East Fork Carson River – “Wilderness Run” 1 day raft trip

The East Fork Carson River is a free flowing spring and early summer trip, with spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks of the Sierra’s.

Our 1 day wilderness rafting trip on the East Fork Carson River includes a stop at the hot springs for lunch. As we cover 21 miles, it’s a long day, so unfortunately our time at the hot springs is obviously limited. So do consider an overnight trip where we camp within walking distance of the hot springs!! 

We put-in after our pre-trip instructions at Hangman’s Bridge, 2 miles SE of Markleeville. This Eastern Sierra running stream has a steep gradient, so though only Class 2 rapids, the river flow is swift. The most difficult is the Class 2+ Sidewinder rapid close to the hot springs. The natural hot-springs, 9 miles down from the put-in, is one of the high-lights of the trip and clients can take a soak in several pools while the guides prepare lunch. On the left bank, the main hot-springs cascades into a pool in the river. There are additional pools on either bank above the river.

After the hot springs, the scenery changes and the vegetation becomes more sparse as we enter the high desert of Nevada. The river starts to meander in horseshoe shaped curves past interesting rock formations and we take-out at the BLM boat ramp, near Gardnerville in Nevada. You will be served cold drinks while the guides load equipment on to waiting shuttle vehicles, and you are transported back to your vehicles in Markleeville.

Tributary Whitewater Tours operates under permit from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider.