White water rafting near Lake Tahoe and Reno is a popular adventure for visitors and locals! We offer some of the best rafting trips in the west and have access to some rivers others don’t.
We have lots of trip options near North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe. Trips vary throughout the season, some are only available in the spring due to snowmelt and others are guaranteed all summer long with damn controlled flows.
The Truckee River (mid-May to Sept.) and East Fork Carson River (late April into early July in a big year) are the closest options if staying in the Lake Tahoe area.
However if looking for longer trips and/or more difficult rapids, the American River and North Yuba River might be worth the drive. Also these can be good options if travelling from the San Francisco and Sacramento areas as they might be on your way up or back down the mountain.
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.
PLEASE BOOK YOUR TRUCKEE RIVER TRIP AT LEAST 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE TO SAVE DISAPPOINTMENT!!
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.
