Water sports from South Bay Area

Whitewater rafting

Class I/II

Beginner & kids.

South Fork American, Lotus Run

Middle Fork

Lower American River (Sacramento)

Mokelumne River – Electra Run (Class II–III mix)

Lower Klamath River

Lower Trinity River

Lower Kern River 

Class III

Older kids.

South Fork American River: full-day or 1/2 day (with/without lunch) or 2 days. Busy river. Check Groupon or LivingSocial for coupons from outfitters, call them or competitors & offer the rate.

Upper Merced river late season

Cache canyon

Lower Tuolumne River (Merals Pool area)

Lower Trinity River

Lower Klamath River

Kings River

Upper Sacramento River 

Truckee River 

Class IV

Teenagers & older.

Merced river

North Fork American River (Class IV+ snowmelt)

Middle Fork American River (Class IV, dam‑controlled)

Tuolumne River – Main Tuolumne (III–IV)

Cal Salmon – Butler Run (lower sections)

Kern River – Lickety Split / Limestone sections

Kaweah River (lower flows)

Trinity River – Pigeon Point Run

Advanced

Tuolumne River – Cherry Creek (Class V; one of the hardest commercial runs in the U.S.)

Kern River – Upper Kern (multiple Class IV–V sections)

Kaweah River (high water)

Cal Salmon River – Nordheimer Run (Class V)

Scott River (Class IV–V)

Pit River (select releases)

Feather River – North Fork (Creeky Class IV–V)

Whitewater canoeing & kayaking

Beginner:

Russian river