Truckee River Rafting and Whitewater Rafting near Lake Tahoe
Truckee River Whitewater Rafting:
This white water rafting trip on the Truckee River is the closest rafting to Lake Tahoe and Reno. It is a fun and exciting, 7-mile guided whitewater adventure, with many Class 2-3 rapids for the first 6 miles and exciting Class 3+ rapids in the last mile. This whitewater rafting trip on the Truckee River should not be confused with the self-guided float out of Tahoe City. Truckee River Whitewater Rafting trips operate from mid-May to September 30th. As water is obtained from several reservoirs and not just Lake Tahoe, this rafting trip is always available, even when the raft rentals are closed.
PLEASE BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE! We are turning away many people who are trying to book within a week of departure. We recommend at least 7-10 days ahead, until the end of August, and of course over the Labor day weekend. We also offer 1/2 and 1 day trips on the South Fork American which can be good alternative, especially for those in South Lake Tahoe. For a more adventurous trip, the Middle Fork American is available for a long 1 day Class 4 trip. See all the options near Lake Tahoe by clicking here. Also check out California rafting HOT DEALS for many great discounts on some of these other river trips.
Truckee River rafting trip time is approx. 3 1/2 hours, including the short shuttle to the river and back. Clients are transported from our meeting location in Truckee, to the put-in site on the Little Truckee River near the old Boca town site. Before embarking on your Truckee River rafting trip, life jackets and paddles will be provided and a safety talk will be given. Each whitewater raft will be under the control of a professional river guide who will call out commands and help steer. Early in the rafting trip, maneuvering and paddling skills will be explained and practiced. The Truckee River west of Reno passes through the High Sierra desert, with cottonwoods lining the banks. Though the river parallels I80, the road is out of site and hearing. Above the rapid "Bronco", it will be possible for the more timid passenger to disembark and hike from here to the take-out at Floriston. Most will opt to run the most exciting rapids on this Truckee River rafting trip. At the take-out point, the equipment will be loaded while refreshments are served and we then return to our meeting location in Truckee.
Reservations for Truckee River Rafting:
This is a popular trip and RESERVATIONS ARE ALWAYS REQUIRED so please, book well in advance. If you decide to take the chance, please CLICK HERE TO PRINT OUT THE MAP in case we cannot get a confirmation package to you at your Lake Tahoe location. We may have space available for last minute bookings, so please call to check on availability. Payment in full is required in full in advance of the trip, so please have that information available when you call, or submit online.
What is needed for your Truckee River Rafting Trip:
During normal summer rafting conditions, previous experience and swimming ability are not required, and no special attire is needed. Swim suits with fast drying shorts and shirts are recommended and footwear should be sneakers (that will get wet) or sturdy sandals (not slip-on's). Any hats and glasses are best attached with a strap. Leave expensive cameras behind; the waterproof, disposable cameras are fine and professional photographers are usually present at the last rapid.
During early (May-early June) and late (Sept) season trips, wetsuits and/or splash jackets may be required and are available at no charge, but please ask when you make your reservation. In the mountains, the occasional thunder storm does happen in the summer, but we do raft rain or shine, and would have splash jackets available at those times. We will only cancel a trip when there is lightening in the immediate vicinity of the river trip.
Who may participate on a Truckee River Rafting Trip:
Youths from 7 years up are welcome. For children under 7 years, the Class 2 run on the Lower Middle American or the East Carson (south of Lake Tahoe) are recommended (see Rafting with Children). We also welcome seniors, but younger and older members of a group may wish to walk around the last section of Class 3+ rapids.
Truckee River Rafting Prices:
ADULTS: $69 (Sunday-Friday), $79 Saturday only
YOUTHS:10% off the adult rate (7-17 yrs), plus 5-15% group discount when applicable
Group discounts of 5%-25% - see Discounts on our full price/cost page, or call for a quote. To obtain the group discount, we require payment with one credit card, or ask us for information about our special online booking program.
All prices are subject to an additional 3% government river use fee.
Meeting Location/Times for Truckee River Rafting:
- Meeting location is at the Granite Chief store, near the town of Truckee.
- 2 trips a day at 9:00 am and 1:30 pm. Custom trip times are sometimes available.
AFTER LABOR DAY weekend, there is usually just 1 trip a day at 12:30 pm during the week. Group transportation can sometimes be arranged for a fee from the Reno and Lake Tahoe areas.
Distance/time for travel to Truckee River rafting: 
Northstar.............12 mins
Squaw Valley ......20 min/12 miles,
Tahoe City ..........25 min/14 miles,
Kings Beach .......25 min/15 miles
Incline Village ......30 min/19 miles,
Reno ...................35 min/33 miles,
Carson City .........1 ¼ hrs/41 miles
So. Lake Tahoe....1 ¼ hrs/48 miles,
Sacramento ....... 1 ¾ hrs/103 miles,
Quincy ............... 2 hrs/71 miles
There are always road works in the Reno and Tahoe area throughout the summer, so PLEASE allow extra time. If you are on and afternoon trip, we suggest coming into Truckee for lunch so you are in the area ahead of time.
Other options for Lake Tahoe Rafting:
If you are traveling to Lake Tahoe via Sacramento, we suggest you check out your options for rafting on the American River, which usually has better space availability, longer trips, more continuous rapids, and options for both easier and more exciting whitewater, including trips for the youths under 7 years.
Click here for other rafting options near Lake Tahoe and Reno
