Half Day Rafting on Trinity River, California: Class III rapids

You'll jump off 12 and 18 foot rocks into the river between rapids.

Half day rafting on the Trinity River in Northern California with a live guide, covering Class II and III rapids, wildlife viewing and swimming stops. The trip runs daily March through October from Junction City, includes all gear, snacks and a reusable water bottle, and welcomes kids from age 6 on the Pigeon Point section. Dogs are welcome too.

The experience

Meet at 38400 Highway 299 in Junction City, not Willow Creek, and spend four hours on the Pigeon Point section of the Trinity River, one of the most popular beginner-to-intermediate whitewater runs in the Western US. The day mixes relaxing float stretches with swimming and wildlife viewing, then builds to splashy Class II and III rapids that finish strong. A photographer catches you charging the big one, and the trip includes chips and salsa (or hummus), fruit, a reusable water bottle, and all the gear: life jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit and splash top if the water is cold.

The Pigeon Point run is famous for two things: Otter's Playpen, a section you float through for pure enjoyment, and two cliff jump rocks where you can plunge 12 or 18 feet into the river below. Hell's Hole, another named rapid, delivers the adrenaline rush of jumping into its bottom. The Trinity River sits midway between Lassen National Park and Redwood National Park, so it fits into a larger Northern California trip without backtracking.

Private and secure parking is included. Inflatable kayaks are available if you reserve in advance. The guide speaks English or Spanish. Kids as young as 6 are welcome on this section. Younger children (4+) can go on the Class II Lower Trinity run instead.

What’s included

• All whitewater gear including life jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit and splash top if needed.
• snacks of chips and salsa (or hummus) and fruit.
• reusable water bottle.
• private and secure parking.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 Mar 2027

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (13 to 88 years) · Youth (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Six Rivers Rafting

Is this one for you?You do the paddling and jumping yourself on a shared trip with a guide, so it suits anyone who wants to be in the water and in control, not watching from the sidelines. Kids from 6 up can join, and dogs are welcome too.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the Pigeon Point and Lower Trinity sections?

Pigeon Point is Class II and III whitewater suited to ages 6 and up, with more technical rapids and the cliff jumps. Lower Trinity is Class II, calmer, and welcomes kids from age 4.

Do I need rafting experience to book this trip?

No. Pigeon Point is rated beginner to intermediate, and the guide leads you through the day. The trip mixes relaxing floats with exciting rapids so you build into it.

What wildlife might I see on the Trinity River?

The river is known for strong wildlife viewing opportunities, though the specific animals you'll encounter depend on the season and water conditions on the day you go.

Can I bring my dog on the rafting trip?

Yes, Six Rivers Rafting is dog friendly, so you can bring your pooch along.

What happens if the water is cold?

Wetsuits and splash tops are provided if needed on colder days, so you stay warm in the water.

Is there a minimum age for this trip?

The recommended minimum age for Pigeon Point is 7, though kids from age 6 are welcome. The Class II Lower Trinity section welcomes children from age 4.