Whitewater Tours has been guiding California whitewater rafting trips since 1978 and offers something for all levels, from family California rafting vacation trips suitable for kids, to extreme California white water rafting adventures for the expert. With so many rivers to choose from, we know we have the right California whitewater rafting trip for you.

We offer California river rafting trips throughout the state. In Southern California, the Kaweah River is located at the entrance to Sequoia National Park. In Central California, there are many great California river rafting spots on the North, South and Middle Forks of the American River, Truckee River, Yuba River and East Carson. Some of these Gold Country and Sierra Nevada California white water rafting trips run throughout the summer, and they are close to great vacation areas like Lake Tahoe, Reno, Sacramento and San Francisco. Escape to beautiful un-crowded Northern California rivers in the Trinity Alps, Smith River Recreation Area, Siskiyou Mountains and near Mount Shasta. Here you can find some of the toughest whitewater rafting in California, which includes trips on the Salmon, Scott River, Smith River, Burnt Ranch Gorge and the Upper Klamath. Northern California also offers some of the best family California rafting vacation trips on the Trinity River, Lower Klamath River and Upper Sacramento River.

A Whitewater Tours California rafting trip combines all the elements of a memorable river rafting adventure -- beautiful scenery, thrilling rapids, sun, solitude and relaxation. Each California white water rafting trip is carefully geared to meet your level of experience and sense of adventure, whether it is a express half-day California river rafting run or a multi-day California whitewater rafting vacation. We pride ourselves on the excellence of our well-qualified and personable California river rafting employees and the fact that we have been offering safe California whitewater rafting trips for more than 25 years.

Check out all our California rivers in the map below and locations for a California white water rafting vacation, or we have selected some options to assist you finding something special. Our spring time favorite for the adventurous beginner or experienced rafter is the North Yuba, and for wilderness trips from 2 days to 4 days, choose from the child friendly Lower Klamath or the more adventurous Middle Fork American River. We have some great discounts on certain family California rafting trips or for all the options by level of difficulty see our full California rafting schedule and prices. We look forward to helping you plan a wonderful California Rafting trip, so please call us at 800-6-RAFTING (800-672-3846) for assistance or see below for other contact information.

Please visit us for Yuba white water rafting, Rafting American River, Klamath whitewater rafting, Northern California river rafting, and Tributary Whitewater Tours

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North Fork of the Yuba

Class IV & V
8-10 mi. (1 day)
18-36 mi. (2-4 days)
April-mid July
near Downieville, CA (meeting place)
1 hr. north of Nevada City (40 mi.)
2 hrs. northeast of Sacramento

Our favorite spring river, the Yuba sparkles and romps through a beautiful forested canyon. Sections of the Yuba are ideal for active first timers, and there are stretches for experienced rafters looking for Class V thrills. "The North Fork of the Yuba River is a classic. The combination of unimpeded flow, excellent rapids, beautiful scenery, plentiful camping and the quaint little town of Downieville all add up to a super river." (Guide to the Best Whitewater in the State of California; by Lars Holbek & Chuck Stanley.) Despite its proximity to the Bay Area, the North Fork Yuba is an uncrowded gem, with just three outfitters permitted to offer trips. We're one of the original companies who pioneered this river for commercial rafting in 1981. Tributary operates under a permit issued by the Tahoe National Forest. Located at the northern most end of the fabled Mother Lode highway, State Route 49, the river runs through the heavily forested Tahoe National Forest, past the majestic Sierra Buttes. Nearby are rustic and charming gold mining towns of Downieville and Sierra City. The area offers good selection of restaurants, interesting shops, cozy motels and saloons, historic landmarks, and plentiful camping. With over thirty-five miles of runnable river and a variety of Class IV-Class V whitewater thrills, both veterans and active first-timers alike can spend from one to four days maneuvering down the snow-melt waters from the surrounding 8000' peaks of the Sierra Nevada during the months of April through July. This river also offers exciting rafting in smaller boats at lower flows.

The most popular stretch of the Yuba is the Class IV Maytag run named after the famous Class V Maytag rapid, one of the most photographed big rapids in the west. We always stop and scout this rapid giving the clients the option of walking around. This trip finishes with a series of Class IV rapids down to our secluded camp at Indian Valley. Below our camp is a full day Class IV wilderness run. Upstream of these two runs are two Class V stretches, Moss Canyon / Rosassco Ravine and Wild Plum, both with challenging rapids and memorable scenery.

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California Rafting with Children

There are wonderful, scenic California river rafting trips available for children as young as 4 years old, close to Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, as well as in N. California. You can opt for a short half-day California rafting trip, where you can bring your own picnic lunch, or a family California rafting vacation of 2-3 days of rafting. All meals are provided and prepared by our courteous, professional staff, and menus can be modified to cater to the fussiest eater or special diet needs. Lodging and camping options are available throughout the California rafting trip, with all the comforts of home or get-away from it all if preferred.

For the younger or more timid children, try a brief California river rafting introduction on a mellow Class 2, 1/2 day, 7 mile California rafting trip on the Lower Middle Fork American. The older youths and adults on this California rafting trip can try their hand in an inflatable kayak for some added adventure. This scenic wilderness California rafting trip in the Gold Country, has safe beach areas for picnicking and play, together with hikes up side creeks into shady dells with waterfalls. Very few California whitewater rafting outfitters offer it, though it is little gem. Sometimes no other people are seen on this California rafting trip, but nesting ducks, deer and heron often are (as well as the most incredible black berries for several months). The East Fork Carson, close to South Lake Tahoe, is another Class 2 California rafting run, which offers wonderful hot springs, wilderness camping and unique High Sierra scenery. In a good snow-pack year it can be rafted into July. Also near Lake Tahoe and Reno, a fun, ½ day California rafting trip on the Truckee River is available. It runs between Boca and Floriston, and should not be confused with the raft rental float trips out of Tahoe City. This California rafting trip is offered from mid-May to mid-September and children as young as 5 years can be accommodated, with an easy hike around the last section of Class 3+ rapids.

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Lower Klamath

Class III
18-28 mi. (2-3 days)
April-October
Happy Camp, CA (meeting place)
3 ½ hrs. northwest of Redding
7 hrs. north of San Francisco

The Klamath is located in the northwestern corner of California, in an area referred to as the "Klamath Knot" (also a book title) for its semblance to the palm-side of a closed fist as viewed from space. It has 185 miles of runnable whitewater and is California's third longest river. Flowing west out of the Cascade Range, it traverses through a series of small mountain ranges named the Siskiyous, Salmon, Marble Mountains, Scott Bar Mountains and the Trinity Alps, collectively known as the Klamath Mountains. For most of its length, the river passes through the Klamath National Forest. Thirty- five miles before it reaches the Pacific Ocean the Klamath turns to the northwest and cuts through the Pacific Coast Range, one of only three rivers on the west coast that does so.

With many fun rapids such as Rattlesnake, Devil's Toe Nail, the Trench, Dragon's Tooth, Osprey, and Sasquatch Squeeze, plus large sandy beaches for camping and play, this is an ideal multi-day trip for families and first timers. With the addition of inflatable kayaks to our trip, there can be more than enough excitement for the hardy and more experienced river runner. One highlight of the trip is the rain forest setting of Ukonom Creek up to the twin 20' waterfall cascading into a large swimming hole. Besides Ukonom Falls, the Klamath is known for its warm water, swimming , steelhead and salmon fishing, and of course, abundant wildlife which can be seen from its shores.

Our typical two or three day trips are run on the thirty-six miles below Happy Camp but there are many miles both upstream and downstream that allow for four to five day trips or even longer.

The lower stretch is home to the Yurok tribe (whose name means "downstream") while the Karuk ("upstream") inhabit much of the river typically traveled by rafters and kayakers. The Karuk Traditional ceremonies are conducted at various locations on the sacred banks ("Inaam") of the Klamath. Out of respect to the Karuk tribe, camping and stopping is at times prohibited in these areas. Further downstream, Sugarloaf Mountain is also a sacred area. According to tribal culture, souls of the dead climb to the top then leap to the heavenly hereafter.

The Klamath is the legendary home to Sasquatch and it's not hard to imagine the "Big Foot" creature hidden in the majestic forests along the river. Among the more visible creatures are heron, osprey, eagles, black bear, deer, beaver, raccoons and the fur-bearing otters, fishers, and minks.

Tributary operates under permits issued by the Klamath National Forest.

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South Fork of the American 

Class II-III+
9,11, or 21 mi. ( ½ day-2 days )
March-October
Coloma, CA (meeting place)
1 hr. east of Sacramento

The South Fork of the American River is the most popular whitewater rafting river in the West. It is exciting and lots of fun, with many memorable rapids. The river flows through the green and gold foothills of California's Gold Country. The South Fork American serves as an introduction to rafting for countless beginners and continues to lure veterans back year after year.

The action begins immediately with Meatgrinder and continues for the next five plus miles with Racehorse Bend, Triple Threat, the Class III+ Troublemaker and others. The river slows after this and we float past Sutter's Mill and the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. The lower section of the river starts off fairly mild with several Class II+ rapids as a warm-up. Soon we enter a steep granite canyon known as the 'Gorge' and the rapids occur frequently, with Fowler's Rock, the Class III+ Satan's Cesspool, Bouncing Rock, Hospital Bar and numerous milder but fun rapids.

Both half day or one day trips can be run on the lower or upper sections. The full length trip is usually run in two days, but we also offer this trip as a long one day option. Spring high water can make for an exciting Class IV adventure or a combination Class III-IV trip with the Middle Fork American River is a great choice for more excitement throughout the season.

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Middle Fork of the American

Class III-IV
17-25 mi. (1-3 days)
May-October
Auburn, CA (meeting place)
Auburn State Rec. Area 1 hr. east of Sacramento

The Middle Fork American is a beautiful wilderness run that is eligible for Federal Wild and Scenic status. It is suitable for active, fit and adventurous first-timers and is also a great choice for those seeking a step up from the more crowded South Fork American. From its headwaters in the Granite Chief and Desolation Wildernesses on the west rim of Lake Tahoe, it flows through steep, rugged canyons within the Tahoe National Forest into the Auburn State Recreation Area. This river is one of our guides' favorite trips especially as a multi-day trip as they appreciate escaping into this pristine road-less area.

The infamous "Tunnel Chute" is one of the first big rapids encountered, but clients have the option of walking around this fierce looking cataract. There are numerous Class III-IV rapids in the first six miles, such as Last Chance, Submarine Hole and Kanaka. For the next seven miles, the pace is more mellow , allowing time to appreciate the solitude and beauty of the lush, forested canyon. You may get a glimpse of some wildlife, perhaps a bear, or spot a trout swimming in the incredibly clean and clear Sierra mountain water. We stop for lunch and possible side hikes while plenty of excitement lies ahead.

The Ruck-a-Chucky rapids start just below the entrance of Canyon Creek, a possible lunch spot. A 20' drop through a sieve of huge boulders makes the middle of these three rapids a mandatory portage, but the Class IV drops of Upper and Lower Ruck-a-Chucky are usually runnable. A two mile gorge laced with Class III-IV rapids such as Parallel Parking and Catapult follow. On a one day trip, our rafting finishes after seventeen miles, at the old Greenwood Bridge site. The bridge was demolished in the 1954 floods by a wall of water that surged down the canyon after the old Hell Hole Reservoir failed. Cold beverages are available at the take-out and our vans shuttle you up a rough dirt road to your awaiting vehicles where you can review photos taken earlier.

On two to three day trips, you have the chance to enjoy the beauty of this river in a more leisurely way. Between the 17-23 miles from Greenwood Bridge to Mammoth Bar, there is a wonderful hike up the American Canyon to some incredible waterfalls. We spend the night at isolated wilderness camps with plenty of opportunity to fish, gold pan, hike, swim, play or simply relax by the river with a cold beverage. The two miles from Mammoth Bar rapid to the North Fork Confluence can be run on our three day trips and includes the Class V Murderers Bar rapid.

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North Fork of the American River

Class IV
9-13 mi. (1/2 day-1 day)
18-26 mi. (2 days)
April-June
Colfax, CA (meeting place)
off I-80, 1 hr. east of Sacramento

The North Fork American, with most of its length protected by federal Wild and Scenic status, starts its journey west from the headwaters in the Granite Chief Wilderness nestled between the ski areas of Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley. The river freely tumbles through steep gorges on the Tahoe National Forest into a de facto wilderness area named the Auburn State Recreation Area.

The Chamberlain Falls run is the most intimate and romantic run in the Sierras. This clear, free-flowing aqua jewel makes rafting an inspiration. The rivers' polished gray rocks, nearly continuous pool and drop rapids and unsurpassed back country scenery provide a wilderness experience you will never forget. Paddle experience and competent swimming ability are requirements for paddle raft participation.

The challenge starts right from the beginning. First, we negotiate a Class III-IV gorge with a series of boulder slalom rapids called Slaughter's Sluice before crashing over Chamberlain Falls. In short order comes more Class III-IV rapids named Zig-Zag, Bogus Thunder, and Devils Staircase.

Next, we take a breather, do lunch, and savor the previous four miles of intense Class IV rapids. The second half of the trip the river mellows and we float through a tranquil, peaceful Class II canyon and take the opportunity to admire the beautiful, clean water and polished granite. Double runs in the same day may be possible for suitably qualified groups. On two day trips we can do the same stretch over or combine the North Fork with a one day on the South or Middle Fork American or the Yuba.

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Truckee River Rafting near Lake Tahoe

Exciting Truckee River whitewater rafting, close to Reno and North Lake Tahoe. This Lake Tahoe rafting trip is a fun, 7-mile guided white water adventure, with many Class 2-3 rapids for the first 6 miles and exciting Class 3+ rapids in the last mile. The Truckee River passes through the High Sierra desert, with cottonwoods lining the banks and though the river parallels I80, the road is out of sight and hearing. The duration of this rafting trip is approx. 3 ½ hrs. Clients are transported from our meeting location in Truckee, to the put-in site on the Little Truckee River near the old Boca town site. Before embarking on your Truckee River rafting trip, life jackets and paddles will be provided and a safety talk will be given. Each whitewater raft will be under the control of a professional river guide who will call out commands and help steer. Early in the rafting trip, maneuvering and paddling skills will be explained and practiced. Above the rapid "Bronco", it will be possible for the more timid passenger to disembark and hike from here to the take-out at Floriston. Most will opt to run the most exciting rapids on this Truckee River rafting trip. At the take-out point, the equipment will be loaded while refreshments are served and we then return to our meeting location. Oar rafts may be provided on request, due to physical limitations.

What is needed: During normal summer rafting conditions, previous experience and swimming ability are not required, and no special attire is needed. Swim suits with fast drying shorts and shirts are recommended and footwear should be sneakers (that will get wet) or sturdy sandals (not slip-ons). Any hats and glasses are best attached with a strap. Leave expensive cameras behind; the waterproof, disposable cameras are fine and professional photographers are usually present at the last rapid.

Youths from 7 years up may participate. Special arrangements may be made for 5-6 year old kids with a family group, water levels permitting. For children under 7 years, the Class 2 run on the Lower Middle American or the East Carson are recommended (see below).

Reservations: We recommend making your reservations well in advance for your Truckee River Rafting trip, though we may have space available for last minute bookings. An advance payment by credit card is normally required, though cash or check on the day of the trip can be arranged.

Meeting Locations/Times: The meeting location is off Hwy. 267, just south of Truckee. During the peak season, 2 trips a day are scheduled, at 9:15 am and 1:45 pm. Before mid-June and after Labor Day weekend, there is just 1 trip a day at 12:30 pm. Custom trips for corporate groups or family reunions are available with alternate meeting times, and transportation from Reno, North Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe or Incline Village can be arranged.

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Tributary Price List

Listed below are our current prices (subject to change). The first price listed indicates cost for a mid-week (Monday-Friday) trip. The second reflects weekends. Additionally there are the following sources of discount which can normally be combined to a maximum of 15% off the listed price.

DISCOUNTS:

Adult Groups:
6 or more = 5% discount
12 or more = 10% discount
24 or more = 10% discount + 1 free trip

Youths:
10% off regular price for ages 16 and under, 15-20% for groups of 12 or more, 50% off on special family trip dates.

Call for special pricing that may be available for your church, youth, boy scout or girl scout group.

Special Adults and Seniors:
10% off regular price for special need adults and seniors 62 and over.

Tributary welcomes all disabled and special needs participants and will be glad to discuss specific cases to ensure their comfort, welfare and safety.

Concerned for Our Environment!
A 10% discount is available for members of any major or local environmental organization.

Early/late season:
A minimum of 10% is offered on all river trips before May, and on the South & Middle Fork American before Memorial Day weekend and after Labor Day weekend.

SCHEDULE & PRICES


* Special Sunday start rates: Deduct $5 on half day trips, $10 on one day trips, where indicated by asterik.

All prices subject to an additional charge of 3% - 7% for government river use fees.

Prices subject to change at any time. Your deposit will secure current published rate.

Prices are subject to change without notice.  Please contact the company at the numbers below to confirm current prices.

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General Information

Trips Include:

• Complete safety and paddle briefing
• Deluxe wholesome meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day of the trip. Vegetarians and special diets accommodated upon request.
• Shuttles to and from rendezvous point
• An experienced guide in each raft.
• All necessary equipment for a safe and exciting river trip.
• Beautiful and spacious on river camps.

Guides:

Tributary guides are highly trained, warm and friendly individuals chosen for their ability to make your trip safe, fun-filled and unforgettable. Because Tributary runs some of the most difficult rivers in the west, you can be sure your guide is a skilled, experienced professional.

Paddle vs. Oars

We use paddle boats on most of our trips. A paddle boat crew consists of four to six paddlers and an experienced guide. Following instructions of the guide, the crew maneuvers the raft using basic forward and back strokes to turn and propel the raft. Paddling is easy, fun and requires no previous experience. There is a wonderful sense of accomplishment in being part of a finely tuned crew that is navigating the river together! On more difficult trips we occasionally use a combination of oars, controlled by the guide, and paddles. If you prefer not to paddle, we will provide a regular oar boat for you, where the guide does all the work for you.

Equipment:

Tributary provides all the necessary equipment; top quality Coast Guard approved life jackets, helmets for Class IV and Class V trips, waterproof bags and boxes, and the most advanced self-bailing rafts, which are more maneuverable and comfortable in big water than conventional raft types and are always used on Class IV and Class V water trips. During periods of low water, smaller rafts are available, offering more excitement in smaller waves. On Class II-III runs, inflatable kayaks are often provided for sharing, but these may be reserved for sole use for an additional fee (water levels permitting).

Wet-suits, paddling jackets and camping equipment may be rented from Tributary. Call for availability and charges.

Meals:

Though we cannot officially claim them as being "gourmet", they always consist of plentiful, fresh and wholesome ingredients. We will cater for any particular dietary requirements or special requests. Lunch usually consists of a deli-style spread with a selection of breads, meats, cheeses, tomatoes, avocados, lettuce, sprouts, chips and salsa, fresh fruit, cookies and vegetables with dip. Other lunches offered may be pita bread with chicken or shrimp salad and our favorite, river burritos. Dinners will commence with appetizers of vegetables, dip, cheese and crackers. Our main entree's are barbecued chicken, marinated tri-tip steak and baked potatoes or Dutch oven lasagna's. Plentiful side dishes of mixed salad, vegetables in season and garlic bread are served but leave room for our Dutch oven baked or other delectable desserts. A moderate amount of beer and wine will be available and also soft drinks and hot beverages.. Breakfast may be eggs and hash-brown potatoes or pancakes served with sausage or bacon, together with fresh fruit, pastries, muffins, orange juice, milk, tea, hot chocolate and coffee.

Photos/video taping:

On most rivers, professional photographers shoot at various locations and proofs are available for viewing soon after the trip. We also have the services of a video taping company at our disposal. We will do our best to ensure memories of your trip are captured.

Use the valuable coupon for $30 off 2 day, $15 off 1 day and $8 off 1/2 day trips. Additional discounts may also be available (off-season, group, youth, senior etc), please ask us for a quote.

Region	Cost
Northern California	$68-$695

Contact: Tributary Whitewater Tours 20480 Woodbury Drive Grass Valley, CA 95949 Phone: (800) 672 - 3846 or (530) 346 - 6812 Email: rafting@whitewatertours.com Click here for map For more adventures click here CalAdventures.com  Help us help you! For specific answers to questions about this adventure, please Email to the company directly using the email address above. CalAdventures.com seeks to offer you the highest quality adventures throughout the state. Comments about how you liked (or disliked) this company, we'd like to know! Thank you!

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This page was last updated on Monday, October 02, 2006