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    We offer a wide variety of California Whitewater Rafting trips. We suggest choosing by location, duration, or difficulty.  Need A little more help making your choice?

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    Choose By TRip Area

    • American River
    • Gold Country
    • Northern California
    • Oregon
    • Sacramento
    • San Francisco Bay Area
    • SoCal / Los Angeles
    • Tahoe/Reno
    • Yosemite

    Choose By DIFFICULTY

    Low Spice Beginner Trips (Class II
    Medium Spice INtermediate Trips (Class III)
    Full Spice Advanced Trips (Class IV)
    Too Hot Advanced Trips (Class V)

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    Single Day Trips Great for first timers!
    2 Day Trips Make it an overnighter!
    Half-Day Trips Fast n' Fun!
    Multi-Day Trips The ultimate experience
  • Rafting Prices

    RAFT TRIP PRICING

    We offer a wide variety of rafting trip pricing that can fit any budget! From half-day quick runs to multi-day overnight adventures, we’re looking forward to getting you on the water.

    DEALS & DISCOUNTS
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    GROUP DISCOUNTS

    We offer the following group discounts for our California white water rafting adventures. You can also check out some of our most popular group rafting trips:

    • 5% off with 6-11 people
    • 10% off with 12-17 people
    • 15% off with 18-23 people
    • 20% off with 24-29 people
    • 25% off with 30+ people
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    FAMILY RAFTING SPECIALS

    20-50% off Overnight vacations on selected weekday summer dates. Options for American River, Klamath, Carson and more!

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California Rafting with Children & Teens

CALL TO BOOK | 530.626.7385

California Rafting with children is something we do very well. There are many wonderful, scenic river rafting trips in California suitable for children as young as 4 years old. Tributary offers half-day rafting trips, where you can bring your own picnic lunch, as well as multi-day overnight trips that include meals and camping for a memorable family rafting vacation.

A great way to experience multi-day rafting trips is on our Half off American River 2 Day Trips where on weekday trips, kids under 18 are 50% off (some restrictions apply). Child friendly meals are provided and prepared by your river guides.

We have a variety of raft trips suitable for kids in the Gold Country (near Sacramento and Lake Tahoe) from April-September. Further north in the Shasta-Trinity and Klamath National Forests (near the Redwoods) multi-day trips are also available in the summer.

Group discounts are available for rafting groups of 6 or more. Tributary caters to many Scout groups and youth groups please contact us for larger groups, we are happy to help you along with every step of the process!

Children’s capabilities vary considerably and we will be glad to discuss this to ensure the best possible family rafting experience. Our minimum age limit recommendations at normal summer flows are:

  • 4 years old on Class 2 rivers
  • 7 years on Class 3 rivers
  • 14 years and strong swimming abilities on Class 4 rivers

During high water due to the melting of an above average snow pack, then you may need to take a step down in the Class during that time frame. High water conditions normally will be over by July & August. Call us if you are unsure if those conditions exist. 

California Rafting with children – young or more timid child:

See below and also check out Easiest Rafting Options page.

Try a brief introduction on a half-day, Class 2 rafting run on the Lower Middle Fork American River. A scenic wilderness raft trip in the Gold Country. Enjoy side hikes, blackberries, and wildlife if the time is right. Add an inflatable kayak for more diverse groups.

During June high water this season, we sometimes offer the very scenic Class 2+ Lower North Fork American. A semi-wilderness trip within the Auburn State Recreation Area. 

The East Fork Carson River, close to South Lake Tahoe, is another Class 2 rafting trip for 1-2 days. It offers wonderful hot springs, wilderness camping and unique High Sierra scenery. In a really good snow-pack year it can be rafted into July. 

The 3 Day Lower Klamath River Trip in N. California both provide Class 2 and 3 river sections, which are easy to accommodate the younger child (portage/walk around options available). This is a unique trip that is a must do, we keep groups small to provide a personalized experience. 

Family Rafting and Youth Group rafting with youths from 7-8 years:

See below and also check out Easy Beginner Rafting Options page. If you have older kids who are on the timid side, then please consider the Easiest Rafting Options for their first trip. 

The South Fork American River, located in the historic Gold Country, is one of the most popular rivers in the state. It provides an excellent first time raft trip, with options from half-day to 2+ days.

Near Lake Tahoe and Reno, a fun, ½ day guided whitewater run on the Truckee River is usually available from early-May through September.

The Trinity River  in N. California both flow throughout the summer and can be combined with other great recreation in the area, to make a complete family vacation.

California Rafting with adventurous teenagers:

See below and also check out Intermediate-Adventurous Rafting Options page.

A combination overnight raft trip on the American River is a great choice for those who are adventurous beginners. You get 1-2 days on the South Fork American, then finish with the excitement of Class 4 rapids on the last day. In the spring, choose the South/North Fork American River Combo, and the South/Middle American River Combo runs all summer into September.

The Middle Fork American River is a good choice for the more athletic youth and return rafters. This 17 mile river trip provides Class 3-4 rapids throughout the summer. For a great wilderness camping experience we offer 2-3 days in this canyon. Enjoy side hikes up shaded creeks, plunge pools, waterfalls, and great fishing.

The North Fork Yuba River is available in the spring and sometimes into summer for older and experienced youths. This is a very scenic, uncrowded Class 4 river trip, not far from Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. The Yuba River area also offers great scenery, hiking, mountain biking and rustic, historic towns.

MORE RAFTING NEWS

How long does it take to raft the South Fork American River?

  Rafting on the South Fork American River The South Fork of the American River

Middle Fork American River Rafting Trips – Summer 2022 Update

Summer Flows on the Middle Fork American River   The Middle Fork American River trips are

How to Become a River Guide

Become a river guide Ah the life of a River Guide – traveling to amazing

We’re Hiring – Join the Tributary Team in 2022

Outdoor Adventure Jobs Entry Level Outdoor Adventure Jobs & Admin Positions Available in California &

Book Now Pay Later – Free Flowing Spring Trips

Book Now Pay Later For 2022 Spring Rafting Trips Since COVID came around in March

Month of Giving – November 2021

Month of Giving 15% of 2022 Rafting Trips & Gift Certificate Sales made in November

About Tributary Whitewater

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.

Get In Touch
Tributary Whitewater Tours
6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
800-672-3846
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RAFTING NEWS

How long does it take to raft the South Fork American River?

April 3, 2022

Middle Fork American River Rafting Trips – Summer 2022 Update

March 17, 2022

How to Become a River Guide

January 14, 2022

We’re Hiring – Join the Tributary Team in 2022

January 7, 2022

keep calm and paddle on