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Truckee River RAFTING TRIPS

Truckee, CA /

Level: Beginner to Intermediate /

Class 2-3+

  • Minimum Age: 7 yrs (9-10 when water levels higher)
  • Trip Length: 7 miles, ½ day
  • Season: May-September
  • Elevation: 5528 Ft
  • Trip Pricing: Starting at $79
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Closest rafting near Lake Tahoe!

Half-day Class II-III Rafting Trips on the Truckee River

These fun 1/2 day Truckee River rafting trips are the closest white water rafting to most locations in Lake Tahoe and Reno. The Boca to Floriston trip is an exciting guided Class 2-3 adventure usually available all summer. The trip is suitable for kids ages 7+ and non swimmers!

Several reservoirs and lakes (Boca, Donner and Stampede) supply the summer water on these sections of river, not just Lake Tahoe. The Boca rafting trip is often available when the raft rentals are closed (due to high or low water). Be sure to call us if in doubt, as unfortunately some seasonal hotel workers are not always so well informed.

This section of the Truckee River heads east from Truckee towards Reno. The river travels from the higher elevation pine forests and flows into the High Sierra desert, with cottonwoods lining the banks.

RESERVATIONS ARE ALWAYS REQUIRED on this popular trip, so please book well in advance. During peak season and particularly around July 4th, the afternoon trips can fill up weeks in advance. Space is limited.

Reserve well in advance for and Holidays and Saturday afternoon trips – don’t miss out !

This is NOT the raft rentals out of Tahoe City, which is often not open when we ARE running.

Rafting Trips On The Truckee River
Meeting Location

Truckee River RV Park
10068 Hirschdale Rd
Truckee, CA 96161

There are always roadworks in the Reno and Tahoe area throughout the summer, so PLEASE allow extra time. We suggest coming into the Truckee area for breakfast or lunch so you are in the area ahead of time. The meeting location has an onsite deli open for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

 

Area Information

The closest lake side lodging is in Kings Beach 20 minutes S. Tahoe City and Incline Village are just 30 minutes away. For casinos and more bustling night life, Reno is 35-40 minutes to the east and South Lake Tahoe is approx. 1.25 hrs to the south.

There are many campsites along the Truckee River corridor and at Prosser & Boca Reservoirs, some with no reservations. To reserve camp sites (which is highly recommended during the peak season) go to www.recreation.gov/. Select CA and Tahoe as the park or facility for the best range of options.

Truckee

Lots of options – these are our favorites!

  • East Side Deli –  Great deli located at our meeting location at the Truckee River RV Park! Perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating with picnic tables.
  • Burger Me – 10418 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee. Amazing burgers with vegetarian options, fries (try the sweet potato fries) and milkshakes. All natural ingredients.

Other North Lake Tahoe Dining options are available the GoTahoeNorth website has a great tool to help you select the perfect experience.

Activities include mountain biking, hiking, golf, fishing, kayaking and motor boating on Lake Tahoe. Check out www.tahoeactivities.com for some more information. The town of Truckee has a rich history and the chamber (see below) has maps for a walking tour of downtown and there are many interesting shops, restaurants, and wine tasting. Area events include the fireworks display for July 4th, and Music & Shakespeare Festivals in July & August.

For bus shuttle transportation services covering the North & West shores of Lake Tahoe and Truckee, from the Reno Airport and points in between, check out www.northlaketahoeexpress.com and www.laketahoetransit.com.

  • Truckee River Taxi – (530) 386-3935. Providing airport shuttle service, group/party shuttles, hourly service available.
  • Lyft 
  • Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center – 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, CA 96161. (530) 587-9470. Trail rides, private lessons and boarding. Reservations required.

Stand Up Paddle (or SUP) boarding is increasing in popularity for Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Lakes and Rivers! There are many places to explore around the lake and a SUP board gives you access to places motor boats cannot take you!

South Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe

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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