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    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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    Choose By TRip Area

    • American River
    • Gold Country
    • Lake Tahoe/Reno
    • Northern California
    • Oregon
    • Sacramento
    • San Francisco Bay Area
    • SoCal / Los Angeles
    • 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
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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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    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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    • 800-672-3846
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    • 6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
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A Reflection on the 2020 Rafting Season

CALL TO BOOK | 530.626.7385

A reflection on 2020…

Hello all and Happy 2021!

The past year has definitely reminded us the importance of being mindful, respectful and grateful for all we have. Our 2020 season brought new challenges to the rafting industry. We have experienced high water spring seasons, drought years, & wildfires, just to name a few. A worldwide pandemic closing schools, workplaces, and so many businesses was something we could never have imagined.

The closures in California hit right as our spring season was starting and just as we were getting ready to start running trips, everything came to a halt on March 16th. We found out our kids were no longer going to school in person, the brewery we were currently standing in was being shut down, and what about rafting? The initial plans did not include our unique industry and as we worked our way through the gray areas with local legislatures, re-writing operating plans, and coordinating with other outfitters on an overall “plan”.

Finally on June 6th we started running trips…and it took off like a freight train! Everyone wanted to get outdoors, and our COVID protocols were among the safest ways to do so. Things were a little different, we ended up filling our trips up almost 2 weeks in advance with the limited space, and our guests were so stoked to come rafting!

For many, it had been weeks, or even months since they had traveled out of their counties, or been in nature, or stopped looking at a screen. It was so amazing to bring so much joy to people and it showed in the smiles of our guides and drivers everyday. Usually our season wraps up around Labor Day weekend with some trips going till the end of September. This last season we had more trips in September than before, the trend continued into October – so we kept rafting! We were running trips every weekend until November 7th! It was a great end to a crazy rafting season and we want to thank all our guests, staff, friends and family members for all the love and support this past year.

There were some rivers we did not get to run in 2020, and we are really excited to get back on those unique free flowing spring runs like the East Carson River overnight trip with hot springs at the camp. There are so many different kinds of river trips and we really have experiences for all types. A mellow Class 2 trip doesn’t have to be for just young kids, it’s a great way for adults to recharge and really get away from the stresses of life.

We will be welcoming groups for the 2021 season, in accordance with local guidelines and the CDC. Contact us to be connected with a group specialist who can help you choose the perfect adventure, from half day trips to overnight camping vacations with meals we have something for everyone.

Be sure to stay tuned…we have some really fun announcements coming soon…

We look forward to seeing you on the rivers

MORE RAFTING NEWS

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

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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

Middle Fork American River Rafting

June 2, 2022

50% Off Return Rafting Trips

May 28, 2022

Going Green Blog: Episode 4 “2021 Employee of the Year selected non-profit”

May 27, 2022

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

April 3, 2022

keep calm and paddle on