Whitewater Rafting Tours

Tributary Whitewater Tours

Tributary Whitewater Tours near South Lake Tahoe

Tributary Whitewater is gearing up for a promising white water rafting season in California and Oregon after a strong winter, a crucial link between the mountains and rivers. The Sierra Nevada mountains will particularly provide a steady surge of runoff from April through July. This optimistic river flow forecast follows a recent winter storm that swept through the Tahoe region early March, significantly boosting precipitation and snowpack accumulation.

“We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming rafting season is shaping up to be one of the best yet,” said Tributary Whitewater’s Owner, Jeremiah Copper. “The recent storm has us excited to run trips on rivers that are not always guaranteed, including the North Fork American River, East Fork Carson River and North Yuba River.”

Traditionally October through April marks the wet season in California, with precipitation playing a pivotal role in determining river flows. The March storm set the stage for promising river conditions in the coming months.

“The recent boost in snowpack has us eager to get on the river,” said Copper. “Our season starts at the beginning of April and we can’t wait to share these highly sought after river trips, that rely on natural flows, with clients.”

The North Yuba River, located near Downieville CA, offers highly sought after Class IV trips which only run during high snow years. East Fork Carson River two-day rafting trips near South Lake Tahoe, also rely on natural flows from snowmelt, feature hot springs and Class II rapids perfect for young families ages 4+.

Near Sacramento, North Fork American River rafting trips will also run this spring season and are highly sought after Class IV trips. Additionally the Owyhee River in Eastern Oregon features four-day rafting trips with hot springs, relies on natural river flows and has a strong spring season ahead. 

Tributary White Water Rafting Tours. These fun 1/2 day Truckee River rafting trips are the closest white water rafting to most locations in Lake Tahoe and Reno. This section of the Truckee River heads east  from Truckee heading towards Reno. The Boca to Floriston trip is an exciting all summer guided Class 2-3 adventure, and is not a float trip. The river travels from the pine forests and passes into the High Sierra desert, with cottonwoods lining the banks. For more information visit whitewatertours.com/lake-tahoe-truckee-river-rafting/

These Truckee River rafting trips should not be confused with the self-guided float out of Tahoe City. Water on these sections of river is supplied by several reservoirs and lakes (Boca, Donner and Stampede), and not just Lake Tahoe. Consequently, the Boca rafting trip is available at many times when the raft rentals are closed. Be sure to call us, as some seasonal hotel workers are not always very well informed.

This is a popular trip and RESERVATIONS ARE ALWAYS REQUIRED so please, book well in advance. During peak season and particularly around July 4th, the afternoon trips fill up sometimes weeks in advance. Space is limited so larger groups should definitely plan well ahead.

In the mountains, the occasional thunder storm does happen in the summer, but we raft rain or shine. We do have splash jackets available at those times. We will only cancel a trip when there is a safety concern like lightening in the immediate vicinity of the river trip.

Group transportation can sometimes be arranged for a fee from the Reno and Lake Tahoe areas.


Tributary Whitewater added several unique river experiences to its whitewater trip lineup this season. The exclusive excursions can be found on the Snake River in Oregon and on the Klamath and American Rivers located in California. 

“Our new river experiences are truly unique,” said Jeremiah Copper, Owner of Tributary Whitewater. “Rafters will hear live music by their favorite band on the river, relax and unwind with yoga during their trip, or taste wine on the shores of the river. A multi-day whitewater trip is already an amazing experience and we are really excited to bring it to the next level and offer something truly special.”

The new river experiences feature the following trips:

Fishing & Hunting Trip on the Snake River: Fishing on the Snake River is an angler’s delight and this trip highlights just that! Guests can expect to find trout, bass and steelhead during the trip and fish caught will be fried up by the guides. Chukar hunting is available during the fall where hunters are dropped off on shore to walk the trails as boats follow on the river. Limited availability. The trip is $2,100 per person and is available to book Sept 12 & 18 and Oct 16 & 30.   

Women’s Wellness on the Snake River: Unwind and re-wild during the four-day three-night Women’s Wellness retreat on the Snake River in OR. Yoga sessions, massages, guided fishing lessons, side hikes, and more, guests will get in tune with nature as they relax on the banks of the river. Camp is set up nightly by the guides and all meals are prepared and cooked for guests. Limited availability. Ages 14+. The trip is $2,000 per person and is available to book for departure on July 31.  

River Ruckus on the Lower Klamath River: Join Sierra Nevada foothills based Red Dirt Ruckus on the Lower Klamath River for a two-night three-day rafting trip. After a day on the water, guests will get into some toe-tapping, hip-shakin’, bluegrass mixed with a bit of reggae and funk. The band will perform multiple times throughout the river trip. Limited availability. The trip is $1,199 per adult and $999 per kid (ages 5-13) and is available to book for departure on July 31.

Moving Deep Wellness & Rafting on the South Fork American River: Spend the weekend in the Sierra Nevada foothills recharging with wellness and rafting on the American River. Guests will immerse themselves in a day of yoga and holistic health followed by an evening of camping along the shores of the river. On day two the group will raft the South Fork American River Chili Bar section. Put on in partnership with Moving Deep Yoga out of Lotus, CA. The two-day trip is $349 per person, includes five meals, and is available to book for Sept 22 – 24, 2023.

Wineries & Whitewater on the South Fork American River: A weekend of wine tasting, camping, and whitewater rafting just outside of Sacramento. Guests will tour award-winning wineries in El Dorado County on day one and camp along the shores of the South Fork American River after the tastings. On day two the group will raft the South Fork American River Chili Bar section. The two-day trip is $399 per person, includes five meals, and is available to book for Sept 29, 2023.

More information on the specialty multi-day rafting trips, along with the full list of river tours can be found on Tributary’s website at WhiteWaterTours.com.

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Tributary Whitewater Tours

10068 Hirschdale Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

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