Riverbank to McHenry Recreation Area
The Riverbank to McHenry float is a ~5 mile, ~3.5-4 hour self-guided float trip on the Stanislaus River. This trip is available on Saturdays from June 27th to August 8th, and is a great way to get away from the big crowds on the Knights Ferry section. This mellow, scenic float trip includes gentle floating, and large, group-friendly parks at the beginning and end of the trip. Trips start at Jacob Meyers Park and end at McHenry Recreation Area.
This trip is perfect for
- Families looking for a trip that’s safe, fun, and relaxing
- Groups looking to avoid big crowds
- Seeing beautiful river scenery, as well as swim and relax
- Groups wanting to be a little more social- this is the only trip that allows alcohol on Saturdays (with limits)
2026 Pricing
$50/person
All Rafting Adventures Include
- Paddles
- Life Jackets
- Sturdy Boats
- Shuttle Ride
- Dry Boxes
Trip Highlights
Check-In
McHenry Recreation Area
This is where you check in for your trip (go to 24300 E River Rd, Escalon, CA 95320), drive past the park gates, and go straight at the stop sign until you get to a large paved parking lot with our blue tent at the end of it. This is where you check in! Once you are checked in you will be shuttled to the put in location at Jacob Meyers Park. You will then raft the ~5 miles back down to McHenry Recreation Area.
Once we check the number of people in your party in and collect your liability waivers, it is time to get the fun rolling!
Jacob Meyers Boat Launch
Jacob Meyers also has multiple picnic areas which you can use before you launch, and the park is a great place to have a snack before you embark. Jacob Meyers additionally has a large play park that is perfect the kids in the group!
A Genuine Float trip
This trip is a slow moving, meandering float, that has limited access to parks. The good news is that flows typically move slowly enough so that you can snack, stop, or just gently cruise without much issue!
McHenry Bridge
At about the 75% mark of your float trip, you will float under the McHenry Bridge, a large bridge that is easy to float under. For most groups, this means you have 45 minutes to an hour left in your trip!
Railroad Bridge
With about a half mile to go, you will float under the old railroad bridge. This means you have about 15-20 minutes left in your float!
Takeout at McHenry Rec Area!
You will cruise to our takeout at McHenry Recreation Area, where we will have staff to help you with your equipment and to point you to where your cars are parked!
Group Leaders!
Do you have a large group of eight or more and would like request a trip? If you know your trip details, planned dates, and number of people in your group, you can get started right now.
More Rafting Trip Fun
Knights Ferry Rafting Trip
Miles of beautiful river scenery, places to swim and relax, as well as small mini-rapids that will keep things exciting! Highlights include: Knights Ferry, Russian Rapids, The Two Bluffs area, Lovers Leap, , Horseshoe Park, and Honolulu Bar.