Planning your rafting trip on the Trinity River? You’re in for a wild, scenic ride—twisting through Northern California’s lush canyons, splashing down Class II and III rapids, and soaking up that sweet summer sun. If you’re a first-time or probably wondering what type of gear you need to make the most of this trip, and if you’re an experienced rafter, it’s sometimes good to refresh on some of the things you may need. So here are four things that we recommend that you have if you come out to see us here at Bigfoot!
1. Quick-Dry Clothing (Leave the Cotton at Home!)
Rafting = water, and water = wet. But with the proper clothing, you can stay comfortable and dry. Your best friends on the river are synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or wool blends. Think athletic wear, board shorts, or a rash guard. Many brands make a lot of great gear, and you can even find some on Amazon. We recommend you bring a bag full of dry clothes to leave in your vehicle so you’re not driving home soaking wet, ensuring your comfort and convenience.
2. Secure Water Shoes or Sandals
Flip-flops are a no-go. Go with river sandals like Chacos or Tevas. If you’re not about the whole open toe shoe thing there’s a ton of great water shoe options out there and even some really quick drying running shoes that can get the job done. You want something that won’t fall off and offers some grip on slippery rocks.
3. Sun Protection: Sunglasses and Sunscreen
The Trinity River sun does not play around. Even on cooler days, the reflection off the water can fry your skin.
- Sunglasses: With a strap so you don’t donate them to the river gods.
- Sunscreen: Waterproof SPF 30+—reapply often.
- Bonus: You will wear a protective helmet while on the raft, but we recommend a hat when we’re off of it!
4. Dry Bag for Your Essentials
Want to bring your phone, snacks, or a change of clothes? Pack them in a small dry bag to keep everything safe and dry. Some trips provide communal dry storage, but having your own ensures your stuff is right where it is needed. You can find some great ones at your local Outdoor Store or even Amazon, but be sure to check the reviews.
Optional but Handy:
- Reusable water bottle (clip it to the raft!)
- Towel for the drive home
- Lightweight fleece or windbreaker for chilly mornings
Ready to Paddle?
At the end of the day, picking up a few of these things before you head out here’ll make you a little more comfortable and really help improve your overall enjoyment while you’re on the water! At Bigfoot Rafting, we’ve guided folks down the Trinity River for over 30 years. Whether it’s your first whitewater adventure or you’re a seasoned river rat, we’re here to ensure you have a blast—safely and comfortably. Do you need gear or have questions about what to bring? Just give us a shout—we’re always happy to help.
See you on the river!