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. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

    View
  2. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View
  3. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  4. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View

  3. Fall for These Falls

    Chase waterfalls in Redding’s Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This 42,000 acres of wilderness park is home to four waterfalls. Hike to the tallest, the three-tiered, 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls.

    View

  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

    View