O.A.R.S. California Rafting

Angels Camp, United States

4.9

Open now

11 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 209-736-2597
Website:
www.oars.com
Address:
2863 Hwy 49, Angels Camp, CA, 95222
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Bussiness info

Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Angels Camp) 17:31 Thursday, 5 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Description

Specialties

California whitewater rafting since 1969 — Based in the Sierra Foothills, O.A.R.S. offers a variety of 1-​day and multi-​day white water rafting options. This includes Tuolumne River rafting and Merced River rafting near Yosemite National Park, rafting on the North Fork of the Stanislaus River near Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Klamath River Rafting in Northern California not far from Mount Shasta.

Recognized in 2008 and 2009 by National Geographic Adventure as «The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth,» O.A.R.S. sets the standard in first-​class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-​sport adventures throughout North America, South America and Fiji.

O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with experienced, professional guides and top notch equipment and today offers more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-​day and weekend escapes.

History

Established in 1969.

George Wendt, founder and president of O.A.R.S. and recent recipient of the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, is a true pioneer in the adventure travel industry. His passion for running rivers was born in the 60s, when he descended the seldom-​traveled Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. According to Wendt, «the trip introduced me to a world that I didn’t know existed.» That fascinating new world would soon become one that Wendt dedicated himself to completely, one that he dreamed of bringing into the lives of others. In 1969, that dream came true; with his friend, the late Ed Gooch, Wendt established Gooch-​Wendt Expeditions, running professional trips on the Colorado River. In 1970, the company was selected by the National Park Service as the first exclusively oar-​powered rafting outfitter authorized to run the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, and was appropriately renamed O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists).

Meet the Business Owner

George W.

Business Owner

In 1969 a middle school science teacher from Los Angeles started running whitewater rafting trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Shortly thereafter, his company was selected as the first exclusively oar-​powered rafting operator in Grand Canyon National Park. In 1974, he and his wife relocated the company to the community of Angels Camp in Calaveras County just miles away from the free-​flowing Stanislaus River.

The family-​run company (Wendt’s wife, Pam, is a co-​founder; sons Clavey and Tyler oversee operations from the Angels Camp headquarters) is serious about what they do, and they like to have fun. Since the company was founded, George has testified before the Senate Subcommittee on River Preservation on behalf of American Outfitters, helped found an eco-​tourism operation in Fiji, facilitated the filming of the recent Grand Canyon 3D IMAX movie and donated countless hours and numerous trips to support youth and environmental organizations.

O.A.R.S. California Rafting also recommends

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George W. says,

«What would we do without BV’s annual pond skimming event? Nothing like skiing down a slope on an inflatable raft alongside our mountain friends!»

Hatcher Winery

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Wineries

George W. says,

«Matt Hatcher’s varietals compliments the Sierra Foothill region to the T. His comical charisma is also great addition on our wine on the river trips!»

YExplore Yosemite Adventures

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Tours

George W. says,

«John DeGrazio gives great customer service and knows Yosemite inside and out. He hires highly knowledgeable naturalists fluent in ecology and safety.»

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11 reviews of O.A.R.S. California Rafting

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Altadena, CA
Very professional, knowledgeable and fun. Just ask the local merchants — this is the company to go with.
Place rating: 5
Walnut Creek, CA
So enjoyed this trip. James was our guide and he is a master of the river. He knew every rock and rapid. Yes we got wet but never tipped our raft. The others in our group love it as well… We were 17 in all.
Being water because you don’t drink the water. The final rapid was so great.
The only downside was one of the male guides who was rude when guests asked questions. He was trying to impress his girlfriend that he was a big river guide and dumped her into the river while showing off. He also was responsible for cutting her foot as well. His name is Kelby so avoid this guy. Most of the other guides think he is a jurk too and know he will be fired soon. Anyway have fun This was a great activity. American river.
Place rating: 5
Princeton, NJ
I just came back from the most amazing family vacation! We went white water rafting with O.A.R.S. on the Toulumne River in Yosemite on a 2 day overnight. Thanks to the guides, it exceeded our expectations! Sean, Ben, Moose, Chris and Colin created an adventure that my family will never forget!
While on the raft, the guides were clearly highly skilled in maneuvering the raft through challenging white water. It was clear that safety was the priority, but the mood was always lively and fun! When we stopped for a meal, some of the guides worked to create nutritious and delicious meals, while others led the group on hikes. We swam through waterfalls, down natural water slides and saw truly breathtaking scenery.
It was the vacation of a lifetime!
Place rating: 5
Sonora, CA
I’ve been on a couple trips with OARS and they are fantastic!
Have no doubt that this will be a family/​business/​friend trip you will never forget! I’m still relatively new to rafting, but I’m pretty sure I’m now addicted! I cannot think of a more fun way to spend a vacation.
Place rating: 5
Orangevale, CA
I’ve been lax in writing a review of one of the highlights of the 2013 summer! In early June, my 14 year old daughter and I did the 1 day South Fork American River trip. We were originally signed up for a two day overnight, but there weren’t enough attendees, so they dropped the trip. I was dismayed about this at first, but was assured that we could still camp (no charge) at their campsite.
We decided to camp the night after our rafting trip since we live fairly close in Orangevale, so we arrived early enough for a tour of the campgrounds, which are onsite in Lotus. It turned out we were the only rafters outside of a group on a corporate retreat. Once again, I was a little dismayed at first about this as I didn’t think a teenager would have much fun with no other young people there. Solution! Our experienced guide, John, had two of their college-​aged river guide trainees (both girls) along in our raft, and we had a marvelous time!
The rafting was super fun, and by the time we pulled over for the great lunch buffet (sandwiches and fixings) we were all good friends, including the retreat group. We then set back out and what a memorable time on the river — scenic, just a tiny bit exciting, no mishaps, and we were left ready to take on another O.A.R.S. adventure next summer. We’re thinking the upper segment of the river for a little more thrills.
The camping was great, as well. When the 2-​day trip was cancelled, I was bummed because it would have included a dinner prepared by the guides. I didn’t want to prepare food, but Amanda the O.A.R.S. rep told me there were a couple of restaurants just a short walk across the parking lot at the site. True! We had a great dinner at a mexican restaurant right there (can’t remember the name this second) and breakfast at the Sierra Rizing Bakery right across the lot, the next morning. Also a photo shop next to the mexican restaurant which allowed us to browse and purchase photos taken of us while rafting. Very convenient and fun!
Love you much, O.A.R.S.
Rhonda and Katie (the late reviewers)
Place rating: 5
Irvine, CA
This is a long overdue review on O.A.R.S.
My friends and I had one of the best outdoor experience back in June 2010 on a 3 day excursion at Yosemite (camping, hiking/​backpacking). As the planner of this trip, I threw in river rafting as part of the 3rd day activity. We did the 1 day rafting on the Merced river. I went with O.A.R.S and we were very impressed and all had a blast rafting!!!
Did you know they’ve been providing excellent outdoor adventures for 40 years now?
Our guide was amazing. He was very knowledgeable, experienced, witty, energetic and sarcastic. He shared stories with us as well as safety tips. He truly made the whole day rafting experience an AMAZING ‘n FUN one for all of us. =)
We started at the top… then break for lunch half way down the Merced river. Oh and yes, they provide lunch. Not just any cheap lunch, but an amazing lunch! We rested while he happily prepared our food. Fresh sandwich, fresh fruits, crackers, and beverages. The food was delicious.
All well-​nourished and rested, we were all excited to continue our rafting journey down the Merced river. Throughout the river, we got to experience Level III rapids… which was quite FUN for me! By end of it all, I knew I was ready for Level IV the next time I go rafting. =)
Great company, great food, great rapids, great stories shared by our guide… I have to thank him and O.A.R.S. for giving us a fun and unforgettable rafting experience. We purchased the CD that the photographer took and we were impressed with the outcome. Photos turned out fabulous!
Please check them out to plan your rafting trip! They also do this internationally! I highly highly recommend them! =)
Place rating: 5
Long Beach, CA
We had the most amazing trip on the Tuolumne on August 26−27th 2012. It all started when my elderly Dad said he was going white water rafting and would I like to go? I thought it might be best that I went with him. Chris, our lead guide was awesome and broached the subject of Dad’s physical abilities at the very beginning. It was decided that Dad would ride in a gear boat with Eli, who took the most amazing care of Dad along with Kate, who I think became Dad’s favorite. Dad soon became the trip mascot; all of the guides, along with most of the guests, went out of their way to make sure he was safe and comfortable. The food was awesome, Salmon and Steak with Gorgonzola for dinner with plenty of local wines, Eggs Benedict for breakfast with great coffee and tea, lots of appetizers, fruit and veggies. This trip was amazing from start to finish; I was bummed we couldn’t just stay on the river. The views were beautiful with lots of wildlife; actually saw a few bald eagles. The crew is very professional. I was worried how Dad would get along and although he was exhausted at the end of both days the smile on his face said it all. Thanks to Chris, Kate, Eli, Danny, Tessa, Tom, Alyssa and everyone else I may have missed for making this trip so memorable.
Place rating: 5
Fremont, CA
This was a blast and can only be described as AWESOME, paddling down the South Fork of the American River. The staff at O.A.R.S. are professional and extremely knowledgeable. The company as a whole is very accommodating. Their main emphasis is safety and having a fun and exciting experience, and that is exactly what we had. Chris was our river guide. He is very personable and his technical knowledge of rafting and the river itself made this trip a memorable experience and one that will be repeated several times over. I would not hesitate to recommend O.A.R.S. and Chris as your choice for white water rafting. Thanks for a great day.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
We had a group of 8 on a multi-​day camping trip on the Rogue River in southern Oregon. It was AWESOME. Great guides, great food, great gear. Early June is a little chilly still but we had some nice days and wetsuits and splash coats were offered if anyone got too cold.
The scenery was spectacular, we saw lots of wildlife including a black bear even though we were not a very quiet group :)
Some people affectionately call this a Float-​n-​Bloat because there is so much delicious food and not a lot of strenuous activity. We did a nice waterfall hike and every day there was an option to paddle the inflatable kayaks. Truthfully I hung out on the oar raft and just chilled out. The Rogue has a few Class III rapids but nothing crazy.
It was a nice trip to do with friends and we all had a great time in the outdoors with a responsible outfitter.
Place rating: 5
Alameda, CA
Just returned from my dream rafting trip on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. It was everything I’d hoped for and more. Outstanding river guides, days packed with activity, interesting hikes, great rapids, delicious food, excellent organization, and just plain fun!
I’d previously taken ½ day, 1 day and a couple of overnight trips with O.A.R.S. over the past few years. Their guides and staff members, both on the rivers and on the phones, consistently impressed me as highly professional, immensely helpful and patient, and totally dedicated to making the trips fun for everyone. So, when I looked for a Grand Canyon trip, I only considered O.A.R.S.
This company seems to have perfected an ideal blend of enthusiasm, skill, business savvy, sense of humor and fun, a commitment to safety, and a genuine love for the rivers and the great outdoors.
I totally recommend them for family trips (kids love river rafting!) as well as for those seeking more challenging rapids.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
We took our 5 year boy on the 3 day Lower Klamath river trip this last weekend and had a GREAT time! There were 3 families and 4 guides. We all got along great and our guides really made us feel at home on the river. They gave us plenty of good advice and encouragement. Great catered lunches and dinners in a very beautiful part of Northern California. I highly recommend this trip for athletic families with young children. It’s a fantastic experience!
This would have been a 5 star review if it weren’t for a small problem with the booking office who changed the meeting place and failed to notify us about it. no big deal but it could have been had we not found another family the night before who was going on the trip.