• Choose Your Trip

    Let's go Rafting!

    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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    CALIFORNIA RAFTING

    OREGON RAFTING

    GUIDE SCHOOL!

    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)

    CHOOSE BY LENGTH

    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
    VIEW ALL PRICING

    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
    Learn More

    FAMILY RAFTING SPECIALS

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

    Learn More
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    About Us

    Who are these Tributary Whitewater folks anyway?

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions about our rafting trips.

    WHAT TO BRING

    Rafting, camping, or both? Check out our gear guide.

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    Contact us.

    • 800-672-3846
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    • 6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
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Rafting Trips for Youth groups & Scout groups

CALL TO BOOK | 530.626.7385

A California whitewater rafting adventure is a great outdoor activity for youth groups including boy scouts, girl scouts, church youth groups, at-risk youths, summer camps, and youth sports teams. A rafting trip encourages youths to work together while building team camaraderie, and increasing individual confidence.

We offer a variety of trips; from mellow class 2 floats for kids as young as 4 years and more timid children, to class 3 beginner runs starting around 7-8 years, and class 4 challenges for adventurous teenagers (ages 13+, must swim). Rafting trip options range from half day trips to multi-day camp outs where all meals are included. Trips are easily accessible from San Francisco, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Reno, Redding, Chico and San Jose with rivers near Yosemite and the Redwoods.

We have many student, YMCA, church, scout and other youth groups among our clients who have been rafting with us for a number of years. With such groups, we often find that the organizers and parents have concerns about the level of safety and experience offered; and we can assure you that our company and guides are very well qualified to care for your youths.

Boy Scout Merit Badges and Other Achievement Awards

Come rafting with us and our personable guides can help your kids earn their Boy Scouts of America Whitewater Merit Badge or Cub Scouts Outdoor Activity Award. Call or email us to set-up such a trip. At this time there is no Girl Scouts badge for whitewater but that has not stopped many Nor-Cal troops coming back each summer!

Choosing the right Youth Group Rafting Trip

For help choosing the right rafting trip for your group please refer to our Rafting with Children page. We recommend that you select a trip according to the youngest participant, and those with the least amount of confidence or swimming abilities (non-swimmers welcome on class 2-3 river trips). Also err on the side of caution – we want everyone to have a positive experience, as this may be the children’s first introduction to whitewater rafting, and as with most youth groups the ratio of adult paddlers to youth paddlers is typically low.

Rafting Trips For Young/Timid Children (Ages 4+)

Our 1/2 day, Class 2, Lower Middle Fork American River trip is great for younger kids from 4 years old and up. This Rafting trip is also perfect for more timid rafters, or those with special needs. We meet in the afternoon in Auburn, CA. (40 minutes east of Sacramento, 2.5 hours from the San Francisco/Bay area, and about 1 hour from North Lake Tahoe). Inflatable Kayaks may be added to your trip for an additional fee for those looking for a challenge. Wildlife viewing, side hikes, time for snacks and drinks (not included) and playing on the beaches are typical on this trip.

Rafting Trips For kids (Ages 7+)

The Class 2-3+ South Fork American River is our most popular rafting trip for youth groups. We offer 1/2 day, 1 day and overnight rafting trips with camping options at our established Campground or at BLM land (wilderness trip). The South Fork American River is located in Lotus, CA close to Sacramento (40 mins), and the Bay Area (approx. 2.5 hours). The minimum age is 7 years old for our Class 3 trips. Kids ages 4-7 are welcome to join for the the Class 2 Lotus Run, or check out the Lower Middle Fork American River. There are many things to do in the area – you could easily incorporate hiking, biking or even horseback riding with your rafting trip, so check out our South Fork American River Area Information for more.

*All camps on the South Fork American have quiet time between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. You are welcome to be around socializing after this time, however, noise must be minimal after 10:00 pm.

The Trinity River is a mellower Class 3 option than the South Fork American River. This is a 1 day trip. The Trinity River flows thru the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Our meeting location is in Big Bar, CA off Highway 299 between Redding and Eureka. There is lots of wildlife to be viewed as well.

The Lower Klamath River is another ideal rafting trip for youth groups. Although it is farther to travel to from most major cities, this secluded river is a gem. We offer 3 day overnights with side hikes to the beautiful Ukonom Falls. For groups who would like the kids to be more hands on with meals this is the perfect setting. Inflatable kayaks can also be added for the more adventurous participants. We meet in the town of Happy Camp, CA (close to the Oregon border). This is also home to the fabled Sasquatch.

Rafting Trips For Adventurous Teens (Ages 13+, Must Swim)

The Class 2-4+ Middle Fork American River is a wonderful experience for the right group. Due to the challenging nature of this river all participants must swim and be at least 13 years old. The river runs for 18 miles thru a secluded wilderness canyon. We offer this as a 1 or 2 day trip. Camping is rustic and you are welcome to bring fishing poles (in a hard case).

Pricing & Discounts:

Pricing will depend on the trip, time of year and number of participants. We offer generous Youth Group Discounts, Prices are also online you can also call us for a quote!!

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