Guiding California white water rafting trips for 30 years!

Truckee River Rafting and Whitewater Rafting

close to Lake Tahoe

Truckee River Rafting:

This white water rafting trip is the closest rafting to Lake Tahe and Reno. It is a fun and exciting, 7-mile guided white water adventure, with many Class 2-3 rapids for the first 6 miles and exciting Class 3+ rapids in the last mile. This whitewater rafting run on the Truckee River should not be confused with the self-guided float out of Tahoe City. Total trip time is approx. 3 ½ hrs, including the short shuttle to the river and back from Truckee.

TRUCKEE RIVER RESERVATIONS JUNE 30 - JULY 5

Very little room available, just 2 spots here and there so do not book online. If you have more than 2 people, then space on Sunday, not much else, or travel the extra 1/2 hr from South Lake Tahoe to the South Fork American which is available except Tuesday (full) and Wednesday (no water release). For the more adventurous, the Middle Fork American is available Monday through Thursday (full Friday-Sunday).

Clients are transported from our meeting location in Truckee, to the put-in site on the Little Truckee River near the old Boca town site. Before embarking on your Truckee River rafting trip, life jackets and paddles will be provided and a safety talk will be given. Each whitewater raft will be under the control of a professional river guide who will call out commands and help steer. Early in the rafting trip, maneuvering and paddling skills will be explained and practiced. The Truckee River west of Reno passes through the High Sierra desert, with cottonwoods lining the banks. Though the river parallels I80, the road is out of site and hearing. Above the rapid "Bronco", it will be possible for the more timid passenger to disembark and hike from here to the take-out at Floriston. Most will opt to run the most exciting rapids on this Truckee River rafting trip. At the take-out point, the equipment will be loaded while refreshments are served and we then return to our meeting location in Truckee.

What is needed for your Truckee River Rafting Trip:

During normal summer rafting conditions, previous experience and swimming ability are not required, and no special attire is needed. Swim suits with fast drying shorts and shirts are recommended and footwear should be sneakers (that will get wet) or sturdy sandals (not slip-on's). Any hats and glasses are best attached with a strap. Leave expensive cameras behind; the waterproof, disposable cameras are fine and professional photographers are usually present at the last rapid.

Who may participate on a Truckee River Rafting Trip:

Youths from 7 years up are welcome. For children under 7 years, the Class 2 run on the Lower Middle American or the East Carson are recommended (see Rafting with Children). We also welcome seniors, but younger and older members of a group may wish to walk around the last section of Class 3+ rapids.

Meeting Location/Times for Truckee River Rafting :

The meeting location is at the Granite Chief store, near the town of Truckee. During the peak season, 2 trips a day are scheduled, at 9:00 am and 1:30 pm. After Labor Day weekend, there is usually just 1 trip a day at 12:30 pm. Custom trips for groups are available, and transportation from the Reno and Lake Tahoe areas, can be arranged at cost.

Reservations for Truckee River Rafting :

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND making your reservations well in advance for your Truckee River Rafting trip, especially for the July 4th week. If you unable to do so for any reason, PLEASE PRINT OUT THE MAP before leaving home. We may have space available for last minute bookings, so please give us a call. Payment in full is required before the trip, so please have that information available when you call.

Distance/time to travel for Truckee River Rafting:

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

Other Lake Tahoe Rafting Options: within 1-2 hrs of Tahoe:

If you are travelling to Lake Tahoe via Sacramento, we suggest you check out your options on the American River, which usually has better space availibility, longer trips, more continuous rapids, and options for both easier and more exciting whitewater. In the spring and early summer, there are aso options on the East Carson River, North Fork Yuba River and North Fork American River.  For a summary of these rivers, see other options near Lake Tahoe.

Please click on map for a detailed map and directions to the Truckee River meeting location.

California White Water Rafting - Lake Tahoe & Truckee River Rafting
Truckee River Rafting Area Information

Truckee River Rafting Map and Directions

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