Rafting on the Truckee River near Reno and Lake Tahoe - Verdi Run (Class 2)
Verdi Rafting Trip on the Truckee River:
There are a couple of sections for rafting on the Truckee River near North Lake Tahoe and Reno. The Truckee River Verdi Run is an 8 mile rafting trip, and for the most part has easy Class 2 rapids, with a couple of bigger rapids like “Gorilla Falls”, aka River Bend and “Powerhouse”. The rafting trip is approx. 4-4 ½ hrs including the shuttle to the river and back from Truckee, and starts at Crystal Peak Park near Verdi and the CA/NV state line. The trip ends at Mayberry Park on the western outskirts of Reno and trips are permitted courtesy of Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space. It’s a pastoral setting of meadows with screens of cottonwood and willows.
DUE TO WATER LEVELS THE VERDI RUN ON THE TRUCKEE RIVER WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR THE 2012 SEASON. Our usual Truckee River Boca run will be available for 1/2 day trips beginning mid-May and running thru September! See all the options near Lake Tahoe by clicking here. Temperatures are warmer down on the American River. Also check out California rafting HOT DEALS for many great discounts on some of these other river trips.
This Verdi Run on the Truckee River is an alternate to the Truckee River Boca Run which is our standard summer trip. We offer this Class 2+ section of the Truckee River during the spring and early summer while we are getting substantial snow melt from upstream ski areas, and the regular run may be too high for rafting or not suitable for groups who have younger children or non-swimmers. For most trips, no previous experience or swimming ability is required.
Truckee River Rafting (Verdi) - Reservations:
RESERVATIONS ARE ALWAYS REQUIRED so please, book well in advance, or call for availability before booking online. Please CLICK HERE TO PRINT OUT THE MAP in case we cannot get a confirmation package to you at your Lake Tahoe location. Payment in full is required in full in advance of the trip, so please have that information available when you call, or submit online.
Truckee River Rafting (Verdi) - What is needed:
As conditions in the Tahoe area can be rather cool in the spring and early summer, wetsuits or paddle jackets will be provided if needed. During warmer conditions, swim suits with fast drying shorts and shirts are suitable, but avoid cotton clothing. Shoes are required and must be firmly attached to foot. For most trips, professional photographers will be shooting at one of the rapids on the river. Please leave expensive cameras behind but waterproof disposables are OK.
Truckee River Rafting (Verdi) - Requirements:
Youths from 7-9 years up and non-swimmers will be accepted when levels are not too high. We also welcome seniors who are fairly agile. For children under 7 years, we recommend coming after mid-June this year, and then check out the Class 2 run on the Lower Middle American or the East Carson (south of Lake Tahoe) are recommended (see Rafting with Children).
Truckee River Rafting (Verdi) - Prices:
ADULTS: $69
YOUTHS:10% off the adult rate (7-17 yrs), plus 5-15% group discount when applicable
Group discounts of 5%-25% - see Discounts on our full price/cost page, or call for a quote. To obtain the group discount, we require payment with one credit card, or ask us for information about our special online booking program.
All prices are subject to an additional 3% government river use fee.
Truckee River Rafting (Verdi) - Meeting Location & Times:
- Meeting location is at the Granite Chief store, near the town of Truckee.
- One trip a day at 12:30 pm (10:00 am Memorial Monday). Custom trip times are sometimes available.
Truckee River Rafting (Verdi) - Distance/time for travel: 
Northstar.............12 mins
Squaw Valley ......20 min/12 miles,
Tahoe City ..........25 min/14 miles,
Kings Beach .......25 min/15 miles
Incline Village ......30 min/19 miles,
Reno ...................35 min/33 miles,
Carson City .........1 ¼ hrs/41 miles
So. Lake Tahoe....1 ¼ hrs/48 miles,
Sacramento ....... 1 ¾ hrs/103 miles,
Quincy ............... 2 hrs/71 miles
There are always road works in the Reno and Tahoe area throughout the summer, so PLEASE allow extra time. If you are on and afternoon trip, we suggest coming into Truckee for lunch so you are in the area ahead of time.
Other options for Lake Tahoe Rafting:
If you are traveling to Lake Tahoe via Sacramento, we suggest you check out your options for rafting on the American River, which usually has better space availability, longer trips, more continuous rapids, and options for both easier and more exciting whitewater, including trips for the youths under 7 years.
Click here for other rafting options near Lake Tahoe and Reno
