Best White Water Rafting Near Orange County
If you're looking to get in touch with nature, these white water rafting trips may be down your alley. Ideal for trips with family, friends and even team-building outings, rafting at these rivers will likely bring excitement, fun and adventure.
Kaweah River
47050 Generals Highway, Suite 35
Three Rivers, CA 93271
(800) 247-2387
www.aorafting.com
The Kaweah River is suitable for more seasoned whitewater rafters. Ranked as "intermediate/advanced," this river trip is sure to be stimulating. April through June is usually when rafting trips are scheduled at the Kaweah River, and one-day trips range from $164 -184. The prices include instruction, gear rental and dining at a river-front restaurant. Additionally, the Sequoia National Park is only two miles away if you want to spend more time in the wilderness going hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing and camping.
Merced River
4974 Hites Mine Road
El Portal, CA 95318
(209) 736-4677
www.oars.com
Merced River rafting offers a bit of paradise for nature lovers. In addition to maneuvering your way along the river, visitors can also explore Yosemite National Park nearby. During the spring months of April and May, the river is frequented by more experienced rafters, and the rest of the rafting season is attractive to beginners on up to advanced. The Merced River can be toured with the company O.A.R.S., and one-day packages are offered for $144 that includes breathtaking views and a tasty lunch on the beach.
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Middle Fork American River
5845 Sunset Drive
Foresthill, CA 95631
(800) 247-2387
www.aorafting.com
If you're not an experienced rafter but still want a challenging route, check out the Middle Fork American River. This outdoor scenic destination often seen in movies, begins with an exciting drop, allows some peace with mild rapids during the middle of the journey and ends with more high-intensity rapids for an exciting finish. One-day packages begin at $139, two days at $309 and for those who have endurance for three days, prices start at $494. Most rafters tour the river April through September.
South Fork American River
1026 Lotus Road
Lotus, CA 95651
(800) 247-2387
www.aorafting.com
The South Fork American River is a prevalent rafting spot April through October, and children as young as 8 years old are welcome to come aboard because of its "beginner/intermediate" classification. For this outing, special "express trips" are available if you don't want to raft an entire day or stay overnight and start as low as $98. Lake Tahoe is also about an hour and a half away if you want to include that stop on your vacation.
Kern River
2712 Mayfair Road
Lake Isabella, CA 93240
(760) 376-3370
www.kernrafting.com
No matter if you want to hit the river for a half day or make it an overnight camping trip, the tour guides at Kern River Outfitters will hook you up with a memorable white water rafting experience. There's even customized trips with themes such as "Kern River Pub and Grub Trip," in which you can sample a variety of craft beers after your day's excursion on the river. If you want to explore more of the area before and after rafting, be sure to check out the hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, museums and golf courses nearby.
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Stacy Brecht is a professional writer, publicist, dancer and model in the Los Angeles area. Brecht also enjoys traveling, wine, fitness training, live music, movies and trying new restaurants. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
