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2 Day Rafting Trip
Live Fiddle Music On The River + Soak in Hot Springs

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  • Location: Markleeville, CA / Lake Tahoe
  • Level: Class II, Easy,
  • Min Age: 4+ years
  • Trip Length: 2 Days, 1 Night
  • Meet Time: 9 AM
  • Return Time: 3 - 4 PM
  • Meals: 4 included
  • Camping: 1 night included
  • Ability:
April 25 & 26, 2026
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530.626.7385
More East Fork Carson River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

White Water Rafting, Hot Springs, and Live Fiddle Music Near Lake Tahoe!

Experience the magic of spring rafting near Lake Tahoe with a unique twist: natural hot springs on the river and live fiddle music under the Sierra stars!

Our exclusive 2-day East Fork Carson River rafting trip offers 21 miles of gentle adventure with mellow Class II+ rapids. It’s the perfect multi-day escape for groups, friends, and young families, starting at ages 4+.

What makes this trip unforgettable?

  • Soak & Relax: We camp on a large gravel bar, allowing plenty of room to spread out and enjoy soaking in the natural Carson River hot springs throughout the evening.
  • Live Fireside Fiddler: As the sun sets, be serenaded by the sounds of fiddle player Holly Sternberg Kozan (Fiddlers2), a five-time Nevada State Fiddle Champion and Hall of Fame member.
  • Explore: Enjoy a great hike right from our camp spot, offering fantastic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

This free-flowing spring rafting trip usually provides us with plenty of water for a spectacular run. Note that this river doesn’t run every year (due to water levels), so be sure to grab a spot when this special musical experience is available!

About Fiddlers2

Holly Sternberg Kozan has been playing the fiddle since she was a small child when she discovered her grandmas violin in a closet while playing hide and seek. From that moment on, she knew she wanted to play it. Holly loves all kinds of folk music and now performs a variety of music inspired by the six Celtic Nations, as well as Canadian, Appalachian, and Scandinavian music. Occasionally you can even catch her playing classical music with her quartet.

She has performed across the United States, as well as overseas in Scotland, Norway, Switzerland, and New Zealand. Holly is the five time Nevada State Fiddle Champion and has also won the California Western Open and is a member of the National Old Time Fiddlers Hall of Fame. Holly’s fiery playing breathes life into music – poignant and dynamic, vibrant and spirited. You won’t be able to stop your feet from tapping!

Fiddlers2 Official Website
Check Out Fiddlers2 on Facebook!
Follow Fiddlers2 on IG

Watch on YouTube
Fiddlers2 Frog Set
Fiddlers2 Inspired Set
Ciana Willie Taylor
Ceol A’lainne Video

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

TRIP ITINERARY

Meet Time 9 AM
Return Time: 3 - 4 PM
We meet you at 9:00am at the Carson River Resort in Markleville, CA.
We will provide you with dry bags for your overnight gear.

Full Day of River Excitement: Put-in @ Hangmans Bridge put-in after trip prep and orientation. Enjoy a full day of rafting on the East Fork Carson River. We’ll stop for a riverside lunch along the way and enjoy more rafting afterward.

Arrival at Camp: After a full day of whitewater rafting, we’ll pull over for the night to camp at a large gravel bar a short distance from the hot springs. We’ll have room to spread out, good access to the river and are usually able to have a fire depending on the weather. Your guides will assist you with rafting gear and set up camp right alongside the river. Once you’re settled in, soak in the Hot Springs and exploration!!

Appetizers, Drinks, Dinner, Campfire & Hot Springs: Savor appetizers and drinks followed by a delicious dinner. Hangout by the campfire and enjoy more Hot Springs soaking till bedtime.

Morning by the River: The sounds of the rushing river and the smell of freshly brewed coffee will help ease you into the morning! We also have tea and other hot drinks available if you prefer.

Breakfast at Camp: Your guides will cook you a delicious breakfast to help you fuel for the upcoming day. Afterward, you’ll pack up your gear and help clean up camp (maybe one more dip in the Hot Springs ;)

Continued River Rafting Adventure: We’ll go over another safety refresher before heading back on the water. We’ll head out for our second full day of whitewater rafting, floating through beautiful basalt canyons. We’ll stop again for lunch alongside the river. Sometimes we just head to take-out for lunch, depending on what our clients prefer.

Arrival at Take-out: After rafting all day, we’ll reach our take-out point at BLM Boat Ramp near Gardnerville, NV. 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Soak in natural East Carson River hot springs along the river
  • Live Music by Fiddler Holly Sternberg Kozan (Fiddlers2)
  • Class II waters, prefect for young families, ages starting at 4+
  • Free flowing river, not dam controlled, and only available in the spring. (Rafting this river section is based on water height not available every year.)
  • Close to Lake Tahoe, a perfect experience to add to your Tahoe vacation.
  • High elevation river located in the northern end of the Eastern Sierras
  • Beautiful side hike from camp
  • Fantastic fishing including Lahontan cutthroat trout
  • We are one of two companies that have a permit to raft the East Fork Carson

PRICING

Pricing is per person
April 25: Fiddlers on the River
$450
* Price does not include the fee for your vehicle to be shuttled to take out. For more details click here.
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What Should I Bring

For Rafting

  • Required Items
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

For Camping

  • Linens
    • Blankets
    • Pillow
    • Sleeping bag
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel

 

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

Rafting shuttle coordination included. Additional fees may apply. For more information on trip shuttles click here.

Included with Rafting

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

  • Tent
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Cot
  • Camping chair
  • Dry Bag for your gear
  • 1 night camping
  • 4 meals
    • Day 1 –  lunch & dinner
    • Day 2 – breakfast & lunch

Camping & Meals

From The Blog

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