NOW BOOKING FOR 2021 SEASON! Call to Book: 800-672-3846
  • Choose Your Trip

    Let's go Rafting!

    We offer a wide variety of California Whitewater Rafting trips. We suggest choosing by location, duration, or difficulty.  Need A little more help making your choice?

    LET'S GET STARTED

    CALIFORNIA RAFTING TRIPS

    OREGON RAFTING TRIPS

    Choose By TRip Area

    • Gold Country
    • Northern California
    • Oregon
    • Sacramento
    • San Francisco Bay Area
    • SoCal / Los Angeles
    • Tahoe/Reno
    • Yosemite

    Choose By DIFFICULTY

    Low Spice Beginner Trips (Class II
    Medium Spice INtermediate Trips (Class III)
    Full Spice Advanced Trips (Class IV)
    Too Hot Advanced Trips (Class V)

    CHOOSE BY LENGTH

    Single Day Trips Great for first timers!
    2 Day Trips Make it an overnighter!
    Half-Day Trips Fast n' Fun!
    Multi-Day Trips The ultimate experience
  • Rafting Prices

    RAFT TRIP PRICING

    We offer a wide variety of rafting trip pricing that can fit any budget! From half-day quick runs to multi-day overnight adventures, we’re looking forward to getting you on the water.

    DEALS & DISCOUNTS
    VIEW ALL PRICING

    GROUP DISCOUNTS

    We offer the following group discounts for our California white water rafting adventures. You can also check out some of our most popular group rafting trips:

    • 5% off with 6-11 people
    • 10% off with 12-17 people
    • 15% off with 18-23 people
    • 20% off with 24-29 people
    • 25% off with 30+ people
    Learn More

    FAMILY RAFTING SPECIALS

    20-50% off Overnight vacations on selected weekday summer dates. Options for American River, Klamath, Carson and more!

    Learn More
  • Camping

    RIVERSIDE CAMPING!

    Spice up your rafting adventure with an overnight stay at one of our riverside campgrounds.

    We offer a host of camping options including glamping, tent and RV campsites as well as group sites!

    Explore our Campgrounds

    SOUTH FORK CAMP

    • GLAMPING
    • TENTS
    • RVS
    • GROUPS

    Our home campground in historic Coloma, California. Glamping, Tent Camping and RV's welcome!

    Learn More

    Klamath Wilderness

    • TENTS
    • GROUPS

    Coming Soon. Our newest wilderness rafting basecamp for our upper and lower klamath river trip guests.

    Learn More

    YUBA WILDERNESS

    • TENTS

    Rafting the Yuba? Bring your own tent and gear and sleep beneath the tall pines of Tahoe national forest.

    Learn More
  • Photos

    GET YOUR PHOTOS!

    Did you have an awesome trip? Our action photography partners have your pics ready to go, choose by provider.

    CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO AND PHOTO GALLERY

    American River Trip Photos

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  • Resources

    RAFTING RESOURCES

    COVID-19 PREPARATIONS

    Our plans to provide you with a safe, fun adventure

    WHAT TO BRING

    Rafting, camping, or both? Check out our gear guide.

    GIFT
    CERTIFICATES

    This season, skip the stuff...
    gift the gift of rafting.

    OFFICIAL
    BLOG

    Keep up with the news on our official blog.

    Contact us.

    • 800-672-3846
    • marketing@whitewatertours.com
    • 6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
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Choosing Your California Rafting Trip By Difficulty

CALL TO BOOK | 530.626.7385

When you are choosing your California rafting trip, you should look at the youngest, most timid or least active member in your party. With a wide range of California rafting trips, we really do have something for everyone. Trips suitable for kids as young as 4 years old, seniors and those with special needs and also some of the wildest whitewater rafting in California for adrenaline junkies and experienced rafters.

If you want the closest rafting trips to Sacramento and Bay Area, then go to Choosing Your American River Rafting Trip.

Choosing your California Rafting Trip:

Check out the guidelines for each of the categories below, then at the end of the page select that category to see which California Rafting trips are at that level of difficulty. Consider swimming & athletic ability, age and how adventurous the group is.

If you have to consider the needs of a mixed group, are planning on rafting in the spring, or are concerned about weight limitations, always call us with any questions. Also see General Info & FAQ’s.

Scroll to the bottom for links on Rafting Trip options by Difficulty!

 Class 1-2 (Easiest/Younger Children):

  • Minimum Age: 4 (our minimum age on any rafting trip)
  • For timid older children, seniors and special needs. These trips can also be enjoyed by adults and older youths.
  • Inflatable Kayaks may be added for greater challenge.
  • The Class 2-3 Lower Klamath and Trinity Rivers can also be customized for youths under 8 years

Class 2-3 (Easy/Beginner):

  • Minimum Age: 6-8 years (varies)
  • For first time rafters, corporate groups, families, most youth groups, bachelor and bachelorette parties.
  • OK for non swimmers when flows are at normal levels.
  • This is an ideal level for most, not too scary for most beginners. You definitely get wet and it’s fun and exciting.

Class 3-4 (Intermediate/Adventurous First-timers):

  • Minimum Age: 14 years
  • For adventurous first time rafters and groups (older Scout groups, some corporate and bachelor/bachelorette parties).
  • Class 4 white water rafting runs do require that all participants can swim.

Class 4+ (Intermediate/More Difficult):

  • Minimum Age: 14-16 years
  • Previous Class 3 experience preferred with strong swimming ability – NO NON-SWIMMERS).

Class 5 (Advanced/Most Difficult):

  • Minimum Age: 16+ years (varies)
  • Requires previous Class 4 experience with very strong swimming ability (may require swim tests – absolutely NO NON-SWIMMERS).

International Scale of River Difficulty:

Class I – Easy: Waves are small, regular; riffles.
Class II – Medium: Rapids of medium difficulty; swift current, passages are wide and clear.
Class III – Difficult: Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks, eddies, rapids with passages that are clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering.
Class IV – Very Difficult: Long rapids, waves powerful and irregular; dangerous rocks, boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required.
Class V – Extremely Difficult: Long and violent rapids following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops, violent current, very steep gradient.
Class VI – Un-navigable: The upper extreme of whitewater rivers, commercially un-runnable.

Choosing your California Rafting Trip by Difficulty:

About Tributary Whitewater

Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running white water rafting trips in Northern California & beyond since 1978. The company was originally founded by Dan Buckley, an integral player in the development of white water rafting in California. Dan Buckley’s love to share the excitement, wonder, and natural beauty that rivers have to offer with others lives on with the current owner, Jeremiah Copper.

Tributary continues to be an industry leader in the west coast rafting industry. We offer more rivers than any other outfitter, giving us the ability to accommodate younger kids down to ages 4 (thru our own experience as parents). Our team is one a kind, and everyone in our staff, from guides, to drivers, to the folks answering the phones – we all have a passion for what we do.

The rivers call to us for different reasons, be that extreme white water, fishing, enjoying nature or just experiencing new things & places. There is magic in every river trip. For some, you may first see a bald eagle in flight for the first time, or maybe conquer your first Class 5 rapid. We are here to help you choose your perfect adventure, for any excitement level.

Get In Touch
Tributary Whitewater Tours
6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
800-672-3846
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RAFTING NEWS

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March 28, 2021

Book Now Pay Later 2021

March 9, 2021

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February 28, 2021

Oregon’s River Democracy Act of 2021

February 6, 2021

keep calm and paddle on