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2 Day Rafting Trip
Raft, Camp & Soak in Hot Springs

Choose Your River

  • Location: Markleeville, CA / Lake Tahoe
  • Level: Class II, Easy,
  • Min Age: 4+ years
  • Trip Length: 21 miles
  • Meals: 4 included
  • Camping: 1 night included
  • Ability:
A hot spring pool next to a calm river in a desert landscape. A group of people are standing on shore in the background next to rafting boats.
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More East Fork Carson River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

White Water Rafting + Hot Springs Near Lake Tahoe

Spring rafting near Lake Tahoe with natural hot springs on the river!

Our 2 day East Fork Carson River rafting trip flows for 21 miles with mellow Class II+ rapids making it a perfect multi-day trip for groups, friends and young families starting at ages 4+. We camp at a large gravel bar allowing plenty of room to spread out and enjoy soaking in the Carson River hot springs throughout the evening. There is a great hike right from our camp spot allowing fantastic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This spring rafting trip is free flowing usually providing us plenty of water for rafting in the Spring. Note that this river doesn’t run every year (due to water levels) so be sure to grab a spot when it is available.

Tributary Whitewater operates under permit from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider.

TRIP ITINERARY

We meet you at 9:00am at the Carson River Resort in Markleville, CA.
We will provide you with dry bags for your overnight gear.

 

Full Day of River Excitement: Put-in @ Hangmans Bridge put-in after trip prep and orientation. Enjoy a full day of rafting on the East Fork Carson River. We’ll stop for a riverside lunch along the way and enjoy more rafting afterward.

Arrival at Camp: After a full day of whitewater rafting, we’ll pull over for the night to camp at a large gravel bar a short distance from the hot springs. We’ll have room to spread out, good access to the river and are usually able to have a fire depending on the weather. Your guides will assist you with rafting gear and set up camp right alongside the river. Once you’re settled in, soak in the Hot Springs and exploration!!

Appetizers, Drinks, Dinner, Campfire & Hot Springs: Savor appetizers and drinks followed by a delicious dinner. Hangout by the campfire and enjoy more Hot Springs soaking till bedtime.

Morning by the River: The sounds of the rushing river and the smell of freshly brewed coffee will help ease you into the morning! We also have tea and other hot drinks available if you prefer.

Breakfast at Camp: Your guides will cook you a delicious breakfast to help you fuel for the upcoming day. Afterward, you’ll pack up your gear and help clean up camp (maybe one more dip in the Hot Springs ;)

Continued River Rafting Adventure: We’ll go over another safety refresher before heading back on the water. We’ll head out for our second full day of whitewater rafting, floating through beautiful basalt canyons. We’ll stop again for lunch alongside the river. Sometimes we just head to take-out for lunch, depending on what our clients prefer.

Arrival at Take-out: After rafting all day, we’ll reach our take-out point at BLM Boat Ramp near Gardnerville, NV. 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Soak in natural East Carson River hot springs along the river
  • Class II waters, prefect for young families, ages starting at 4+
  • Free flowing river, not dam controlled, and only available in the spring. (Rafting this river section is based on water height not available every year.)
  • Close to Lake Tahoe, a perfect experience to add to your Tahoe vacation.
  • High elevation river located in the northern end of the Eastern Sierras
  • Beautiful side hike from camp
  • Fantastic fishing including Lahontan cutthroat trout
  • We are one of two companies that have a permit to raft the East Fork Carson

PRICING

Pricing is per person
March: 31
$450
Fiddlers on the River: April 25
$389
April: 4 , 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 28
$450
May: 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23
$450
* Price does not include the fee for your vehicle to be shuttled to take out. For more details click here.
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Rafting The

Meeting Time & Place

Where to Meet

Carson River Resort
Markleeville, CA

 

 

Where To Stay

Accommodations are available in the town of Markleville at our meeting point, Carson River Resort.

The Grover Hot Springs State Historic Park is also a great place to stay if you are interested in camping, and is located just out of town.

What Should I Bring

For Rafting

  • Required Items
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

For Camping

  • Linens
    • Blankets
    • Pillow
    • Sleeping bag
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel

 

Click here for a full detailed list of what to wear and what to bring.

Rafting shuttle coordination included. Additional fees may apply. For more information on trip shuttles click here.

Included with Rafting

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

  • Tent
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Cot
  • Camping chair
  • Dry Bag for your gear
  • 1 night camping
  • 4 meals
    • Day 1 –  lunch & dinner
    • Day 2 – breakfast & lunch

Camping & Meals

From The Blog

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