The Forks of the Kern River is an overnight whitewater run through Golden Trout Wilderness and Dome Land Wilderness. It bends past volcanic flows and into rocky canyon cliffs covered in a thin forest. What deters some from doing this run is the 1.7 mile hike to the put in. A mule service is available to transport gear and equipment; contact Golden Trout Wilderness Pack Trains. After only seconds of hitting the water you will face Class IV and V- rapids lasting until the take out site with some breaks in between. Some places of interest are Peppermint Falls (mile 9.5) where there's good camping and Dry Meadow Creek (mile 14.5) where you'll find granite water slides. At approximately mile 11.5 is the Class V rapid Vortex V. This should be portaged when the river is flowing below 1300 cfs. Just before the take out site is the most challenging rapid of this trip: Carson Falls, an 8 foot drop into a hole. A river permit is required for this trip; contact Sequoia National Forest for further information. Here is a link to a detailed map provided by Kern River Outfitters indicating places of interest and rapids: http://www.kernrafting.com/maps/forks-kern-river.html

Recently established as an official aquatic recreation spot, the Carson River Aquatic trail in Carson City is a great place to get out on the water. The Trail is divided into two portions, the upper and the lower, the upper being a short Class I easy area, and the lower portion being a longer and more difficult Class III. Beware of high water from spring runoff.

A great river route that also passes through a small lake, this river run is a great route for beginners. With relatively calm waters for a river (Class II), this course takes you from a little-known entry point north of Lake Mojave to Davis Dam. You can exit the river at the dam or at the marina northeast of the dam on the Arizona side.

Recently established as an official aquatic recreation spot, the Carson River Aquatic trail in Carson City is a great place to get out on the water. The Trail is divided into two portions, the upper and the lower, the upper being a short Class I easy area, and the lower portion being a longer and more difficult Class III. Beware of high water from spring runoff.

An easy but very fun length of the famous Colorado River, this is a calm course without whitewater or especially difficult sections. Access this route from the River Palms Casino, and exit at the Avi Casino, two very recognizable landmarks that sit right on the river.

A downriver trek of epic proportions, this is a long-distance and probably multi-day adventure along the Colorado River from the Hoover Dam in Nevada to Lake Havasu in Arizona. You’ll pass through several cities, and lodging is available both in the form of campgrounds and even hotel-casinos that sit right on the river.

Float through Reno on the Truckee River, past Sparks to the mouth of the canyon near Lockwood. Most of this river is calm if somewhat quick moving, but there are certain areas along the length of the river that get rapid and reach a Class III level rapid, requiring either experienced rafters or portage.

The rapids on this whitewater run along the Carson River from Hangman's Bridge to Gardnervile, NV are not as exciting as most, however, its the incredible scenery with views of the Sierra's, the hot springs, and the family friendly rapids that are most appealing. The hot springs are located at mile 8 on the right and 8.5 on the left. Beyond this, the river makes horseshoe turns all the way to the take out site. Check with El Dorado National Forest for information on camping and any permits required.

Float down the meandering Humboldt River from below the Rye Patch dam into the outskirts of Lovelock. This is a slow-moving narrow river that should be passable by most small craft (rafts, canoes, kayaks) most of the time, but spring runoff sometimes prompts release of water from the reservoir at accelerated pace, so check on local conditions.

Looking for an experience on the water near Las Vegas? Bring your raft, canoe, or kayak to the bottom of the Hoover Dam and float your way to relaxation as you move calmly down the Colorado River to Willow Beach. This is a great option for those who would like to spend a little time on the water without the challenge of big rapids.