We offer some of the best rafting trips in the west and have access to some rivers others don’t including white water rafting on the Truckee River.
We offer many rafting trip options near North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe, a perfect add on to any vacation. White water trips vary throughout the season, some are only available in the spring due to snowmelt and others like the Truckee River are guaranteed all summer long with damn controlled flows.
Our most popular Tahoe float trip is our 1/2 day Truckee River rafting trip, launching in Truckee just north of Lake Tahoe. Located only 40 min north of Tahoe City, this guided white water experience is a great family activity for ages 7+.
Rafting trips available and usually guaranteed all summer long are:
Spring trips – dependent on snowmelt and snowpack (late April into early July in a big year):
We offer half day, 1 day, and multi-day overnight rafting adventures of varying difficulty.
Whitewater rafting near Lake Tahoe can be combined with other activities to make a great getaway for any age. The area information page for each of the rivers provides links to visitor information for places to stay, wineries, restaurants, casinos, hiking and other recreation.
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.
The East Fork Carson River is located in the eastern part of California, primarily in Alpine County only 35 miles away from Lake Tahoe. The river flows through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and its headwaters are in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. The East Fork Carson River is a tributary of the Carson River, and it eventually joins the main stem of the Carson River.
We meet for all of these trips in the picturesque old town of Markleeville.
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.
The East Fork Carson River is located in the eastern part of California, primarily in Alpine County only 35 miles away from Lake Tahoe. The river flows through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and its headwaters are in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. The East Fork Carson River is a tributary of the Carson River, and it eventually joins the main stem of the Carson River.
We meet for all of these trips in the picturesque old town of Markleeville.
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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