North Fork of the Yuba River Rafting
Rafting on the North Fork Yuba River offers both veterans and active first-timers, a variety of Class 3 - Class 5 whitewater rafting thrills, from 1 - 4 days, on over 35 miles of river. Even at lower flows, the North Yuba River still offers exciting rafting in smaller boats.
On a 1 day Class 4 rafting trip on the North Yuba, we run the Maytag section. For 2 days of Class 4 you can combine this with the Bullards Bar run or the North Fork American River(another great Class 4 river). For even more adventure, the 2nd day of rafting can be on the Class 5 section of Moss Canyon and Rossasco Ravine.
The Moss Canyon/Rossasco Ravine section of the North Yuba River is also offered as a one day Class 5 rafting trip where clients have solid previous Class 4 experience. On occasions we can also offer a combination run of the 6 miles of Moss Canyon and most of the Maytag run for a 14 mile trip. This also requires previous Class 4 experience.
On North Fork Yuba River rafting trips we travel through the heavily forested Tahoe National Forest, on waters fed by the snow-melt from the majestic 8000+ peaks of the Sierra Buttes. It is located at the north end of the fabled Mother Lode highway (Hwy 49) and nearby are the rustic and charming gold mining towns of Downieville and Sierra City. Despite its proximity to the Bay Area, the North Fork Yuba river is an un-crowded gem, with just 3 permitted outfitters. Tributary is one of the original companies who pioneered this river for commercial rafting in 1981. There is a good selection of restaurants, interesting shops, cozy motels & saloons, historic landmarks and plentiful camping.
Each of the 4 sections below can be run as a 1 day trip, or combined for rafting trips of 2-4 days on class 4 and 5 whitewater at an elevation is 2320-4240 ft. The season varies by section (see below) and is from April into July, though late April and May trips are the most reliable in the majority of years. The meeting location is near Indian Valley campground, off Hwy 49, between Nevada City and Downieville and camping in rustic surrounds is available.
North Fork Yuba River rafting - Maytag Run, Goodyear’s Bar to Indian Valley:
Class 4, 9 miles, elevation 2640 - 2320, season April into July (depending on snow pack)
This section of the North Fork Yuba River is the most often run section of the river and a great Class 4 run, which can be suitable for the active and adventurous first-timer when flows are not too high. There is an introductory 2 miles of Class 2-3 rapids, followed by Class 3 and 4 action including “Ramshorn” and the double drops of “Two Pair”. Six miles into the trip is the highlight - the Class 5 “Maytag”. We stop above this rapid and scout it, so all clients have the option of walking around. The Class 4 “Son of Maytag” falls follows quickly, with more Class 3 action to the take-out.
North Fork Yuba River - Moss Canyon/Maytag Combo, Union Flat to Downieville & Convict Flat to Indian Valley:
Class 4/5, 14 miles, elevation 3350 - 2640, season mid-April to late June (depending on snow pack, gradient is 72 - 80 feet per mile.
This is a custom trip that is sometimes available for experienced groups. Nearly continuous Class 4-5 rapids in the first 6 miles, with 3 large Class 4/5 drops in 1 mile through Moss Canyon above Downieville. We stop for lunch in the quaint town of Downieville, then take a quick shuttle around Rossasco Ravine (a very tough section with a small window of runnable flows). We then put-in again to tackle the best part of Maytag run which includes all of the Class 4 and the Class 5 Maytag rapid.
North Fork Yuba River - Moss Canyon/Rossasco Ravine, Union Flat to Goodyear's Bar:
Class 5, 10 miles, elevation 3350 - 2640, season mid-April to late June (depending on snow pack, gradient is 72 - 80 feet per mile.
Nearly continuous Class 4-5 rapids in the first 6 miles, with 3 large Class 4/5 drops in 1 mile through Moss Canyon above Downieville. The Downie River enters in Downieville adding considerably to the flow, and below this is a long series of rapids in Rossasco Ravine, including “Big Dummy”. At higher flows this may have to be portaged due to the chute ending in a huge hole. Previous Class 4 paddling experience required with excellent swimming ability.
North Fork Yuba River - Bullards Bar Wilderness run, Indian Valley to Bullards Bar:
Class 4, 8 miles, elevation 2320, season April into July (depending on snow pack)
This is a beautiful wilderness section of river, providing exceptional Class 4 whitewater. It is usually combined with the ‘Maytag’ stretch for 2 days of excellent Class 4 rafting. Due to the lack of access that requires a motor tow across the length of Bullards Bar Reservoir, or an interesting 4x4 take-out on a little used road, this section is seen by few boaters and is not detailed in any guide books. However, it is well worth taking the time for a great combination of whitewater and wilderness.
North Fork Yuba River - Wild Plum Run, Haypress Creek to Union Flat :
Class 5+, 8 miles, elevation 4240 - 3350, season April - May (depending on snow pack and rain), gradient 110 feet per mile.
This section of the North Fork Yuba River is only offered to previously Class 5 qualified Tributary Whitewater Tours clients, or for those with verifiable solid Class 5 previous experience with another California rafting outfitter. It offers high mountain scenery and plenty of Class 5 action with the most note-worthy section being Ladies Canyon. it is a more technically difficult run than the Class 5 section of Moss Canyon. It has the shortest season of any of the other sections of the North Yuba River, as downstream flows are increased by the addition of flows from the Downie River and several large side creeks.
Distances/Times for travel to North Fork Yuba River rafting:
17 mins SW of Downieville (11 miles) 55 mins N of Grass Valley (36 miles) 1.25 hrs NE of Yuba City (55 miles) 1.75 hrs SE of Chico (79 miles) <2 hrs NE of Sacramento (94 miles) 4 hrs NE of San Jose (207 miles) |
PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME DURING BUSY HOLIDAY PERIODS
Other Class 4 & 5 options for rafting:
- North Fork Yuba/North Fork American River Rafting Combo
- Intermediate California rafting trips
- More Difficult California rafting trips
