On the River: FOR’s River Rafting Revival
In 2025, Friends of the River’s River Rafting Program made a strong comeback after several years of COVID and funding challenges—bringing people back to the water and reigniting the spirit of river advocacy. Through volunteer guide trainings, partner trips, and community rafting experiences, the program is once again connecting diverse groups to California’s rivers. Each trip is more than just time on the water—it’s an opportunity to build skills, strengthen community, and inspire the next generation of river defenders.
Guide Activist Training
Guide Activist Training (April 11–19)
To kick off the 2025 River Rafting Program, FOR hosted its 10-day Guide Activist Training at Camp Lotus. Ten new trainees joined 16 trainers and volunteers to develop rafting skills and learn how to advocate for the protection of California’s rivers.
Stanislaus River Day
Stanislaus River Day (May 3rd)
FOR staff and guide volunteers joined Restoring the Stanislaus to take more than 50 participants on a float down the Lower Stanislaus River. The trip highlighted ongoing restoration efforts to improve salmon spawning habitat below New Melones Dam. Read more here.
Swiftwater River Rescue Certification (May 17–18)
In partnership with Sierra Rescue, FOR guides and trainees completed a two-day Swiftwater Rescue course. Participants practiced swimming through rapids, learned rope and rescue techniques, and built confidence in keeping themselves and guests safe.
FOR staff on the Tuolumne
Tuolumne River Staff & Partner Retreat (June 21–23)
FOR staff, board members, and partners came together for a two-day rafting trip on the Tuolumne River. The retreat offered time to connect, collaborate, and reflect while strengthening relationships across the river community.
Native Dads Network
Native Dads Network (July 19)
FOR and Native Dads Network welcomed 30 Indigenous students for a day of learning, connection, and rafting. After a blessing and history lesson about the Coloma Valley, participants shared a meal and floated down the South Fork American River together.
Rafting for the Resistance
Rafting for Resistance (July 25–27)
Winners of the 2025 California River Awards joined FOR for a weekend of camping, rafting, and learning. The trip fostered meaningful discussions about river protection while celebrating the community that supports this work.
UC Davis Grad students
Guide Training Weekend with Friends (August 15–16)
FOR’s guide trainees gathered for a weekend of practice runs, feedback, and skill-building on the South Fork American River. Joined by guests from the Great Basin Institute and our friends and family, we enjoyed a fun and educational weekend on the water.
Community Water Center (August 22–24)
FOR partnered with the Community Water Center for a weekend of collaboration, rafting, and shared learning at Camp Lotus. Our two environmental nonprofits connected over clean water advocacy and a beautiful day running rapids on South Fork American River.
UC Davis Grad Students
UC Davis Environmental Policy Management (September 12–14)
Graduate students from UC Davis joined Friends of the River for a weekend of rafting and policy discussions. Together they explored California’s river systems, water challenges, and career pathways in environmental policy and advocacy.
Save California Salmon (September 20)
FOR closed the 2025 River Rafting season with a trip for Indigenous families in partnership with Save California Salmon. The day included cultural learning, shared meals, and a joyful float down the South Fork American River.
Stanislaus River Day
Stanislaus River Salmon Festival (Nov 8)
Join us for this free, family-friendly Salmon Festival featuring kids’ activities, river tours, live entertainment, local food and craft vendors, and more than 40 educational exhibits from groups like USFWS, Cal Fire, State Parks and FOR! See the salmon run and enjoy a day on the river—parking is $10, so carpooling is encouraged. Find more information HERE.
