Our trips are often available when the raft rentals in Tahoe City are closed, which was the case in the summer of 2023. 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 such as (Boca, Donner and Stampede).
About Whitewater Rafting the Truckee River
Our Truckee River rafting trips are a guided whitewater trip featuring Class 2-3+ rapids suitable for ages 10+ and non swimmers. In peak season we run 2 trips a day, 1 in the morning and another in the afternoon. Trips usually start mid-May and run thru the 3rd week of September. The Truckee River Rafting trips on the Boca to Floriston run offer peak summer rafting with guaranteed flows! In high snowpack years, trips on the Verdi section are also available during the snowmelt/spring season. This is a must do for visiting Lake Tahoe. Trips do fill within 2-3 weeks so be sure to book well in advance.
We meet at the Truckee River RV Park, located off I-80 in North Lake Tahoe. It is an easy day trip from Reno, Carson City and many Lake Tahoe Locations including Incline Village, Kings Beach & South Lake Tahoe.
2023 Rafting Trips:
The 2023 season is bringing back the Verdi Run! This season Tributary will be running trips on the Verdi section in the spring and Boca section in the summer when flows are within our “normal” cfs range. There is a lot of snowpack in the Sierra Mountains, which means that snow is going to melt and raise the Truckee River (along with all other rivers like the North Yuba and American) when the weather gets warmer.
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.
Summer Boca Section Rafting Trips:
This Truckee River rafting trip will start 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!
For all Truckee River Trips:
Professional photographers are typically located at these big rapids to capture your images as you come thru! These are available for purchase/view online after your trip.
Raft capacity is 5-6 depending on flow. For Class 3 trips suitable for younger kids or if you have a group of 6-8 you really don’t want to split into 2 rafts, then consider a drive to the American River.
- The South Fork American River located in Lotus, CA offers Class 2 trips for Ages 4+ (Lotus Run Section) and options for ages 7+ on several Class 3 rafting trips.
- The Lower Middle Fork American River trip meeting at Crooked Lane Brewing Co in Auburn is another great afternoon Class 2 family friendly trip for folks visiting North Lake Tahoe.
- Middle Fork American River rafting trips also meeting at the Crooked Lane Brewing Co in Auburn offer all summer long guaranteed Class 4 action.
This is NOT the raft rentals out of Tahoe City, which is a mellower self-guided float trip.