We’re shouting it from the rooftops: river rafting on the Truckee River is one of the best summer activities in the Lake Tahoe basin. Why, you ask? That alpine sunshine and clear river water should explain most of it, but we can help you out with the rest.
Truckee River rafting experience: the basics
- 5-mile float
- 2-3 hours trip
- Tahoe City, CA (North Shore)
- Self guided
- Pet & family-friendly
- Best raft company: Truckee River Raft
- June – September 8:30am – 3:30pm (weather and water flow permitting)
Truckee River rafting experience: the basics
Allow us to paint a brief picture: it’s a perfect, sunny day in July.
You’re drifting along pure, clear waters with mountain views and massive pines towering over you. You iced down the cooler with local brews; bluetooth speaker is bumpin’. You find the perfect deep water pool to tie up and take a dip.
Drying off in the sun, you finish your float down the Truckee and you only spilled your beer once. You’re a little sunburnt. But you don’t really care because your lungs are full of mountain air and your Instagram story is fire. You write about your Truckee River rafting experience in your diary that night.
Where is the Truckee River?
Located in the heart of Tahoe City, California, the Truckee River is actually the sole outlet of Lake Tahoe. It runs along Highway 89 and the Truckee River Bike Trail.
With no traffic, it’s about a 20-minute drive from Truckee, a 30-minute drive from Incline Village and an hour drive from South Lake Tahoe. (No matter where you’re coming from, it’s always worth it!)
Where does the river float begin and end?
Like the river itself, this fun 5-mile float begins in Tahoe City, California,just past the Lake Tahoe dam. The rivers winds along Highway 89/River Road, taking about 2-3 hours from start to finish. (Hint: there’s a grocery store right across the street where you can stock up on beer & snacks.)
If you rent from Truckee River Raft, there’s a parking lot at the end of the run and a shuttle to take you to the beginning. After the float, the adventure ends at River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant.
Here, their staff expertly whisks you from the rapids and drops you onto a lively outdoor patio where nachos and a post-river cocktail are a genuine must.
Can I float the Truckee without a raft company?
You can! There’s public parking near the Tahoe City Transit Center and a trail that leads to the river. Lots of people opt for this, but honestly… we wouldn’t.
Call us lazy, but we’re hooked on the wild convenience that a Truckee River Raft rental offers with the provided raft, included parking, shuttle service and assisted exit before the rapids begin.
How challenging is the rafting trip?
You ride a river raft, we call it river rafting, you rent from a raft company but let’s be clear—this is a float. Well, a power float.
It’s the perfect family-friendly, pet-friendly, wet-n-wild summer adventure; but it’s definitely not a whitewater, class V rapids trip.
And that’s why we love it. It’s self guided and beyond mellow.
Well, actually, that’s not entirely true. There are one or two rapid-esque portions that’ll get your heart rate up and potentially cause a fight between you and your co-paddler. But that’s the fun part, guys.
What’s up with parking?
This question is precisely why we suggest booking with Truckee River Raft. Renting from them is the only way to get access to a free parking lot at the end of the river run. Plus, there’s an (also included) shuttle that’ll take you to the starting point after you park.
When you’re sunburned and happy with tired toddlers and a bunch of wet clothes, being steps from your vehicle is priceless.
Plus, working with a rafting company means you won’t be lugging those water-logged rafts across the highway at the end of the trip. You will be nimble—energized by the massive plate of nachos you slammed on the River Ranch patio.
What should I bring?
Bring some good vibes, man. You can enjoy your own alcohol on the river—as long as there’s no styrofoam or glass containers—so definitely bring a cooler. We’d also encourage you to bring snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat, light layers and a waterproof bag.
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With a family (ages 2 & up can ride with Truckee River Raft!) or without, the Truckee River rafting experience is truly one of the best ways to spend a few hours in Lake Tahoe.
If you can, we recommend booking a weekday tour to avoid the crowds. But you’re sure to massively enjoy it either way.
Let’s go! The ultimate Lake Tahoe summer activity awaits with Truckee River Raft Company. Time to get your river float on the schedule!
