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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
    • 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.

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

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    • 6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
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Rafting in the Gold Country

CALL TO BOOK | 530.626.7385

California whitewater rafting in the Gold Country is available April-September and provides some of the best whitewater in the USA. The Gold Country (aka Mother Lode country) is located on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and it straddles the Highway 49 corridor. Take a great scenic drive from Yosemite north along Highway 49 through the historic Gold Rush towns of Placerville, Coloma, Auburn, Nevada City and Downieville.

Gold Country rafting trips include the three forks of the American River and the North Fork Yuba River.  See below for summary and links to the different rivers. These rivers provide something for everyone, from mild to wild. Raft trips can be found that are suitable for kids from 4 years to some of the toughest whitewater in California.

Planning a rafting trip in the Gold Country:

Whitewater rafting trips in the Gold Country can be combined with other many other activities to make a great get away for many occasions. Come join us for a 1/2 day or spend 3 or more days camping and rafting with all meals provided. We will even set your tent up for you. The area information page for each of the rivers provides links to visitor information for accommodations, camping, wineries, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, restaurants and other places of interest.

Consider a Gold Country rafting trip for the following:

  • A romantic weekend for a couple, with a stay in a Victorian bed & breakfast inn, wine tasting and plentiful restaurants with world class cuisine.
  • A family vacation with camping and additional activities for kids including caving and biking. Also many historic Gold Rush sites.
  • Active singles seeking some real adventure rafting, with other activities like mountain biking and hiking.
  • A quick get away from the city.

Popular areas for rafting in the Gold Country:

[column-group] [column]
  • Folsom
  • Placerville
  • Coloma
  • Lotus
[/column] [column]
  • Sacramento
  • Auburn
  • Colfax
[/column] [column]
  • Nevada City
  • Grass Valley
  • Downieville
  • Sierra City
[/column] [/column-group]

River Rafting Trips in the Gold Country

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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