California Whitewater Rafting near
Lake Tahoe and Reno
Whitewater rafting trips near Lake Tahoe and Reno are available April-September on The Truckee River and in the spring on the East Fork Carson River. Half day, 1 day, or multi-day rafting adventures are available on these class 2-3 rivers and are great for families with kids and groups with varying abilities.
See below for the location of trips in the Lake Tahoe area
Rafting near North Lake Tahoe:
The Truckee River is a popular beginner ½ day trip suitable for kids as young as 8 (7 w/ previous rafting experience). A trip on the Truckee begins with 6 miles of mellow class 2 rapids, than drops into the Floriston Gorge for another mile of class 3 excitement. Great for groups, family reunions, and those on a tight schedule. The Truckee River trip is run mid-May thru September and space is limited so book in advance. We meet in Truckee, 30 minutes north of Lake Tahoe's north shore (Kings Beach, Incline Village, and Tahoe City) and less than an hour from Reno, NV.
The American River has many options within 2 hours of Lake Tahoe (located 1 hr. to the east of Sacramento) with trips from half a day to multi-day campouts. The South Fork American and Lower Middle Fork American are both suitable for kids as young as 4 and have great beginner runs as well as class 3 rapids for any age over 8 on the South Fork American River. The Middle Fork American class 4 run is for adventurous beginners and experienced rafters and features 17 miles of rafting on the American River’s secluded canyon. For advanced rafting the North Fork American and North Fork Yuba River offers class 4 and 5 rafting options for the very adventurous beginner rafter to expert only.
Rafting near South Lake Tahoe:
The East Fork Carson River is great for families or first time rafters, the beauty of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest brings boaters of all ages and skills coming back. Two trips are offered on the East Carson; a ½ day class 3 trip, or multi-day class 2 trip (features include camping near natural hot springs). Family Special trips geared towards families with kids are also offered with discounts for youths. Located less than 1 hour from Tahoe’s South Shore, these trips meet in Markleeville and are run from May to June (sometimes July, it depends on snow-pack).
Planning a rafting trip near Lake Tahoe and Reno, Nevada:
Whitewater rafting trips in the Lake Tahoe area can be combined with other activities to make a great get away for any age. The area information page for each of the rivers provides links to visitor information for accommodations, camping, wineries, hiking, casinos, restaurants and other places of interest. You can also access these area information resource pages through the site map.
Consider a Lake Tahoe rafting trip for the following:
• A romantic retreat for couples with luxury accomodations, wine tasting, a hot air balloon ride, golfing and more.
• Combine adventures for the young and old with rafting, boating on the lake, hiking, biking and so much more!
• Great for family vacations, family reunions, and youth group outings.
• The perfect location for Bachelor/ette parties with unending nightlife, great restaurants, and rafting.
• A quick get away from Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, or Reno for just a few hours or for a few days.
Whitewater rafting trips near Lake Tahoe and Reno, NV are easily accessible for trips to the Gold Country (1-1.5 hrs), San Francisco (3-4 hrs.), and Yosemite (from 3 hrs).
