River Rafting in Northern California

This is an easy river to float down without a guide (or a paddle).  The water flow is controlled by a dam on edge of Lake Tahoe and at times moves so slowly that you may have to get out and walk.  Bring an inexpensive raft or tube from home or rent a raft from the Truckee River Raft Company ($35 ages 13 to adult, $30 ages 6-13, $5 under age 5).  Begin just after the dam in Tahoe City on Hwy 89, float for 5 miles to River Ranch Restaurant (exit just before River Ranch to avoid the rocky rapids).  You will need to arrange a pick up or walk five miles back up the river.

Trekaroo Reviews of the Truckee River and Truckee River Raft Company.

 

Either rent a boat at the Curry Village^® Recreation Center in Yosemite Valley or bring your own inexpensive raft or tube.  The Merced River is fed by snow melt, so the rafting season only lasts as long as there is sufficient melting snow.  Usually, the season lasts until the end of July.  This is a very mild river and a family trip can easily last half a day.   If you rent, there is a free shuttle to return to Curry Village, otherwise you'll need to arrange your own return transportation or hop on the free valley bus (after deflating your raft).  Bring a lunch.

Location Curry Village^® Recreation Center, Yosemite Valley

Adults $26 

Children (12 years of age and younger) $16
Children under 50 lbs. are not permitted in rental rafts.
http://www.yosemitepark.com/Activities_RaftingWaterSports_Rafting.aspx

This is a great trip for beginners!  A full day guided tour will teach you the basics about rafting, includes a good lunch, and provides a return shuttle to your car.  Prices vary between $89 – $159.  Weekends are a little more pricey.  The trips begin in Coloma, Ca off of Hwy 49 a few miles north of Placerville.  There are several rafting companies near Coloma to choose from, and they all offer trips on the South Fork, the Middle Fork, and the North Fork.

Day trips on the Middle Fork are full of excitement and often capsized rafts.  This is an exciting trip for those who are looking for more whitewater and excitement than the South Fork provides.  Because there is a higher chance of falling overboard on this river, all rafters are required to wear helmits.  Prices include lunch, gear, and transportion from a meeting point (usually Quincy).

This is rafting at it's most extreme.  Only experienced rafters are allowed to join trips on the North Fork.  Because the river flow is based on snow melt and not controlled by dams, the rafting season begins early in the spring and ends early in summer.  The Coloma area rafting companies can provide information on when the season will end and costs.