Kids Raft for 50% Off on the South Fork American River
A hot spring pool next to a calm river in a desert landscape. A group of people are standing on shore in the background next to rafting boats.

2 Day Rafting Trip
Raft, Camp & Soak in Hot Springs

Choose Your River

BOOK THIS TRIP!
  • Location: Markleeville, CA / Lake Tahoe
  • Level: Class II, Easy,
  • Dates: April - May
BOOK THIS TRIP!
  • River Miles: 21 miles
  • Trip Time: 9:00am day 1 – 5:00pm day 2
  • Ability:
  • Meals: 4 included
  • Camping: 1 night included
  • Min Age: 4+ years
Prices Starting At

$339 per person

Pricing Note: Price does not include the fee for your vehicle to be shuttled to take out. For more details click here.
More East Fork Carson River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

White Water Rafting + Hot Springs Near Lake Tahoe

Spring rafting near Lake Tahoe with natural hot springs on the river!

Our 2 day East Fork Carson River rafting trip flows for 21 miles with mellow Class II+ rapids making it a perfect multi-day trip for groups, friends and young families starting at ages 4+. We camp at a large gravel bar allowing plenty of room to spread out and enjoy soaking in the Carson River hot springs throughout the evening. There is a great hike right from our camp spot allowing fantastic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This spring rafting trip is free flowing usually providing us plenty of water for rafting in the Spring. Note that this river doesn’t run every year (due to water levels) so be sure to grab a spot when it is available.

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

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Soak in natural East Carson River hot springs along the river
  • 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
A rafting boat floating down the Carson River with red rocks behind it.
A close up photo of people inside a rafting boat getting splashed by river water. Green forest in the background.
A hot spring pool next to a calm river in a desert landscape. A group of people are standing on shore in the background next to rafting boats.
Group of people sitting in a hot spring surrounded by rocks and green grass. A calm river and green forest in the background.
A rafting boat on a river with several people in it. Red rocks in the background.
People hanging out around a campfire at night. Forest is lit up underneath stars and the Milky Way.
The nose of a rafting boat points down a river with whitewater waves. Snowy mountains are in the distance.
Two people sitting on the side of a rafting boat holding paddles. They are being splashed by the river water.
Two people rafting in a boat with another boat in the background.

River Map

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Itinerary

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.
  • Trip prep and orientation @ Hangmans Bridge put-in
  • Rafting!
  • Stop for riverside lunch
  • More rafting!
  • Arrive @ camping location and assist with rafting gear / night prep. We camp at a large gravel bar a short distance from the hot springs where we have room to spread out, good access to the river and we are usually able to have a fire depending on the weather. 
  • Camp set-up, soaking in the Hot Springs and exploration!!
  • Appetizers and drinks followed by a delicious dinner
  • Campfire hangout / more Hot Springs soaking till bedtime.

Day 2 Itinerary

Coffee & Tea available will be available early in the morning
  • Breakfast in camp
  • Pack up / clean up camp…maybe one more dip in the Hot Springs;)
  • Trip prep and orientation (yes you heard it the day before, but it doesn’t hurt to have a refresher!)
  • Rafting!
  • Stop for riverside lunch (sometimes we just head to take out for lunch, depends on what our clients prefer)
  • More rafting!
  • Take out at BLM Boat Ramp near Gardnerville, NV

 

Traveling to the

Where to Meet

Carson River Resort
Markleeville, CA

 

 

Where To Stay

Accommodations are available in the town of Markleville at our meeting point, Carson River Resort.

The Grover Hot Springs State Historic Park is also a great place to stay if you are interested in camping, and is located just out of town.

What Should I Bring

For Rafting

  • Required Items
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Water and reusable water bottle
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Cell Phones
    • 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.

What Does Tributary Provide

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

From The Blog

From The Blog

An overhead photo of a campsite set up next to a calm river with small whitewater waves. Green trees surround the camp including chairs, a tent and a rafting boat tied to shore.

Hot Springs in Nevada: Soak, Soothe, and Explore the Silver State’s Best Kept Secrets

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A campsite next to a river with green rafting boats tied on shore. There are people standing under a pop up tent and chairs set up around a fire pit.

Soak, Soothe, and Repeat: The Best Tahoe Hot Springs to Pair with Your Rafting Getaway

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A rafting boat on a river with several people in it. Red rocks in the background.

East Fork Carson River Hot Springs: The Ultimate Adventure Blend of Rapids & Relaxation

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Get In Touch
CALL US: 530.626.7385
TEXT US: 760.270.8112
Tributary Whitewater
Incredible River Experiences

We launch trips on many different rivers in California, Oregon and Idaho. For questions give our main office a call – we would love to talk with you about our trips and rivers.

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the Rivers we run

Our vision is to create a sustainable and equitable reality where our rivers are enjoyed and protected, a place where families and friends can be inspired and challenged.

Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running rivers since we were first founded in 1978. Since we opened 40+ years ago we have expanded to include Adventure Connection, Mariah Wilderness Expeditions, High Desert River Outfitters, Canyon Outfitters and are the parent company of Raft California and Raft Oregon. While some things have changed over the years, Tributary remains a family-run small business with the same passion for the river and the mission of leading others to experience it.

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Tributary Whitewater Tours is a permitted outfitter under the National Forest Service, the CA Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Nevada County, El Dorado County and Bureau of Land Management. Tributary Whitewater Tours is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.
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