Whitewater Rafting near Lake Tahoe
and Reno
South Fork American River rafting:
The South Fork American River is a great all summer whitewater rafting trip, suitable for beginners and youths from around 7-8 years, and yet is exciting enough to bring back many people year after year. It has 21 miles of Class 3 whitewater offered on ½ , 1 and 2 day trips. It is located approx. 1½ hours from South Lake Tahoe, and a good choice for those traveling from Sacramento or San Francisco or looking for a longer trip than the Truckee River. We meet in Coloma on Hwy 49, just 20 minutes off I80 or Hwy. 50. Trips are offered April - September and range in duration from 4 - 6½ hrs.
Middle Fork American River rafting:
Rafting on the Middle Fork American River provides a step up in difficulty for those wanting more whitewater excitement, with 17 miles of wilderness and an introduction to Class 4 whitewater. This trip is also suitable for the active and adventurous first-time rafter. Long 1 day and 2-3 day trips are available. We meet in Auburn, off I80, approx. 1hrs W. of Truckee and 2 hrs SW of South Lake Tahoe, usually at 8:00 - 8:30 am and are finished around 4:30 pm. Duration: 8-9 hours. Season: May-September.
Lower Middle Fork American River rafting:
The Lower Middle Fork American River is a Class 2, 7 mile run. It is an ideal first time rafting trip for children from 4 years, or for those just wanting a short, leisurely raft trip in almost wilderness surroundings. It is usually run as a ½ day afternoon trip from June - September. We hardly see another soul, but do spot deer, nesting ducks and other wildlife and also pick the best blackberries imaginable. We meet in Auburn at 1:30 pm and recommend bringing some refreshments, as we stop for some swim/play time at a safe sandy beach. There is an optional side hike to a waterfall and swim hole. Duration: 4-5+ hrs.
East Fork Carson River rafting:
The East Fork Carson River is unique, with its riverside hot springs on the 1 day and 2 day trips. If you are not sure about rafting, its mellow Class 2 rapids break you in gently and the spectacular views of Sierra Nevada peaks and a soak in the hot springs can ease your cares away. A 6-7 mile run of continuous Class 3 is available as an express 1/2 day trip on occasions, but it has a shorter season and all trips are dependant on the snow pack. We meet in Markleeville, 32 miles south of South Lake Tahoe, 1½ hours from Truckee or Reno and just 45 mins from Carson City. Trips are offered May - into July depending on the snow pack. Duration of trips is 3½ hrs, 8½ hrs or 2 days.
North Fork American River rafting:
Rafting on the North Fork American River, though only available in the spring while the snow is melting, is an outstanding Class 4 rafting trip, with wonderful scenery and numerous rapids for the more experienced boater. This is the next closest rafting trip to North Lake Tahoe after the Truckee River. We meet in Colfax or Auburn, off I80 approx. 1 hr SW. of Truckee, 1 ¾ hrs SW of South Lake Tahoe. Duration: 6+ hours. Season: April into June depending on snow pack.
North Fork Yuba River rafting:
The North Fork Yuba River offers springtime whitewater rafting on 4 different runs. Some are suitable for the adventurous first-timer but there is also plenty of excitement for the seasoned veteran. It is un-crowded and pristine, flowing through the evergreens of the Tahoe National Forest. Trips from 1-4 days are available on either Class 4 (intermediate or adventurous first-timers) or Class 5 (previous Class 4 experience only). We meet at our camp near Downieville at 9:30 am., approx. 1 ¼ hrs W of Truckee, 2 ¼ hrs N. of South Lake Tahoe. Duration: 6+ hours. Season: April into July depending on snow pack.
Whitewater Rafting in Lake Tahoe
