Sierra Nevada Geotourism

This is a unique High Sierra river that thunders through five miles of granite gorges and deep alpine forest glens. This river boasts some of the most technical Class IV whitewater rafting in California. The North Fork of the Stanislaus River (also known as the “Stan”) starts at 4,000 feet and hurtles five miles, at a 70 feet per mile gradient, down to the feet of some of the most massive trees you'll ever see — the Giant Sequoia groves of Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

Granite gorges, meadows of wild azaleas and old Miwok Indian sites slip by one after another, amidst big waves, churning holes and plenty of technically demanding paddling. For hard working paddlers with a taste for thrills, chills and spills — rafting the North Fork Stanislaus River in Northern California is a slice of wild whitewater heaven.