OARS American River Outpost

04/07/2026

A low snowpack is setting the stage for a different kind of rafting season out West—but that doesn’t mean you should sit this one out. 🚣

In our just-released 2026 Whitewater Rafting Outlook, OARS President, Tyler Wendt, shares that despite a near-record low snowpack, healthy reservoir levels in California will keep dam-controlled whitewater favorites like the South Fork of the American River, and the Tuolumne River near Yosemite, in play all season long.

“Clear water, warm to hot daytime temperatures, and no bugs—this is going to be a great year for California rafting,” says Wendt.

Across the region, our operations managers are seeing similar silver linings. Curious what to expect this season in California and beyond? Read the full report in the comments.

03/26/2026

This unforgettable California road trip takes you from the mesmerizing blue waters of Lake Tahoe to the raging waterfalls of Yosemite and back. 🚙

Along the way, drive over stunning mountain passes, stop for some whitewater rafting on the American River, stretch your legs on a hike or two and enjoy a dip in a natural hot spring. Get the itinerary below.

This Tahoe to Yosemite road trip takes you from Lake Tahoe to the waterfalls of Yosemite and back, with epic hikes and rafting along the way.

11/18/2025

Rep your 💙 for rivers! SHOP the OARS SHACK and save 20% of everything through Dec. 7, including our collection of custom-designed tees >> https://bit.ly/OARStees

11/14/2025

10/02/2025

What a SEASON! 🤩 A very big Thank You to all the guides who put a ton of effort into making our California river trips so much fun. AND another giant thank you to the many awesome guests that rafted with us on the Merced, Tuolumne, North Fork, South Fork and Middle Fork of the American River. We hope to see you next spring 🌿 We’ll continue to post throughout the off-season, and be sure to join our newsletter for deals and announcements.

09/26/2025

LAST CALL! Raft the Middle Fork of the American River with us before the season ends. We have limited space this weekend and, if we get enough interest, early next week. Then, it’s all over for 2025. Give us a call or book online 📲 https://www.oars.com/adventures/middle-fork-american-river-rafting/

09/16/2025

“What a great family adventure! We’d like to thank OARS and their guides Alex and Abigail for an outstanding trip down the South Fork of the American River. We are returning customers and we will be back again! The kids started planning the next trip on the ride home. 😎” -Christopher via Google reviews.

📷:

Thank you all for the many ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews this season. We’re still rafting! Join us for a trip on the Middle Fork or South Fork of the American River. Book online and save 15%

09/09/2025

What better way to celebrate the start of school than a rafting and camping trip with your whole class? We had a blast with the seniors of ! Congratulations to the class of 2026.

08/28/2025