2 Day Rafting Trip

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  • Location: Downieville, CA / Sierra Buttes
  • Level: Class IV, Advanced,
  • Dates: April - May
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  • River Miles: 18+ Miles
  • Trip Time: 10:00am Day 1 – 4:00pm Day 2
  • Ability:
  • Meals: 4 included
  • Camping: 1 night included
  • Min Age: 14 years
Prices Starting At

$369 Adults (14+)

More North Yuba River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

Enjoy 2 amazing days of rafting on the North Yuba River. Our 2 day trip typically begins with the Maytag Run on the first day.  The second day runs will typically depend on flows. There are Class 5 runs on Moss Canyon and Rossosco Ravine (aka the Downieville Run), as well as the Class 4 Bullard’s Bar run from our camp down to the reservoir. Camping is at our Private camp in the Tahoe National Forest, this is a primitive camp with no amenities so be ready to rough it a bit.

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
  • 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)
  • Class 3-4+ rapids
  • Beautiful Wilderness section!

Moss Canyon Run:

  • 6 miles
  • Continuous Class 4-5 action Two Pair & Ramshorn Rapids
  • 3 Class 5 rapids right after the other – Floss Moss, Toss Moss & the big one, Boss Moss!

Rosassco Ravine Run:

  • 4 miles
  • Continuous Class 4-5 whitewater excitement
  • Big Dummy Rapid

 

Overnight rafting trips on the North Yuba River are the perfect way to combine several Class 4-5+ white water runs! These trips are some of the best in Northern California. Certain runs are sometimes not available and it is all up to Mother Nature on that. If you are interested in getting more info on when a specific run is available please feel free to contact us!

The 2 day North Yuba River Rafting & Camping trip is great for Bachelor Parties and groups! We are close to Lake Tahoe, Sacramento & San Francisco. We also offer a 1 day North Yuba River Rafting Trip.

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

Arrive the night before and stay in Downieville or camping nearby is the best option. The North Yuba River is a great excuse to extend your weekend or make a vacation out of the experience.

Day 1

  • 9:00am meeting in Downieville, CA or 10:00am our private Yuba camp were you will meet your guides and jump on our shuttle van for a quick ride to the put-in location.
  • A safety talk and orientation is given at put in where you will receive your river gear including:
    • paddle
    • helmet
    • PFD
    • wetsuit
    • and splash jacket
  • We will launch our boats, practice paddling skills with our guides and head for the Class IV/V excitement!
  • Lunch is served riverside around noon
  • Followed by more rafting in the afternoon
  • We return to camp with time to enjoy the peace of the river over dinner & usually this time of year/fire danger will allow us to have a campfire

Day 2

  • Wake up in the tall pines of Tahoe National Forest where coffee & is ready early in the morning
  • We enjoy a leisurely breakfast and your guides will lay out the day ahead of you, going over what section you will run, and what to expect
  • Rafting from 10:00am (ish) to 3:00pm (depending on the section of river, Bullards Bar can require a long tow out)
  • Lunch provided mid-day

Due to the free flowing nature of the Yuba River, river flows will determine which sections are run. This is for safety reasons and we stop and scout rapids on the way to put-in as well as on river.

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  During the two day, one night trip we will camp as a group at the National Forest’s Indian Valley Campground. This campground 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

For Rafting

  • 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

For Camping

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

 

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

What Does Tributary Provide

Spring Rafting

  • Wetsuits or drysuits are required during this trip
  • We provide a wetsuit, splash top and (if needed) a fleece
  • You may also bring your own personal wetsuit or drysuit
  • Learn more about our  wetsuit/splash tops here
  • DO NOT WEAR COTTON! We suggest you wear polypro and wool materials

Included with Rafting

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

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

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

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Tributary Whitewater
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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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