California Dreamin’ rafting
"This was a bit different to the normal trips I take, in that it was a multi- river trip, using various locations as a base."Gary Boon
Discover the best whitewater in the United States on our California Dreamin’ rafting adventure, set in the heart of the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains. This multi-river journey offers five superb rafting experiences in just one week, including the South Fork American, North Fork American, Merced, a two-day expedition on the Tuolumne River, and the ultimate finale: the legendary Cherry Creek. Along the way, you’ll enjoy warm small-town hospitality, charming hotel stays, an overnight camp beneath the stars, and a visit to the iconic Yosemite National Park. Scheduled during peak spring run-off, this is prime time for big water, thrilling rapids, and unforgettable adventure. If you’ve rafted rivers like the Zambezi or those in Nepal and are seeking your next challenge, this California adventure is the perfect progression.
Itinerary & Map
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
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
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
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
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
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
Today we have one of the best whitewater sections in the world, with a run down the Grade IV 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.
This morning we’ll take the drive back to San Francisco for flights home. (Do not arrange before 15:00)
Included: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Dates & Reserve Spot | Duration |
|---|---|
| Saturday 16 May 2026 - Saturday 23 May 2026 Total Cost: $5995 | £4500 | €5250 | 8 days |
| Saturday 22 May 2027 - Saturday 29 May 2027 Total Cost: $6500 | £4950 | €5650 | 8 days |
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- A pair of trainers or Keens that cover your toes and provide grip on wet rocks.
- 2 pair of river shorts (longer leg length) shorts can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- 2 Swimming costume or bikini for ladies.
- Set of long sleeved thermal top and bottoms to wear under your personal floatation device. Capilene, Polypropylene or Merino wool is best. (not cotton)
- A rash vest (not cotton) as an alternative to the thermal layer.
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off – can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased on line.
- 1 Litre Nalgene / Sigg or similar water bottle or Camel-back hydration system.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the ‘action’ shots
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF30 minimum.
- 2 pairs of light weight trousers.
- 2 Lightweight tops – long sleeved shirts or t shirts.
- Fleece or wool jumper.
- Light weight down jacket.
- Shorts.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Underwear.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Sleep wear.
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Small pack towel.
- Insect Repellent.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Headlamp or head torch with spare batteries.
- Small day pack (Without a frame)
- Your favourite book/kindle or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Binoculars.
- Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere.
- Spare memory card.
- Solar or portable charger.
- Zip lock bags to keep valuables dry and sand free.
- Rehydration tablets (Phizz, Nuun and O.R.S are easily available)
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, personal items, gratuities and the beer kitty if you drink.
California Dreamin’ rafting Reviews
Awesome trip showcasing some brilliant US rivers
This was a bit different to the normal trips I take, in that it was a multi- river trip, using various locations as a base. It was awesome – the rivers did not disappoint and culminated with Cherry Creek, where we needed to do a brief swim test before they would let us run the rapids.
We stayed in some great hotels, met some brilliant people and visited Yosemite National Park. This trip packs a lot in, but you never feel rushed..!!
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