How to Become a River Guide
January 14, 2022
With rafting trips on all of California’s favorite rivers & several Wild N’ Scenic Rivers in Oregon. Family Friendly to Fully Funky.
We offer a wide range of American River whitewater rafting trips located in the Gold Country just east of Sacramento, California but also near Lake Tahoe. Many of these white water rapid rafting trips are available with guaranteed flows from April through September. These rivers offer something for all levels of ability, experience, and age. Our guides have extensive knowledge and unmatched experience navigating every mile of the American River, ensuring that you and your family experience one of the safest river rafting adventures around.
The easiest American River rafting trips are suitable for children ages 4 and up. Intermediate rafting is perfect for most kids (ages 7-8+) and suitable for non-swimmers and first timers alike. No experience is necessary for those lower difficulty adventures. There are also whitewater rafting trips for the most experienced and for the adventurous first time rafter. Be sure to check on our weekday Family Rafting Specials where kids raft with discounts of 50% on selected two day trips.
Pick an American River rafting trip from just a few hours or a few days. We also offer Canvas Tents for a little more glamping on the South Fork American. Facilities also include hot showers and flush toilets. We also offer wilderness style rafting trips where we take the gear on the river and pull over at secluded trip locations.
The South Fork American River and Middle Fork American River have the most reliable flows and longest season for whitewater rafting in California. The three forks of the American River (South Fork, Middle Fork and North Fork) are truly an exceptional resource. Whitewater rafting trips are located close to Sacramento, California, Lake Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay Area. Escape the city into the wilderness. River rafting is one of the greatest adventures you will ever experience. We hope you and your family join us for some memorable whitewater rafting trips on the American River.
If you have any questions or would like to book about one of our whitewater rafting day trips, give us a call at the phone number above. Also, before booking a day trip, please check our Resources tab at the top of the page. It will help you properly prepare for your water rafting trip along the American River. There’s also our FAQ page that will answer every question and/or concern you may have about your upcoming rafting trip. We look forward to helping you and your family & friends begin the first of many whitewater rafting adventures! We can’t wait to see you out on the American River!
Great for young kids ages 4+
Non-swimmers welcome
Mellow rapids
Ages 7+
Non-swimmers welcome
Fun beginner rapids
Ages 14+
Swimming skills suggested (sometimes required)
Adventurous beginners & intermediate rafting skills
Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running white water rafting trips in Northern California & beyond since 1978. The company was originally founded by Dan Buckley, an integral player in the development of white water rafting in California. Dan Buckley’s love to share the excitement, wonder, and natural beauty that rivers have to offer with others lives on with the current owner, Jeremiah Copper.
Tributary continues to be an industry leader in the west coast rafting industry. We offer more rivers than any other outfitter, giving us the ability to accommodate younger kids down to ages 4 (thru our own experience as parents). Our team is one a kind, and everyone in our staff, from guides, to drivers, to the folks answering the phones – we all have a passion for what we do.
The rivers call to us for different reasons, be that extreme white water, fishing, enjoying nature or just experiencing new things & places. There is magic in every river trip. For some, you may first see a bald eagle in flight for the first time, or maybe conquer your first Class 5 rapid. We are here to help you choose your perfect adventure, for any excitement level.
