The closest summertime rafting to the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley! You'll be surprised that such an entertaining river is located so close to home. This scenic float is just off the beaten path but it feels like you're in a different world, away from the hustle and stress of everyday life.  The trip is wildly popular with experienced and inexperienced paddlers, especially on the weekends.  This is due to the Stanislaus River's beautiful scenery, easy but fun rapids and ripples, great swimming holes and its close to home!  This float trip is ideal for families, church and business groups, as well as boy scouts and other civic organizations. Trip is 3-5 hours total time. Your trip starts off in the historic town of Knights Ferry just below the covered bridge, the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi.  There you will check in with our friendly staff, receive your lifejackets, paddles, raft(s), and safety orientation.  After you feel comfortable and ready for your trip you will float through the town and directly into the biggest rapids of the day.  Make sure you are ready for the Class II RUSSIAN RAPIDS and make sure you smile for the camera as your fun action photographs are taken at this point.  They will be available for purchase at the end of the trip in the rafters parking area or at our river store in Knights Ferry. The next two miles you will float through some of the most stunning sections of the lower Stanislaus River.  Here you will see basalt cliffs teaming with cliff swallows who migrate here in the spring.  You will also go through a blue heron and turkey volture rookery and catch a glimpse of our trout, salmon and other fish through the clean, clear flowing pools. At mile 3 you will be able to see the famous "Lover's Leap" on the left side of the river.  On the right side of the river is the undeveloped Lovers Leap recreation area.  There are no bathrooms or trash cans so please pack out what you bring in. At mile 5.5 is Horseshoe Park.  You have picnic tables and restrooms at this location.   At mile 6 is Horseshoe boat ramp.