• 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?

    LET'S GET STARTED

    CALIFORNIA RAFTING

    OREGON RAFTING

    GUIDE SCHOOL!

    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
    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
  • Camping
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  • Resources

    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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    This season, skip the stuff... gift the gift of rafting.

    OFFICIAL
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    Keep up with the news on our official blog.

    Contact us.

    • 800-672-3846
    • Contact Us
    • 6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
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RAFTING NEAR:

Northern California

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.

Planning a rafting trip near Sacramento:

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.

River Rafting Near Northern California

Upper Klamath River

WEED, CA
View Trips

Lower Klamath River

HAPPY CAMP, CA
View Trips

Trinity River

BIG BAR, CA
View Trips

Burnt Ranch Gorge

BIG BAR, CA
View Trips

Cal Salmon River

SOMES BAR, CA
View Trips

Upper Sacramento River

REDDING, CA
View Trips
LOCAL LODGING PARTNERS

South Fork American

  • The Cary House: (530) 622-4271
  • Best Western: (530) 622-9100
  • Quality Inn: (530) 677-2203
  • Motel 6: (530) 677-7177
  • Holiday Inn Express: (916) 358-3100

Middle and North Forks of the American

  • Holiday Inn: (530) 887-8787
  • Best Western: (530) 885-8611
  • Comfort Inn: (530) 885-1800

Tuolumne

  • Groveland Hotel: (209) 962-4000 or (800) 273-3314
  • Hotel Charlotte: (209) 962-6455
  • All Seasons Groveland Inn: (800) 595-9993
  • Yosemite Rose: (866) 962-6548

Kaweah River

  • Comfort Inn and Suites: (559) 561-9000
  • Lazy J Ranch: (559) 561-4449

Truckee & Lake Tahoe

For Vacation rentals in Truckee, CA and other Lake Tahoe Locations check with Vacasa Rentals first!

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