1/2 Day Rafting Trip Near Lake Tahoe

Prices Starting At

$99 Adults (ages 14+)
$89 Kids

Pricing Note: Group discounts cannot be applied to Truckee River rafting trips
More Truckee River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

Guided Truckee River Rafting in North Lake Tahoe

A perfect activity to add to any Lake Tahoe vacation! Our Truckee River rafting trips are guided white water adventures featuring Class 2-3+ rapids. The river features a perfect balance of calm waters and rapid sections providing a fun experience for families starting at ages 7+. Along the way you will find places to stop on shore and rock jump into the river. It’s is a fun outdoor activity that everyone in the family can enjoy. Our put in point is in North Lake Tahoe right outside of Truckee, California a quick drive from the lake. Paddle down the river as you take in the Sierra Nevada mountain views – certainly a bucket list adventure! Our Truckee river white water rafting trips are a must do activity when visiting Lake Tahoe.

In peak season we run 2 trips a day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, both launching from the Truckee River RV Park just outside of Truckee, CA. Rafting trips usually start mid-May and run thru the third week of September. Our Lake Tahoe river rafting trips run the Boca to Floriston section during peak summer with guaranteed flows. In high snowpack years, rafting trips on the Verdi section are also available during the snowmelt/spring season. Trips do fill within 2-3 weeks so be sure to book well in advance!

Our Truckee River Rafting Season Runs all Summer!

Our trips are available when the raft rentals in Tahoe City are closed. Sections of the Truckee River sometimes close near Tahoe City due to high or low water only coming out of Lake Tahoe which effect raft rental companies in that specific area. Our guided Truckee River rafting trips leave from Truckee which is north of Tahoe City by 20 miles. We are able to run trips due to different water supplies to the river with our section being supplied from reservoirs and lakes (Boca, Donner and Stampede).

Standard Boca Section Rafting Trips

This is our standard Truckee River rafting trip. This trip begins with several fun Class 2-2+ rapids as you meander thru the High Sierra desert, with cottonwoods lining the banks. Several miles downstream you will encounter a series of Class 3+ rapids including Jaws & Bronco!

Spring/Early Summer Verdi Section Rafting Trips

The Verdi section on the Truckee River is not always available, and is a rare an often sought after river trip. This unique experience takes you from Crystal Peak Park to Mayberry Park on the Truckee River. Most of the trip is mellow with some Class II rapids along the way, with some big drops over fish flow as you meander thru the High Sierra desert, with cottonwoods lining the banks. Several miles downstream you will encounter a series of Class 3+ rapids going over fish flow dams.

Whether you are on a weekend getaway, day trip or extended vacation there is nothing quite like floating down the Truckee River and enjoying white water rafting near Lake Tahoe!

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Lake Tahoe river rafting adventures
  • Guided rafting available all summer long
  • White water trips great for families, groups, and first timers
  • Professional photographers are typically located at big rapids to capture your images as you come thru! Images available for purchase/view online after your trip.
  • Convenient meeting location in Truckee, California
  • Boca run and Verdi run (section will depend on flows)
  • Unique scenery of volcanic canyon, craggy eroded cliffs formed by ancient lava flows near Lake Tahoe

 

River Map

Trip Itinerary

  • Arrive at the Truckee River RV Park
  • Meet and greet your guides and load the shuttle for a quick ride to the put in
  • At put in you will be outfitted with PFD, helmet and paddle, and a safety talk will be given before you get on the river
  • Rafting!
  • Class 2-2+ rapids like Wake Up (AKA Menace Rapid), Airplane Turn and Railroad Rapid (AKA Lower & Upper Rock Garden
  • Last mile drops into the Floriston Gorge starting with the Class 3+ Jaws rapid. Just around the corner the river drops into a long boulder garden called Pinball Machine. This is followed by the Class 3+ Bronco Ledge and Lower Bronco.
  • At take out the guides load the equipment and we shuttle you back to the meeting location!

Traveling to the

Where To Stay

There are many places to stay in the Tahoe / Truckee area.

Camp at the Truckee River RV Park

Tahoe Luxury Properties – Vacation Rentals

Visit Truckee / Tahoe Lodging 

What Should I Bring

  • 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