Guiding California white water rafting trips for 30+ years!

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 thrills, from 1 - 4 days, on over 35 miles of river. Even at lower flows, the North Fork Yuba River still offers exciting rafting in smaller boats.

Maytag Rapid on the North Fork Yuba River 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. We have a great private camp near Indian Valley, offering a lot of solitude, but facilities are rustic.

Moss Canyon Rapid on the North Fork Yuba River

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.

The North Fork Yuba River runs through the heavily forested Tahoe National Forest, 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. There is a good selection of restaurants, interesting shops, cozy motels & saloons, historic landmarks and plentiful camping. 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.

Each of the 4 sections below can be run as a 1 day trip or combined for trips of 2-4 days.

North Fork Yuba River (Maytag Run), Goodyear’s Bar to Indian Valley:

Class 4, 9 miles Elevation 2640 - 2320

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/Rossasco Ravine), Union Flat to Goodyears Bar:

Class 5, 10 miles Elevation 3350 - 2640, Gradient is 72 - 80 feet per mile.

Nearly continuous Class 4-5 rapids in the first 8 miles, with 3 large Class 5 drops in 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

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, 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.

Class: 4-5,

Elevation: 2320-4240 ft
Length: 8-10 miles / ½ - 1 day , 18-36 miles / 2-4 days

Season: April – early July (depending on snow pack)
Location: Meeting in Indian Valley off Hwy 49, between Nevada City and Downieville