• 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
    • Northern California
    • Oregon
    • Sacramento
    • San Francisco Bay Area
    • SoCal / Los Angeles
    • Tahoe/Reno
    • 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
  • Photos

    GET YOUR PHOTOS!

    Did you have an awesome trip? Our action photography partners have your pics ready to go, choose by provider.

    CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO AND PHOTO GALLERY

    American River Trip Photos

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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.

    GIFT
    CERTIFICATES

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

    OFFICIAL
    BLOG

    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:

Tahoe/Reno

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 and Reno – planning your trip:

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!! 

River Rafting Near Tahoe/Reno

Truckee River

TRUCKEE, CA
View Trips

South Fork American River

COLOMA, CA
View Trips

North Fork American River

AUBURN, CA
View Trips

Lower Middle Fork American River

AUBURN, CA
View Trips

Middle Fork American River

AUBURN, CA
View Trips

North Yuba River

DOWNIEVILLE, CA
View Trips

East Carson

MARKLEEVILLE, 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

How long does it take to raft the South Fork American River?

April 3, 2022

Middle Fork American River Rafting Trips – Summer 2022 Update

March 17, 2022

How to Become a River Guide

January 14, 2022

We’re Hiring – Join the Tributary Team in 2022

January 7, 2022

keep calm and paddle on