Top 5 Spots For Whitewater Rafting in Lake Tahoe
Straddling the state line between Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake high in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Although the lake itself offers plenty of fun times out on the water, the tributaries of Lake Tahoe, and the rivers surrounding and down the mountains from the lake offer some of the greatest whitewater rafting in the United States. It seems that no matter what river you find yourself on rafting Lake Tahoe you're going to find rapids and rafts and people looking to have a terrific time in this serene wonderland.
We're going to look at the top five spots for whitewater rafting in Lake Tahoe, the spots that have been making adrenaline pump and soaking whitewater enthusiasts for decades.
#1. North Fork of the American River
The North Fork of the American River is the longest branch of the American River, which begins near Lake Tahoe at Mountain Meadow Lake, just northeast of Granite Chief and near Squaw Valley Ski Resort. The North Fork is 88 miles long and offers some of the most breathtaking and exhilarating whitewater Lake Tahoe rafting areas.
The North Fork of the American River has perhaps the most whitewater thrills of any of the forks, with Class 3 and Class 4 rapids all along it. With emerald water and majestic rock cliffs it will be hard to tear your view away from nature and get you to focus on your raft and your paddle--but you're going to have to if you're going to navigate these heart-pounding rapids.
The North Fork is also in Gold Rush Territory, near Sutter's Mill where the 1849 rush began and where many a mine still lays half-explored.
Come to the North Fork for trips lasting about six hours, with 2-6 paddlers per boat, open March through May. It is definitely one of the top spots for rafting in Lake Tahoe.
#2. Middle Fork of the American River
The Middle Fork of the American River finds its source at the south face of Granite Chief, and is a haven for all things water sports, including boating, fishing, and, of course, whitewater rafting. With a 62 mile long river interspersed with reservoirs, there is plenty to see and do here.
But if you want to get into the rapids, then you'll need to go start at Auburn where a 45 minute van ride takes you to the Oxbox Reservoir and its from there that you set out on your day-long whitewater expedition. Class 4 rapids will greet you all summer long, including the infamous Tunnel Chute which is at the beginning of your journey and is the marker for the start of five straight miles of Class 3 and Class 4 rapids.
The Middle Fork of the American River even has a genuine Class 6 rapid, the dangerous Rack-A-Chucky Falls--but only your guides will navigate that terrifying waterfall while you safely hike to the bottom. Still, with rapids like Chunder Falls, Parallel Parking, and Ski Jump, the Middle Fork of the American River is definitely one of the top spots for rafting in Lake Tahoe.
#3. South Fork of the American River
The South Fork of the American River offers something for everyone in Lake Tahoe rafting. You can ride the rapids on a full-day trip, tackling the aptly named Troublemaker and Satan's Cesspool. Or, you can take a much more leisurely trip that the entire family can enjoy, from little kids to grandma and grandpa.
You'll splash and play, and maybe even lazily glide down the river held aloft by just your lifejackets. (But trust us: while it's fun for the whole family, the South Fork will give you a bumpy and soaking ride in its own way.)
#4. Yuba River
If you really want to get away from the rest of the Lake Tahoe rafting tourists, make your way to the Yuba River, where crystal clear waters and big rapids are isolated from the crowds and offer you a pristine look at California's mountain glory.
With Class 4 rapids like Two Pair, Shanghai-La, Ram's Horn, and Excalibur, the flow of the river will dictate the portion you'll go down. But stay energized, because at the end of the day you get the biggest rapid of them all in all of these top spots for rafting in Lake Tahoe: the Class 5 Maytag Rapid which will have you paddling and clinging on for dear life. A thrill never to be forgotten.
#5. Truckee River
The Truckee River is the immediate outlet of Lake Tahoe and is heavily used for recreation, everything from Lake Tahoe whitewater rafting to flyfishing. The rapids in the Truckee are tame in comparison to the American River, with the Truckee's rapids mostly coming in Class 1 and Class 2. Still, if you don't want to travel the short distance away from Lake Tahoe to get to the more rushing rivers, then there are plenty of opportunities to get wet and wild in the Truckee River.
No matter which of the top spots for rafting in Lake Tahoe that you pick, you are never going to forget the time that you had, the splashes and thrills, the roar of the rapids or the serene beauty of the Sierra Nevadas.
Ready to plan your next rafting adventure in Lake Tahoe? Check out all of our options here!