1 Day River Rafting Trip

Prices Starting At

$149 Adults (14+)

More North Yuba River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

Our North Yuba River Rafting trips are a rare treat for white water rafters! The river is free flowing and the season typically only runs from April through May due to the river’s dependence on snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Rafting trips on the North Yuba River are sought after by paddlers of all experience levels. There are several Class 4 and 5 runs on the North Yuba River including the Maytag (aka Goodyears Bar), Moss Canyon, Rossosco Ravine, and Bullards Bar. The Maytag run is our most popular trip, although the trip will depend on client abilities, flows and weather. Looking to step in up a notch? Experts will enjoy Wild Plum – available for returning rafters who ran Class 4+ with us previously.

Previously rafted a section of the North Yuba and searching for a new one? Please contact us if you want to check on dates/runs!

Wetsuits are required for this trip. You are welcome to bring your own or rent one from us.

Maytag / Goodyear’s Bar Run:

  • 9 miles
  • Goodyears Bar to Rocky Rest Campground
  • Starts with Class 2-3+ rapids, many Class 4-4+ rapids to follow
  • Class 5 Maytag Rapid after lunch followed by Class 4+ Son of Maytag!

Bullard’s Bar Run:

  • 6 miles rafting (plus about 12 miles of boating on Bullard’s Bar Reservoir)
  • Raft California North Yuba Camp to Bullards Bar
  • Class 3-4+ rapids
  • Beautiful Wilderness section!

Moss Canyon Run:

  • 6 miles
  • Union Flat to Downieville, CA
  • Continuous Class 4-5 action including Ramshorn & Two Pair Rapids
  • Highlight is the 3 Class 5 drops in a row – Floss Moss, Toss Moss & the big one, Boss Moss!

Rosassco Ravine Run:

  • 4 miles
  • Downieville, CA to Goodyear’s Bar (give or take sometimes)
  • Continuous Class 4-5 action including the Big Dummy Rapid
  • Rarely Available!

 

The North Yuba River is a popular trip for Bachelor Parties and groups! Rafting trips are close to Lake Tahoe making it a great vacation add-on. Mountain bikers, make it a weekend and raft the North Yuba one day and bike the downhill the next! If you have the time, join us for a 2 day North Yuba trip, more runs & more fun! The 2 day North Yuba trip is one of our guides favorites!

Tributary Whitewater Tours operates under permit from the Tahoe National Forest Yuba River Ranger District and is an equal opportunity service provider.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Exciting whitewater rafting – a great step up for experienced paddlers
  • Free flowing river that only provides spring rafting in April & May
  • Close to the charming town of Downieville – go mountain bike and whitewater rafting in one weekend!
  • Located near Lake Tahoe – a great vacation add-on.
  • Best technical whitewater in California, ready to thrill you with its challenges
  • An early spring-time whitewater adventure: a great transition into summer rafting fun
  • Class IV and V rapids
  • Exciting wildlife and spectacular views
  • Uncrowded as there are only 3 commercial permits

River Map

Trip Itinerary

Get ready for a great day on the river!  The shuttle departs from our private camp to the Goodyears Bar put-in a few miles up-stream. En route your guides will present orientation and safety information. At put-in you will receive your river gear including a paddle, a helmet, a PFD and a wetsuit. We will launch our boats, practice paddling skills with our guides and head for the whitewater excitement.

There are several runs on the Yuba River like the Maytag run (Goodyears Bar Run), Moss Canyon, Rossoco Ravine, and Bullards Bar. For safety reasons the daily flows will dictate which one we raft on.

 

Our shuttle vehicle will greet us at take-out with beverages for the very short ride back to your car.

You’ll head for home happy, relaxed and full of memories from a great river trip experience!

Traveling to the

Where to Meet

Meet at National Forest Service Indian Valley Campground

Indian Valley Rd,
Camptonville, CA 95922

Flying In

Fly into the Sacramento Airport (SMF) and take a 1 hr 30 min  drive to our meeting point where the fun begins!

What’s the Drive Time

From the Tributary meeting point to:

 

Where To Stay

Indian Valley Campground   This campground is where we will meet for your one day trip and is a great option to stay another night before or after rafting.

Willow Creek Campground – Camptonville, 6 miles west of meeting location. Reservations available, hot showers, water, some electric hook-ups, cabins and tent camping available. 530-288-0646.

Tahoe National Forest Campgrounds – Numerous locations along Highway 49 and many on river. Elev. 2200 ft. Vault toilets, most have water. Go to www.recreation.gov for reservations. In “Where” field enter Indian Valley – Tahoe National Forest. This shows the closest camp to the meeting location, but location map with others within a few miles. Most open last weekend of April. Before that, the sites may show as “not available”, but you can access the camp sites, but no services (and no fees), so bring your own water.

What Should I Bring

Spring Rafting

  • Wetsuit or Drysuit (you can also rent wetsuit/splash top from us)
  • This is a spring rafting trip – DO NOT WEAR COTTON! We suggest you wear polypro and wool materials

  • Required Items
    • Re-usable 20oz or more water bottle
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Cell Phones
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

 

Click here for a full detailed list of what to wear and what to bring.

What Does Tributary Provide

Included with Rafting

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft
  • Shuttles to/from camp
  • Lunch