River Safety: California Rowing Progression
Here's a whitewater rower's progression from gentle Class II to adrenaline-pumping Class V California rivers. These whitewater runs are at listed from easiest to hardest recognizing that the exact order is debatable.
Class II: The Learning Curve
South Fork American River (Coloma to Greenwood)
The South Fork American River from Coloma to Greenwood is a quintessential Class II stretch of river. Perfect for beginners, this stretch offers gentle Class II rapids and classic California scenery. (learn more)
Mokelumne River (Electra Run)
This is a great place to practice rowing with numerous Class I and II rapids and an easy shuttle. If you want a little more challenge go past Highway 49 to run Devil's Toilet Bowl (III+). (learn more)
North Fork American River (Shirttail Creek to Clementine Reservoir)
The beautiful lower section of the the iconic North Fork American is a great place to work your rowing skills. The North Fork's flow is highly dependent on recent rains and/or snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada Mountains making this a winter or spring destination. (learn more)
East Fork of the Carson River
This beautiful run on the east side of the Sierras is a long day run or a wonderful overnight run. There are numerous Class II rapids and a hot spring about half way down. (learn more)
Class III: Unleashing the Adventure
South Fork American River (Chili Bar and the Gorge)
With reliable summer flows and numerous pool drop Class III rapids the South Fork of the American River is a great place to practice and refine your rowing skills. You can do the upper section (Chili Bar), the lower section (The Gorge), or the whole river in a long day. (learn more)
Truckee River (Boca to Floriston)
This section of river between Truckee and Reno usually has reliable summer flows. There are some Class III and a couple easy Class IV rapids depending on river flows. (learn more)
Merced River (Indian Flat to Briceburg)
When snow is melting in the Sierra Nevada Mountains the Merced River is the place to be. The section between Indian Flat and Briceburg has tons of Class III rapids and one Class IV rapid. You can put in upstream or take out downstream if you want to add a few Class IV Rapids. (learn more)
Class IV: The Adrenaline Surge
Kern River (Lower)
The Lower Kern below Lake Isabella is another dam controlled section of river with reliable summer flows. This section has tons of Class III and IV rapids with one portage around the Class V+ Royal Flush. (learn more)
Middle Fork American River (Oxbow Bend to Greenwood Bridge)
The Middle Fork has some great Class IV and IV+ rapids including the infamous Tunnel Chute. The style of rapids make this run better for paddle boats than oar boats but if you're looking for some diversity it's worth checking out. (learn more)
Kaweah River (East Fork Kaweah to Terminus Reservoir)
The Kaweah River offers relentless Class IV rapids that'll put your skills to the test in a spectacular Sierra Nevada setting. (learn more)
North Fork of the Smith River (Major Moore's to Gasquet)
This stunningly beautiful section of river begins near the Oregon border and flows south through a remote canyon full of Class III and IV rapids. This section generally only has enouhg water to raft in the winter months after heavy rain. Even though flows are finicky and the shuttle is long, it's definitely worth the effort. (learn more)
Scouting Scout Rapid on the North Fork of the Smith River
Cal Salmon River (Butler Section)
This beautiful lower section of the Cal Salmon has some great Class IV rapids including the Class IV+ Gaping Maw. This is another spring time run that depends on rain and/or snowmelt. (learn more)
North Fork Stanislaus River (Sourgrass Bridge to Calavares Big Trees State Park)
This steep section of river has numerous fun Class IV rapids in a beautiful high elevation canyon. This run generally has reliable flows during the summer attracting boaters from all over the state. For some added difficultly you can go a couple miles past Calaveras Big Trees State Park to McKay's Point. (learn more)
Lower Tuolumne River (Meral's Pool to Don Pedro Reservoir)
With reliable summer flows, a beautiful canyon, and tons of Class IV rapids this is the quintessential Class IV run in California. The Tuolumne River is the perfect place to test and develop your Class IV rowing skills as an overnight trip or long day trip. (learn more)
North Fork American River (Chamberlain Falls Run)
This iconic section of the North Fork is full of solid Class IV and IV+ rapids perfect for improving your rowing skills. There is no upstream dam controlling flows making this a winter or spring destination. (learn more)
Class V: Mastering the Rapids
Cal Salmon River (Nordheimer Section)
The Nordheimer section of the Cal Salmon is a good introduction to Class V rowing. There are tons of Class IV rapids and three solid Class V rapids. (learn more)
North Fork American River (Giant Gap)
This section has a 2 mile hike in but it can be done with lightweight catarafts or even small oar rafts. This committing run is amazingly beautiful and has tons of classic Class IV and V rapids. (learn more)
Trinity River (Burnt Ranch Gorge)
Burnt Ranch Gorge is a good place test you Class V abilities although it's more of a raft or kayak run than an oar raft or cataraft run. An upstream dam provides summer and fall flows. (learn more)
Upper Tuolumne River (Cherry Creek)
This a legendary Class V run revered by expert rafters for its thrilling, technical challenges. This is where you put your Class V skills to the test. (learn more)
Middle Fork Feather River (Nelson Point to Milsap Bar)
This is an exceptional 3 day wilderness run featuring many Class IV and V rapids. (learn more)
Your whitewater progression in California promises a journey of growth and excitement. Remember, safety and preparation are paramount at every level. So, strap on that helmet, grab your oars, and let's conquer these rapids, one level at a time.
