Name: California Dreamin’ rafting
Rating: 5

At a glance

Duration

8 days

Cost

£4250

Arrival Airport

San Francisco (SFO)

Grade

Air Temp

25°C (77F)

Water Temp

15°C (59F)

Camping

1 night

Hotel

6 nights

Overview

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are home to some of the best rivers in the world. Join Water By Nature for this trip offering some of the best whitewater in the US, all in just one week. Differing from many of our destinations, this trip offers 5 different rivers, a chance to experience some of the best rafting in the world and a chance to soak up small town American hospitality. Stay in charming hotels every night except your overnight camping trip on the Tuolumne and take a visit to the spectacular Yosemite National Park. Rivers we plan to raft, are the South Fork of the American River, the North Fork of the American River, the Merced, a two day Tuolumne River trip and the finale? The Amazing Cherry Creek section of the Tuolumne River. This trip is offered at prime time for rafting in spring run off. If you are an adventure seeker who has tackled the Zambezi and Nepal and are looking for your next challenge, come and join our team for some California Dreamin’.

Gallery

What you will be up to

1

Arrive into San Francisco where you’ll be met by your Water By Nature guide and transferred to your hotel. Time to explore the iconic cable car, Fishermans Wharf and Union Square.
No meals Included

2

Board our private minibus to our first river of the trip. The South Fork of the American. A gorgeous and iconic river to get warmed up on. Overnight in Placerville.
Included: All meals

3

After breakfast at our lodge, we take the gorgeous one hour drive to the North Fork of the American River and it’s Emerald Green water and stunning rapids. This is a free flowing river with no dams and wonderful Class 4 whitewater. The afternoon sees us driving to Murphys to stay in the heart of vineyard country.
Included: All meals

4

This morning we head into the heart of the Calaveras Big Tree State Park for views of some giant sequoia trees. But our destination is the North Fork of the Stanislaus today, a classic whitewater run. Today we’ll take a drive through the iconic Yosemite National Park where we’ll have dinner. Overnight in historic Groveland
Included: All meals

5

Tuolumne is a wild and scenic river flowing through a stunning wilderness canyon. The highlight of the day is bound to be Clavey Falls. We’ll camp riverside tonight, sharing stories of the day.
Included: All Meals

6

After a filling breakfast the Tuolumne offers more excellent rapids with Greys Grindstone, Thread The Needle and Hells Kitchen. We reach Groveland and overnight at around 6pm.
Included: All meals

7

Today we have one of the best whitewater sections in the world, with a run down the Grade V Cherry Creek section of the Tuolumne. After the day on this classic and challenging run, we’ll overnight in Groveland for our post trip meal together.
Included: All meals.

8

This morning we’ll take the drive back to San Francisco for flights home. (Do not arrange before 15:00)
Included: Breakfast

Dates	Duration
Saturday 24 May 2025 - Saturday 31 May 2025	8 days	£4250	€5150	$5595

Flights to San Francisco, California

We suggest arranging your flights directly into San Francisco (airport code SFO). You can schedule your arrival at anytime on day 1 of the itinerary. We are always happy to advise on flights. Please call our UK or US office for advice. Why not use your frequent flyer miles for your adventure, if you have them? There are many options for your flight to San Francisco with Virgin, BA, United Airlines or BMI. We also suggest checking on skyscanner.net for good deals. Please ensure you DO NOT book your flights until your trip is CONFIRMED to run by our office.
We have price and departure information about the following trips in USA (river prices only – flights not included).

In order to secure your place pay your deposit of $750 per person via our secure online booking platform.

What you should bring

We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.

Download equipment file

California Dreamin’ rafting