North Yuba River - 2 Day Rafting Trip
starting at
$349
The North Fork Yuba River offers both veterans and active first-timers a variety of whitewater rafting thrills on over 28 miles of river. Raft trips from 1 – 3 days can be combined for varying levels of difficulty. At higher flows previous paddling experience is recommended. However people who are competent swimmers, athletic and adventurous can enjoy some of these runs when the peak snow melt is over. Even at lower flows, the North Fork Yuba River offers exciting rafting in smaller boats.
Despite the most popular section including the infamous Class 5 Maytag rapid, it occurs towards the end of the run. We always scout this.
Our white water rafting trips on the North Yuba River offer uncrowded, more private trips. We are one of the original permit holders for the North Yuba are there are still only 3 permitted outfitters originating in 1981. It is a very special river to us, and we would love to have you join us.
The North Fork 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.
Great opportunities are available in the area for hiking, fishing and mountain biking. For those travelling from the Bay Area or Sacramento, the towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City are conveniently on your way. They provide unique experiences and accommodations to extend your stay.
Tributary Whitewater Tours (dba raftcalifornia.com) operates under permit from the Tahoe National Forest Yuba River Ranger District and is an equal opportunity service provider.
Please be on time and note that there is no real address for this location. If you want to get a close destination, use 5151 Golden Chain Hwy, Camptonville, CA 95922 – this is approximately 2,000 ft. from the right turn on Indian Valley Rd. Can also use Indian Valley Campground, Camptonville, CA from Google maps.
Note that cell reception is pretty non-existent past Nevada City so if you are running late or need to contact us please do so in Nevada City or use the pay phone from Indian Valley Outpost Resort located on Hwy 49.
GPS Coordinates provided by Tahoe National Forest: Latitude:+39° 30′ 48.79″, Longitude -120° 58′ 58.91″. PLEASE NOTE THAT GPS DIRECTIONS ARE OFTEN INCORRECT AND WE HAVE MANY CLIENTS WHO USE GPS AND GET REALLY LOST. Please use our map in conjunction with any other mapping device/method you use, and try and stay aware of exactly where you. Cell phone reception is also not always available in these rural areas. We cannot be responsible for you getting lost and missing your trip.
Downieville: offers the closest hotel and inn accommodations (10 miles NE of meeting place).
Grass Valley/Nevada City: 38-42 miles, 45 minutes SW of meeting place. Convenient stop-off for clients traveling from Sacramento. Great restaurants, gas lights, horse drawn carriages.
Camptonville and Downieville: offer the closest accommodations
Grass Valley/Nevada City: 38-42 miles, 45 minutes SW of meeting place. Convenient stop-off for clients traveling from Sacramento. Great restaurants, gas lights, horse drawn carriages.
Camptonville and Downieville: offers the closest accommodations
Grass Valley/Nevada City: 38-42 miles, 45 minutes SW of meeting place. Convenient stop-off for clients traveling from Sacramento. Great restaurants, gas lights, horse drawn carriages.
Not a lot of selection, but surprisingly good quality for a small rustic town.
Historic buildings & walks in nearby rustic Downieville. Restaurants, gas & other supplies can be found in Camptonville and Downieville.
The area offers numerous trails for day hikes, back packing & mountain biking. Trails from easy to more difficult. See our North Yuba River hiking information.
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.
