Whitewater Rafting near
Lake Tahoe and Reno
The South Fork American River is a great
whitewater rafting trip, suitable for beginners and youths from around 7-8 years,
and yet is exciting enough to bring back many people year after year. It has 21
miles of Class 3 whitewater offered on ½ , 1 and 2 day trips. Though it
is located approx. 1½ hours from Tahoe, it is a good choice for those traveling
from Sacramento or San Francisco or looking for a longer trip than the Truckee River. We meet in Coloma on Hwy 49, just 20 minutes off I80 or
Hwy. 50. Trips are offered April - mid. October and range in
duration from 4 - 6½ hrs.
The Middle Fork American River is a step up in
difficulty for those wanting more whitewater excitement, with 17 miles of
wilderness and an introduction to Class 4 whitewater. This trip is also
suitable for the active and adventurous first-time rafter. Long 1 day and 2-3
day trips are available. We meet in Auburn, off I80, approx. 1hrs W.
of Truckee and 2 hrs SW of South Lake Tahoe, usually at 8:00 - 8:30 am
and are finished around 5:00 pm. Duration: 8-9 hours. Season:
May-September.
The Lower Middle Fork American River is a Class 2, 7 mile run. It is an ideal first time rafting
trip for children from 4 years, or for those just wanting a short, leisurely
raft trip in almost wilderness surroundings. It is usually run as a ½
day afternoon trip from June - September. We hardly see another soul, but do spot
deer, nesting ducks and other wildlife and also pick the best blackberries
imaginable. We meet in Auburn at 1:30 pm and recommend bringing some
refreshments, as we stop for some swim/play time at a safe sandy beach.
There is an optional side hike to a waterfall and swim hole. Duration: 4-5+ hrs.
The East Fork Carson River is unique, with its hot springs tumbling into the river. The 21
miles of wilderness can be enjoyed on 1 and 2 day trips. If you are not sure
about rafting, its mellow Class 2 rapids break you in gently and the
spectacular views of Sierra Nevada peaks and a soak in the hot springs can ease
your cares away. A 6-7 mile ½ day run of continuous Class 3 is available
for a short season, depending on the snow pack. We meet in Markleeville, 32
miles south of South Lake Tahoe, 1½ hours from Truckee or Reno and just 45 mins from Carson City. Trips are offered May - into July depending on the snow pack. Duration of trips is
3½ hrs, 8½ hrs or 2 days.
The North Fork American River, though only available in the spring while the snow is melting, it is an outstanding Class 4 rafting trip, with wonderful scenery and
numerous rapids for the more experienced boater. We meet in Colfax or Auburn, off I80
approx. 1 hr SW. of Truckee, 1 ¾ hrs SW of South Lake Tahoe. Duration:
6+ hours. Season: April into June.
The North Fork Yuba River offers springtime whitewater rafting on 4 different runs. Some are suitable
for the adventurous first-timer but also plenty of excitement for the seasoned veteran. It is un-crowded
and pristine, flowing through the evergreens of the Tahoe National Forest.
Trips from 1-4 days are available on either Class 4 (intermediate or
adventurous first-timers) or Class 5 (previous Class 4 experience only). We
meet at our camp near Downieville at 9:30 am., approx. 1 ¼ hrs W of
Truckee, 2 ¼ hrs N. of South Lake Tahoe. Duration: 6+ hours. Season:
April into July depending on snow pack.
California White
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