We offer many white water rafting trips located in the Gold Country. Trips are most popular & more available April-September, but trips are available year round. The Gold Country provides some of the best whitewater in the US. The Gold Country (aka Mother Lode country) is located on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada foothill. Historic Highway 49 meanders through the historic Gold Rush towns of Placerville, Coloma, Auburn, Nevada City & Downieville, just to name a few.
Kids ages 4+ are welcome to participate in a rafting trip. There are several levels of whitewater excitement to be had and we offer all options from mellow to extreme. Class 2, 3, 4 & 5 rapids are suitable for certain ages & abilities.
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.
The South Fork of the American River is located in Northern California, only 30 minutes from Sacramento. It is one of the major tributaries of the American River and flows through the Sierra Nevada mountain range before spilling into Folsom Reservoir.
The South Fork is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and camping. The river passes through areas in El Dorado County, providing access to the diverse landscapes of the Sierra Nevada region.
Join us for a California classic – American River rafting!
The Middle Fork is one of the main tributaries of the American River located in Northern California. The proximity of the American River to Sacramento and San Francisco makes the Middle Fork American River an excellent choice for white water rafting Sacramento, accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.
Middle Fork American River rafting trips are fed all summer long by snow melt captured in upstream reservoirs.
The Lower Middle Fork of the American River is a picturesque and ecologically significant waterway located in Northern California. Flowing through the Sierra Nevada foothills, this American River rafting segment flows west towards Sacramento. This section of river is a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
The North Fork of the American River is located in Northern California, 30 minutes east of Sacramento. The river flows through the Sierra Nevada mountain range (near Lake Tahoe) and is a tributary of the American River.
North Fork American River rafting offers fantastic, challenging, whitewater rafting trips through steep walled canyons in the spring.
The Truckee River is located in the western United States originating in California and crossing into Nevada. It flows approximately 121 miles from Lake Tahoe through the Sierra Nevada mountains and into Pyramid Lake in Nevada.
Our guided Truckee River whitewater rafting trips leave from Truckee which is north of Tahoe City by 20 miles. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours from South Lake Tahoe, 30 minutes from Reno and 10 minutes from Truckee.
The North Yuba River travels through the scenic Tahoe National Forest, and is fed by the snow-melt from the majestic 8000+ peaks of the Sierra Buttes. It is located at the north end of the fabled Mother Lode highway (Hwy 49). The nearby mining towns of Downieville and Sierra City provide rustic charm and great history. There is plentiful camping, a good selection of restaurants, cozy cabins & motels, saloons and historic landmarks.
We launch trips on many different rivers in California, Oregon and Idaho. For questions give our main office a call – we would love to talk with you about our trips and rivers.
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Our vision is to create a sustainable and equitable reality where our rivers are enjoyed and protected, a place where families and friends can be inspired and challenged.
Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running rivers since we were first founded in 1978. Since we opened 40+ years ago we have expanded to include Adventure Connection, Mariah Wilderness Expeditions, High Desert River Outfitters, Canyon Outfitters and are the parent company of Raft California and Raft Oregon. While some things have changed over the years, Tributary remains a family-run small business with the same passion for the river and the mission of leading others to experience it.
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