WHITE WATER RAFTINGNear San Francisco Bay Area

White Water Rafting Bay Area

Discover the Thrill of White Water Rafting Near San Francisco!

Dive into the heart of adventure with Tributary Whitewater Rafting Tours, your premier destination for white water rafting Bay Area experiences! Located just 2.5-3 hours from the bustling streets of San Francisco, our rafting trips on the American Rivers offer an unparalleled escape into nature’s embrace, available from April to September, drought or shine.

Rafting Near San Francisco has never been more accessible or exciting. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rafter, our American River trips cater to all:

  • Family-Friendly Fun: Mild class 2 trips welcome kids from 4 years old, perfect for families seeking river rafting Bay Area adventures.
  • Beginner to Intermediate: Thrilling Class 2-3+ trips designed for beginners and returning rafters looking for white water rafting near San Francisco.
  • Adventure Seekers: Challenge yourself with some of the toughest whitewater, ideal for those searching for rafting California near San Francisco.

Escape the City: Choose from half-day, full-day, or overnight trips. Our rafting locations, rich with gold mining history and small-town charm, are near a variety of accommodations, cuisine, and entertainment, perfect for those exploring rivers in Bay Area.

Overnight Delights: Our overnight trips include riverside camping and meals, offering a relaxing getaway from the city, with white water rafting near Bay Area.

Lake Tahoe Convenience: Heading to Lake Tahoe? Our trips are easily accessible from I-80 and Highway 50, making white water rafting San Francisco an easy addition to your trip.

Enhance Your San Francisco Trip: Pair your rafting adventure with hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Foodies will revel in unique dining experiences, and wine or beer trails make a great complement to your white water rafting near San Francisco journey.

Why Choose Us for Your Next Adventure?

  • Convenient location for rafting near San Francisco
  • A variety of rapids from mild to wild, catering to all ages and skill levels
  • Unique combination of adventure, history, and local charm

Book your white water rafting Bay Area adventure with Tributary Whitewater Rafting Tours today and turn moments into memories!

Join California white water rafting adventures near San Francisco with Tributary Whitewater Tours. From easy Class 2 to thrilling Class 3+ rapids, our Northern California rafting trips cater to all. Book now for an unforgettable rafting experience.

RIVER RAFTING ON THE South Fork American River

Dates: March
- October

The South Fork of the American River is located in Northern California, only 30 minutes from Sacramento. It is one of the major tributaries of the American River and flows through the Sierra Nevada mountain range before spilling into Folsom Reservoir.

The South Fork is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and camping. The river passes through areas in El Dorado County, providing access to the diverse landscapes of the Sierra Nevada region.

  • Three rafting sections with six diverse white water trip experiences
  • Several specialty rafting trip options including winetasting, ropes course, a live band, a creative workshop and a yoga retreat.
  • Take 50% off kids on mid-week whitewater rafting trips. (Mondays through Thursdays.) Learn more. 
  • South Fork American River rafting trips include the popular Gorge Run and Chili Bar sections
  • Variety levels to choose from – Class II to Class III+
  • Rafting for kids as young as 4 and  accommodations for guests of varying abilities and needs
  • Long season – provides great rafting and white water the entire summer and through Labor Day weekend
  • Camping is available before or after any South Fork American River rafting trip at our private campground
  • Close to major cities such as Sacramento and San Francisco
  • Professional photography companies shoot at the major rapids on the river. You can view your photos online after your trip

RIVER RAFTING ON THE Middle Fork American River

Dates: June
- September

The Middle Fork is one of the main tributaries of the American River located in Northern California.  The proximity of the American River to Sacramento and San Francisco makes the Middle Fork American River accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.

  • Fast paced, fun and challenging Class IV rapids
  • Renowned “Tunnel Chute,” a man-made marvel from the Gold Rush Era with a 90-foot rock tunnel and a 6-foot drop
  • Ability to camp at our private campground right on the river
  • Raft the Wild & Scenic River section

RIVER RAFTING ON THE Lower Middle Fork American River

Dates: April
- September

The Lower Middle Fork of the American River is a picturesque and ecologically significant waterway located in Northern California. Flowing through the Sierra Nevada foothills, this segment of the American River west towards Sacramento this section of river is a  perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

  • Perfect river rafting trip for young families and older generations
  • Great rafting introduction for children
  • We are one of the few outfitters that offer this section of river
  • Available all summer long, perfect for summer breaks
  • Inflatable kayaks available for rent
  • Mellow section of the American River
  • Small group sizes

RIVER RAFTING ON THE Truckee River

Dates: April
- October

The Truckee River is located in the western United States originating in California and crossing into Nevada. It flows approximately 121 miles from Lake Tahoe through the Sierra Nevada mountains and into Pyramid Lake in Nevada.

Our guided Truckee River whitewater rafting trips leave from Truckee which is north of Tahoe City by 20 miles. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours from South Lake Tahoe, 30 minutes from Reno and 10 minutes from Truckee.

  • Truckee River rafting trips are available all summer from mid-May to end of September
  • Perfect summertime activity for families ages 7+ while visiting Lake Tahoe
  • We white water raft two different sections depending on river flows – Boca run and Verdi run
  • Unique Tahoe scenery with a volcanic canyon and craggy cliffs
  • Note that our our guided rafting trips run even when the Tahoe City raft rentals do not
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