trip is a rite of passage for adventurers who want to conquer the infamous Tunnel Chute rapid, a 15-foot-wide slide that shoots you through a rock tunnel—wooohooo! Water you waiting for?

BONUS: Whether you're doing a half-day, full-day, or multi-day rafting trip, you can camp for free at the River Park Adventure Campground.

Trips start at $109/person. If you book two people on a 1-day rafting trip on the South or Middle Fork of the American River with O.A.R.S. you'll receive a complimentary 1-night stay in a pre-set “safari style” platform tent—a $100 value! Must reserve by Friday, May 8. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View

  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View