California White Water Rafting Trips:
Merced River

Whitewater Rafting Adventures on the Merced RiverLocated just a half hour west of Yosemite National Park, California, the Merced River is equally accessible from either Northern or Southern California.

The Merced River is rated Class III-IV. During spring snow melt, which generally occurs in May and early June, the Merced is recommended for those with good swimming ability and previous rafting experience.

Thereafter, usually later in the summer, in late June and July, the Merced is ideal for first time paddlers after the "wildwater" flows of high-water (May to early June) have calmed.

  • 1 Day Wild Water
  • 2 Day Foam Dancer
  • Dates & Prices
  • More Info

Merced River - Wild Water
1 Day Rafting Trip (Class IV)
May through June/Mid-July (depending on snowpack)

The Merced River is known for its exciting wave trains, big waves, and incredible fun. Springtime on the Merced can be especially exciting!

Merced River Rapids include Nightmare Island, Chipped Tooth, Ned's Gulch, Split Rock, Corner Pocket, Quarter Mile, and the spectacular (but unrunnable) North Fork Falls.

What to Look Forward to on this trip:

13 River Miles of wave trains and rollicking rapids!

Merced River Trip Stats - Wildwater:

River Class: III-IV
Normal Season: May to June
Days: 1 or 2 Days
River Miles: 13
Minimum Age: 12
Boat Types: Paddle & Oar
Gradient: 32' per mile
Elevation: 1700'
Distance from L.A.: 305 miles
Distance from Bay Area: 180 miles
Group Size Limit: 25
Wet Suits: Recommended

Top 5 Reasons to go on this trip (Merced - Wild Water):

  1. The Merced is particularly fun at high water (just ask the guides)
  2. Yosemite can be LOTS of fun too
  3. Free Camping and Fee Camping at Bureau of Land Management and National Forest campsites along the river
  4. Ned's Gulch and Quarter Mile Rapid!!!!
  5. Fishing, hiking, mountain biking - add a day to your raft trip!

 

Merced River - Foam Dancer
2 Day Rafting Trip (Class IV)
May through June/Mid-July (depending on snowpack)

THIS TRIP IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Merced River White Water Rafting
Merced River White Water Rafting

 

Merced River Rafting Trip Dates and Pricing

2008 Start dates:

On the Merced there are specific dates we are permitted to run trips. One-day trips can start on any of these dates (though some Saturday starts may be reserved for 2-day trips).

May: 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30 ,31

June: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16, 20 ,21, 28 ,29

July: 4, 5, 13, 14, 19 ,20

One-Day Trip - Merced River - Wild Water
Trip Starts Adult Youth Group
Monday to Friday $144 $129 $122
Saturday or Sunday $164 $147 $139

Subject to a 4% River and Land Use Fee.


To check availability and / or make your reservation, either call our friendly and helpful staff at 800-400-7238
or Use our new On-line Reservation System

More Helpful Information about
White Water Rafting on the Merced River

For all of the instructions on rendezvous locations, what to bring, where to stay, and
everything else you need to know, please click to download our
Merced River Rafting Rendezvous Information

Merced River Area Links:

Merced River Flow:

The Merced River flow comes from snowmelt in and around Yosemite Valley. Ideal flows are from 1000 to 3000 CFS, though we can run trips down to 800 and up to 5,000 CFS.

For detailed flow information click here.

Merced River Weather:

" Hey Guys! My group of 13 just returned from the wildest whitewater adventure we've ever experienced! Your guides were absolutely top-notch, the food was perfect, and the Lower Kern was raging. We'll be back next year. Thanks again! "
- Kevin L. Madding

" We so enjoyed our trip on the South Fork American River. We were very impressed with the friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful staff you have working for you. They were always polite and a great team that worked very well together. "
- John Hintzen,
Los Angeles, California

" The North Fork Yuba River... what a rush of a river it is. Crystal clear water stomping over adrenaline-pumping rapids make for a great day of play. Add to that the wonderfully interesting and professional guides who did everything from inspiring confidence and choosing good lines to making a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich! Great Trip... Thanks. "
- Lani Haddock,
Los Gatos, California

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Kings River Joy Ride
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Kings River Ride the Glide
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Merced River Foam Dancer
Class IV - 2 Days

 

Whitewater Voyages
5225 San Pablo Dam Rd., El Sobrante, CA 94803
Call Toll Free: 800-400-7238
The Leader in California White Water Rafting Trips Since 1975

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