Rafting the Truckee River

by Elisabeth Korb

Lake Tahoe certainly offers plenty of activities, but come summer, the Truckee River rivals the Big Blue for fun things to do. River rafting, kayaking, inner tubing and swimming are all popular pastimes along The Lake's only outlet.

The mellow stretch from Tahoe City to a cove adjacent to the River Ranch at Alpine Meadows Road is one of the most popular—with do-it-yourself rafters, kayakers and tubers crowding the river and its islets on hot summer days. The 4.5-mile journey takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on flotation device and river flow. Restrooms and trash bins along the shore make it easy for families to stop and picnic, while many younger, spirited groups lean toward the party cruise. Two rafting companies, Mountain Air Sports and Truckee River Raft Company, rent large rafts and provide return transport at the end of the journey. If you don't use their shuttle, you'll need to organize your own. And be sure not to pass River Ranch, or you'll be swept away into a wilder, unsafe stretch of rapids.

Those actually looking for whitewater can tackle the guided 3.5-hour, 7-mile run from Boca to Floriston on the Lower Truckee River. An even longer option is the 21-mile adventure on the East Fork of the Carson River near South Lake Tahoe. While it can be run in a day, this wilderness trip is best enjoyed on a two-day journey, during which rafters can camp and enjoy a stop at East Carson Hot Springs. Tributary Whitewater Tours and Tahoe Whitewater Tours run trips on the both the Carson River as well as the Lower Truckee.