Whitewater Rafting near
Lake Tahoe and Reno
The South Fork American River is a great
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 - mid. October and range in
duration from 4 - 6½ hrs.
The Middle Fork American River is 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 5:00 pm. Duration: 8-9 hours. Season:
May-September.
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.
The East Fork Carson River is unique, with its hot springs tumbling into the river. The 21
miles of wilderness can be enjoyed on 1 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 ½ day run of continuous Class 3 is available
for a short season, depending 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.
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.
The North Fork Yuba River offers springtime whitewater rafting on 4 different runs. Some are suitable
for the adventurous first-timer but 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
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