How to Become a River Guide
January 14, 2022
Rafting Excitement just 40 Minutes from the State Capitol!
The closest whitewater rafting trips near Sacramento are about 40 minutes from downtown and the airport. We have other options within 2 hours of Sacramento.
For younger kids from 4 years, our Class 2 Lower Middle Fork American River and the South Fork American River trips are the perfect starting place for your little rafter.
For beginner/intermediate trips the American River is reliable for rafting all summer long with 1/2, 1, and multi day trips. The South Fork American River is the most popular rafting destination and great for families, corporate groups and scout groups!
For those looking for more of a thrill, the Middle Fork American River provides Class 3-4 action all summer long. The North Fork American and North Yuba are Class 4 options only available during spring and early summer snow melt.
Whitewater rafting trips in the Sacramento region can be combined with many other activities to make a great getaway. California’s capitol and the surrounding areas have much to offer visitors and locals. The area information page for each of the rivers provides links to visitor information for accommodations, camping, wineries, mountain biking, hiking, restaurants and other places of interest. You can also access these area information resource pages through the site map.
Consider a Sacramento rafting trip for the following:
A Romantic weekend for a couple, with overnight options ranging from luxury hotels to cozy B&B’s, theater, wine tasting and plentiful restaurants with world class cuisine.
A family vacation with camping and additional activities for kids including sporting events, fun historical sites galore, and the Sacramento Zoo.
Active singles seeking some real adventure and culture; rafting, museums, galleries, and nightlife.
A quick get away from the Bay Area or Lake Tahoe for just a few hours or for a few days.
For Vacation rentals in Truckee, CA and other Lake Tahoe Locations check with Vacasa Rentals first!
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.
