California Rafting with Children & Teens

There are many wonderful, scenic, family river rafting trips in California suitable for children as young as 4 years old. You can opt for a short half-day rafting trip, where you can bring your own picnic lunch, or a great family rafting vacation of 2 to 4 days or more. A great way to experience multi-day rafting trips on some of our easier runs is our Special Family Rafting Trips where on specific dates, youths get 20-50% discount. Child friendly meals are provided and prepared by our courteous, professional river guides. We have raft trips in the Gold Country located close to Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, and further north in the Shasta-Trinity and Klamath National Forests (near the Redwoods).

On our regular rafting trips, youths and seniors from 62 years (bring the grandparents) receive a 10% discount. Group discounts are also available for rafting groups of 6 or more. Tributary caters to many Scout groups and youth groups and great discounts are available. Call for a quote.

Children's capabilities vary considerably and we will be glad to discuss this to ensure the best possible family rafting experience. Our minimum age limit recommendations are 4 years old on Class 2 rivers, 7-8 years on Class 3 rivers and 13 years on Class 4 rivers.

Family Rafting with a young or more timid child:

Try a brief introduction on a half-day, Class 2 rafting run on the Lower Middle Fork American River. This scenic wilderness raft trip in the Gold Country is a little gem. It is more relaxed, mellower, and much less traveled than the nearby South Fork American River. Stops are made on the river at safe beach areas for picnicking and play. Side hikes into shady dells with waterfalls are optional. Lots of wild-life, and in late summer, the most incredible juicy black berries. Inflatable kayaks are often supplied for some added adventure for the older youths and adults to share, so the trip can happily accommodate a diverse group.

For a mixed rafting group, we offer the South Fork American River (Lotus Run) (4 miles) which continues into the more advanced Class 3 Gorge run (9 miles). Youths from 5 years and the less able bodied can raft with the group in the morning, and then after lunch the more adventurous rafters continue downstream for the Class 3 trip. The Lotus Run clients can stay at our riverside camp to play, visit the nearby Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park or take a short easy hike at a nearby nature area. A combination overnight trip on these two American River runs is also available for some added adventure. 

The East Fork Carson River, close to South Lake Tahoe, is another Class 2 rafting trip for 1-2 days, which offers wonderful hot springs, wilderness camping and unique High Sierra scenery. In a really good snow-pack year it can be rafted into July. Also rafting trips on the Trinity River and Lower Klamath River in N. California both provide Class 2 and 3 river sections, so these river trips can be customized to accommodate the younger child.

Family Rafting and Youth Group rafting with youths from 7-8 years:

The South Fork American River, located in the historic Gold Country, is one of the most popular rivers in the state. It provides an excellent first time raft trip, with options from half-day to 2+ days. Near Lake Tahoe and Reno, a fun, ½ day run on the Truckee River is available from mid-May through September. This should not be confused with the raft rental float trips out of Tahoe City. The Trinity River and Lower Klamath River  in N. California both flow throughout the summer and inflatable kayaks are available on these river trips. Include a trip to Mount Shasta or the Redwoods, and you have the complete family vacation. Wild-life sightings are frequent, the fishing is good and great riverside camping is available on gently sloping beaches.

California Rafting with adventurous teenagers:

A combination raft trip on the American River is a great choice for those who are adventurous, but with no previous experience. You get 1-2 days on the South Fork American, then finish with the excitement of Class 4 rapids on the last day. In the spring, choose the South/North Fork American River Combo, and the South/Middle American River Combo runs all summer into September.

The Middle Fork American River is a good choice for those who have already rafted or for the more athletic youth. This 17 mile river trip provides Class 4 rapids throughout the summer on trips of 1-3 days. For a great wilderness camping experience, raft the Middle Fork American for 2-3 days and enjoy side hikes up shaded creeks, plunge pools, waterfalls, and great fishing.

In the spring (and in some years into July), the North Fork Yuba River is a very scenic, un-crowded Class 4 river trip, not far from Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. The Yuba River area also offers great scenery, hiking, mountain biking and rustic, historic towns like Nevada City and Downieville.

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