The Merced River is a river of contrasts. Gentle through Yosemite and rough through the fierce canyons farther south, there's something in the river for beginners and daredevils both, as well as the rafter who likes a little relaxation between intense whitewater hits.
The Merced River is birthed by a waterfall and runs over at least one impassable cascade through the course of its length. This certainly keeps the river mad, wild and exciting throughout large stretches of the river. It also keeps it fresh and clear even in the quiet segments. This is one of California's mellow trout fishing rivers, popular with anglers.
However, it's the white caps on the river's churn that draw the rafters. You can expect almost constant rapids from Red Bud to Briceburg and Briceburg to Bagby; one of these stretches - the Quarter Mile Rapid - is tough and scary enough to make the average Class IV rapid runner consider a portage. Not every rapid is so terrifying - the northern stretch of the river, from Red Bug to Briceburg, has a little more in the way of "take a little breather" Class II and III rapids.
The best of California whitewater rafting is what you will find at Zephyr Whitewater. Since 1973, we have offered exceptional California whitewater trips on the Kings, Tuolumne, Merced, and American rivers, all near Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks. Our California whitewater rafting trips are great for families, for the first-timer rafter, and for the advanced thrill seeker.
The best of California whitewater rafting is what you will find at Zephyr Whitewater. Since 1973, we have offered exceptional California whitewater trips on the Kings, Tuolumne, Merced, and American rivers, all near Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks. Our California whitewater rafting trips are great for families, for the first-timer rafter, and for the advanced thrill seeker.
We also have the following visitor guides in Idaho. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Bear Lake Northern Utah
Bear Lake
Northern UtahBear Lake Valley lies on the border of Utah and Idaho, and is home to the "Caribbean of the Rockies", or Bear Lake. Visitors can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities throughout the entire year. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Idaho High Country Southeast Idaho
Idaho High Country
Southeast IdahoBear Lake and Lava Hot Spring are found in Southeast Idaho, both exciting destinations for travelers from all over. Bear Lake is often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to its vibrant blue color. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Box Elder County Northern Utah
Box Elder County
Northern UtahBox Elder County is known as a land of contrasts. Visit the the quaint and beautiful town of Brigham City, or get outside and experience any number of outdoor activities within scenic Box Elder County. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Visit Idaho Idaho
Visit Idaho
IdahoStart planning your Idaho adventure. Vacation is more than just scenery; it’s about making life long memories. Download or order the free Idaho Travel Guide here. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Visit Pocatello Southeast Idaho
Visit Pocatello
Southeast IdahoChallenging rock-climbing, world-class mountain bike trails, disc golf courses and an active Greenway are some of the outdoor offerings right in Pocatello. Learn to squeegee at the world’s only Museum of Clean, stand in awe of saber tooth cats and giant bison at the Idaho Museum of Natural History, float the lazy river at the aquatic center, shop charming Old Town, or see Grizzlies and the animals of Yellowstone up-close at the Pocatello Zoo. Between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone National Park on I-15, it’s an ideal place to spend the night. Visit Pocatello for fantastic dining, attractions, events and lodging. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Discover Wood River Valley - Sun Valley Mountains
Discover Wood River Valley - Sun Valley
Mountains All the Best Adventures
For those with a High Altitude Attitude. Discover our Award Winning Visitor’s Guide Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
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