{"id":7368,"date":"2026-06-16T13:31:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T13:31:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/16\/its-time-for-northern-california-whitewater-rafting-what-to-know-this-summer\/"},"modified":"2026-06-16T13:31:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T13:31:23","slug":"its-time-for-northern-california-whitewater-rafting-what-to-know-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/16\/its-time-for-northern-california-whitewater-rafting-what-to-know-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s time for Northern California whitewater rafting. What to know this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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School\u2019s out \u2014 summers\u2019 in!<\/p>\n

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With the recent wave of triple-digit temperatures this past weekend, now is the perfect time to get by the water.<\/p>\n

Read more \u2018Dangerous heat\u2019 forecast in Northern CA, Central Valley. How long will it last?<\/a><\/p>\n

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Feeling adventurous? It\u2019s time to go on a whitewater rafting trip. Here\u2019s what you need to know before heading outdoors in advance of Father\u2019s Day weekend.<\/p>\n

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See video<\/b>: We brave whitewater rafting on idyllic Northern California river. Watch us fall overboard<\/u><\/p>\n

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When should I go whitewater rafting?<\/h2>\n

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The whitewater rafting season peaks in the summer months, from June to August, said Scott Armstrong, owner of All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting. The tourism and rafting company operates from April through October.<\/p>\n

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\u201cJuly is the most popular time, not because the rivers are running better, it\u2019s just that\u2019s when kids are out of school, vacations are happening and that\u2019s the time everyone wants to go,\u201d Armstrong said.<\/p>\n

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The company oversees 10 different rivers statewide, and the most popular spots are the south fork and middle fork of the American River and the Tuolumne River in Yosemite.<\/p>\n

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What makes the perfect river conditions?<\/h2>\n

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Armstrong said the three rivers above have excellent whitewater rafting conditions due to strong water flows released from reservoirs upstream.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAll of our other rivers that don\u2019t have reservoirs upstream had very short seasons in spring, April and May, because there wasn\u2019t a lot of snow,\u201d Armstrong said.<\/p>\n

Read more Supervisors would create a nightmare by approving Serna\u2019s Natomas project | Opinion<\/a><\/p>\n

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However, California saw heavy rainfall this year, filling the reservoirs and rivers.<\/p>\n

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The American River south fork features Class II and III rapids and is considered the best option for children or seniors, The Bee\u2019s Chris Biderman previously reported.<\/u><\/p>\n

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It\u2019s the most popular among families. The south and middle forks are open all summer and into the fall until the weather changes. The season typically dies down when kids go back to school, Biderman wrote.<\/p>\n

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Have a question about life in California?<\/h3>\n

How to California<\/b>\u2014 a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll answer your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.<\/p>\n

Ask your questions in the form below (can\u2019t see it? Click here) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com.<\/p>\n

Read more Lawsuit challenges Luke Wood\u2019s record of inclusion at Sacramento State | Opinion<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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