East Fork Carson River Rafting
The East Fork Carson River flows from the Alpine-like mountains of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest into the high Nevada desert. This river is a great introduction to california rafting, but it lures veterans back year after year because of its tranquil beauty and the soothing hot springs to be found on the longer 21 mile wilderness raft trip. This section is swift, yet easy going; safe and fun for various levels of experience. The first 10 miles of the East Fork Carson River, from Markleeville to the Nevada border, were added to the California Wild & Scenic Rivers System in 1988. Above this run, is a short, but sweet Class 3 section, with a shorter season.
East Fork Carson River 1/2 day trip:
This section of river is a swift flowing Class 3 rafting trip, with a minimum age requirement of at least 9 years, and requires that everyone has some swimming ability. A very different trip from the 21 mile wilderness run downstream. This section does not have the advantage of the extra water from Markleeville Creek, which flows into the Carson River about 1.5 miles downstream. Due to that, the season is usually rather short and unpredictable. Most people staying in Lake Tahoe looking for a 1/2 day trip will opt for the Truckee River rafting trip, which is about the same distance from South Lake Tahoe, but the Truckee is more convenient for North Lake Tahoe and Reno. We put-in at “Cave Rock” about 7 miles up from Hangman’s Bridge. This run has almost continuous Class 3 rapids all the way to the take-out at Hangman’s Bridge. When this rafting trip is available, we have 2 departures a day at 9:30 and 1:30 and the trip time is about 3 hrs from meeting to back to your cars.
East Fork Carson River - the 21 mile wilderness run:
The put-in is at Hangman’s Bridge, 2 miles SE of Markleeville and we meet around 9:30 am for either the 1 day or 2 day trips. This section of the East Fork Carson River has excellent scenery, with spectacular views of the snow capped peaks of the Sierra’s. Often, nesting Canada Geese are spotted and swallows swoop down to the river from their mud homes hanging from large rocks along the banks. Water levels permitting, we usually bring some inflatable kayaks for the more adventurous paddlers to share.
The natural hot-springs, 9 miles down from the put-in, is one of the high-lights of the trip. On the left bank, the main hot-springs cascades into the river as a small waterfall. If water levels are not too high, a pool is built out of river rock and the water temperature of the pool is adjusted by the amount of river water allowed to flow into the pool. There are additional pools on either bank above the river. After the hot springs, the scenery changes and the vegetation becomes more sparse as we enter the high desert of Nevada. The river starts to meander in horseshoe shaped curves past interesting rock formations.
The take-out, near Gardnerville in Nevada, is usually around 4:30 pm. You will be served cold drinks while the guides load equipment on to waiting shuttle vehicles, and then you will be transported back to your vehicles in Markleeville. This trip back takes approx. ¾ hour.
East Fork Carson River - 1 day rafting trip:
On a 1 day trip, we can usually launch fairly quickly after our safety and instructional talk. We raft straight down to the hot springs. While the guides prepare LUNCH, you can take a soak or hike. As we have to cover 21 miles in one day, our time at the hot springs is obviously limited, but we are on river time, so we take the lead from our clients.
East Fork Carson River - 2 day wilderness trip:
This is by far our favorite way to experience a rafting on the East Fork Carson River as it takes full advantage of the hot-springs, scenery and wilderness surroundings. Check out our Family Special dates and prices for available trips offering larger discounts for youths.
As all the equipment is transported down the river, we provide large dry-bags for personal clothing and camping gear. We do request that you pack as lightly as possible. We provide all the food, kitchen equipment and utensils. Be prepared for some delay while we load all the gear onto the rafts, but it is well worth the wait. We will stop for LUNCH at a suitable beach area and then on to our camp-site, usually just above the main hot-springs. It is a beautiful spot, with large pines that offer shade, junipers and a large flat grassy area, across the river from some volcanic orange cliffs dotted with trees.
In the evening, you will have time to set-up 
camp, head down the trail to a little known small hot springs, or simply relax with a cold drink while your guides prepare your DINNER. Fishing is excellent in this protected waterway for ‘wild trout’, but do not forget your license and check on local restrictions regarding your catch.
After dinner, the stars come out over the East Fork Carson River in a way city-dwellers rarely see. Now is the perfect time to go down to the hot springs and relax in the warmth while watching the moon rise. You may also just enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness while sipping a glass of wine or a steaming mug of hot chocolate around the camp fire. We promise that you will sleep well that night!
Next morning, you will wake to the aroma of coffee brewing and while the guides prepare BREAKFAST, personal camping gear can be packed. Early risers can visit the hot springs again before breakfast, take a walk or fish. We will usually depart from camp mid-morning and we maneuver the most difficult rapid on the river, a Class 2+ rapid called ‘Sidewinder’. The main hot springs is located just below this on the left bank.
2nd day lunch can be taken at the hot springs or we can just take a soak.There are other convenient sites for lunch further downstream, one particular spot affords a hike up fairly steep terrain to a cave.
At the take-out, there is some delay while we load all the overnight gear onto our waiting shuttle, but we provide cold drinks to refesh you. We then return you to Markleeville. As water levels vary, and none of this trip is done by the clock, our take-out time can be anything from 4:30 - 6:00 pm.
_____________________________________________________________________________
East Fork Carson River - Accommodations & Camping:
Some rustic accommodations are available in the picturesque old town of Markleeville, where we meet for all of our trips. The Grover Hot Springs State Historic Park is located just out of town. Think about enjoying the local area for a few nights before or after your trip. Alpine County is the least populated county in California, or visit South Lake Tahoe only 34 miles to the north for more recreation and sight-seeing. See bottom of page for links to accomodation & camping in the area.
East Fork Carson River - Location/Summary:
Tributary Whitewater Tours is permitted to operate on the East Fork Carson River by the USDA Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest District.
Class: 2 21 miles in 1 and 2 days, May – July, Elevation 5500 ft, Gradient 27 ft/mi
Class: 3 7.5 miles in ½ day May – June, Elevation 6000 ft, Gradient 65 ft/mi.
Location: 39 miles South of South Lake Tahoe.
Off Hwy. 89, near Markleeville in
Alpine County, CA, flowing NE to near Gardnerville, NV
Distances/Times for travel to the East Fork Carson River:
34 miles/55 min SE of South Lake Tahoe,
36 miles/45 mins S of Carson City,
66 miles/1.5 hr S of Reno,
54 miles/1.25 hrs SE of Incline Village,
67 miles/1.5 hrs SE of Truckee,
112 miles/2.5 hrs E of Sacramento,
147 miles/3 hrs N of Yosemite,
197 miles/4 hrs NE of San Francisco,
190miles/4 hrs NE of San Jose
