Truckee River Rafting
Truckee River Rafting
4.5
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About
Self-guided family rafting trips down the Truckee River from Tahoe City to River Ranch. Look for the yellow paddles!
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Truckee River Rafting
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
102 reviews
Excellent
76
Very good
22
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Brigitte S
San Francisco, CA8 contributions
Aug 2020
From the first moment we entered the parking lot, we were treated to top notch customer service by every staff member we encountered. Parking was easy, restrooms were clean, and we were on the water within minutes of our arrival. Go early to enjoy a relaxing float down the river. Pack beverages and snacks so you can stop for a picnic. This is a perfect activity for the whole family. Kudos for a well-run operation. Worth every penny. We'll be back.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen Ramirez
Tustin, CA2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
I decided to surprise my wife with a trip down the river for our honeymoon. It was such a wonderful experience, such beautiful scenery in the morning. We saw so many ducks and their babies, a few fun obstacles to work through but nothing to sweat over. It was our first time rafting and it was super enjoyable. Make sure you go early as it is cooler and much less traffic on the lake then if you start after 11am. Will definitely try this again when we return to Lake Tahoe.
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChadC124
Roseville, CA52 contributions
Jun 2021
So easy to work with the good people at Truckee River Rafting. We were there on a hot summer day with lots of other people. The parking lot was crowded but the staff routed us and got us in the right spots efficiently. We checked in, got our gear and took off on the river hassle free. Same thing on the other end. These guys really know what they are doing and make it an easy experience. Thanks!
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightsee553894
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
We had an incredible day floating the Truckee River. A great trip ended poorly. The Truckee River Rafting Company we’re super rude upon exit at the public docks. Dozens of people from the public including their clients were trying to exit at the same time. In addition, they parked their trucks in front of the public exit at the top of the stairs, which seems like a total public safety issue. Several of their employees were visibly intoxicated and to top it off, one of their rafts fell over on someone from the public with no effort to apologize. How does this company get to bully their way over this very special river experience. My children were physically frightened. I hope these few employees do not represent this company. I’ve floated the river several times and never had a problem. The river belongs to all of us.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
2 contributions
Jul 2021
A fun river rafting experience for the whole family. Most of the float is calm & serene except for some rapids at the very end. Some experience with river rafting, kayaking, or canoeing would be helpful but not required. The water was clear, mostly 2 to 4 feet deep, and cool but not cold. We stopped several times to chat with other rafters and have some of our snacks. The float is mostly in full sun, so go early if you have issues with sun exposure or wear a hat and apply sun screen.
All staff were friendly, helpful, and courteous. This is a great activity to enjoy the beautiful Tahoe area outdoors.
All staff were friendly, helpful, and courteous. This is a great activity to enjoy the beautiful Tahoe area outdoors.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kym O
Brandon, FL7 contributions
Jun 2021
We bought some tubes and went down the river, which was a wonderful and peaceful experience - until the very end! If you tube, make sure to get out before the final set of rapids; they are A LOT rougher than anything else from that point. One of our tubes was punctured by a sharp rock, and it was very scary. I wish there had been a sign telling tubers to get out before that stretch of the river since it would have been a short walk to the final boat landing area where we had parked.
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lyndall J
35 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Inflate your float at the gas station in Tahoe city. We used a car powered pump which worked but was a bit slow. There is a free public float launch at the 64 acres trail head at the y off of 84. Parking is limited so get there early. We got there about 10:30am and got one of the last spots. The float took about 3 hours. We got out at river ranch (just past the rapids ahead sign) with the commercial rafts. Their take out point is clearly marked for public tubes to get out as well. We took snacks and sunscreen with us which was great. A paddle would have been helpful but is not required. The rapids were not very big and doable in a personal float.
Don't forget your floating cooler and lots drinks. No one wants to run out of drinks.
Don't forget your floating cooler and lots drinks. No one wants to run out of drinks.
Written July 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ansm2013
Las Vegas, NV2 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
On September 4th, 2017, we had a trip to Truckee River for our annual rafting event. The river was as beautiful as everything around it. After reaching our destination, we faced with an event that overturned all positive emotions of the day. To make long story short, the Truckee River Rafting employees, especially one extremely rude long dark haired guy, blocked our exit with the raft. He claimed that the exit ramp to the public parking lot was company's private property, which was a completely false statement by the way. We asked the employees repeatedly to let us out to our car, but the guy was shouting insults towards us, not letting us to move to our car. This felt like a kidnapping. He probably wanted a ransom too - hard to say. We think this was a criminal act. Holding a pretty heavy raft, a seventy year old man had to stay and listen to the insults from this visibly drunk Truckee River Rafting employee. They also go by name Tahoe's Mountain Air Sports.
Do not ever deal with these rude people. Bring your rafts, come with two cars. Leave one car on a free public parking lot right after the restaurant. Leave a second car on another public lot up the river where you start the rafting. Then use the first car to retrieve the second one. It is five minute drive or so.
Do not ever deal with these rude people. Bring your rafts, come with two cars. Leave one car on a free public parking lot right after the restaurant. Leave a second car on another public lot up the river where you start the rafting. Then use the first car to retrieve the second one. It is five minute drive or so.
Written September 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SFWorld
Walnut Creek, CA92 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
First, one possible point of confusion. Two rafting companies are next to one another and with similar sounding names (when you are not familiar with either). This created one problem in that part of our party booked at the one next door - but since they launch boats next to one another we just caught up to them in short order. This is the one with the big green banner in front.
Second, the only downside to our trip was something beyond the control of anyone: not as much water in the river as we might like. That did, however, make it great for a slow ride down the river with only occasinal fast parts, making it perfectly safe for kids of all ages (we have a 2 year old and our family has a 3 and a 7 year old as well). Nobody was ever going to fall out of the boat unless you ran into an object like a bridge.
We were really impressed by this company and had a great day. They are very well organized from the parking lot to getting you out of the raft at the end of the trip. Everyone that works there is pretty polite and friendly while also being focused on their jobs and getting lots of people moved through the process quickly. The little store (while not a bargain) has anything you might have forgotten as well as 2 bathrooms (and clean ones!). The only hitch we had was the bus back to the start apparently had two stops and the bus driver never told us when we were at the first stop (it looked like he was just waiting in traffic and then suddenly he left for the remote lot which is back near where we got on the bus at the end of our trip down the river). Even though none of us had been here before he acted like we should have known that was the place to get off. Oh well, a minor hitch in an otherwise great day.
There is not much else to say about the company. The trip itself is well documented: fun, family-firendly, pets even welcome! On our low-water day it took us exactly 3 hours including a stop for lunch. You will bump inot all sorts of objects but the rafts are tough and you'll be fine (as will the rafts).
Some tips:
1) There is an early-bird discount if you arrive before 10. A member of our party asked about every other dicount (AAA, AARP, etc.)- not available.
2) If you get there by 9:30 as we did (they want you there 15-20 mins before your reservation time) you can park in the main lot and just walk to check-in and get to the boats. Otherwise there is an overflow lot that is a short bus ride away.
3) Don't be discouraged if they are not taking reservations well in advance- they made it sound like the river was dry but it was fine- call the day before
4) they sell duck food in the little shop - for $1.00/bag it was money wel spent given it is slow journey and there are lot of ducks (or bring your own)
5) unless you have somewhere else to go, on a low-water river, it is not really necessary to paddle very often- just enjoy the ride and have the person in back steer.
6) call and see if you can park at the bottom and take the bus to the check-in point. There is a lot down there and it will save you a lot of time at the end when you'll be ready to go
7) There's a SaveMart across the street so you can stock up on supplies there (good sandwiches, etc.) and save versus the store at the rafting company (which does a booming business in sunscreen, candy,etc.
8) There are lockers (coin-operated)- but they are located beyond the little store so you won't see them until you walk through the store and come out the other side.
Second, the only downside to our trip was something beyond the control of anyone: not as much water in the river as we might like. That did, however, make it great for a slow ride down the river with only occasinal fast parts, making it perfectly safe for kids of all ages (we have a 2 year old and our family has a 3 and a 7 year old as well). Nobody was ever going to fall out of the boat unless you ran into an object like a bridge.
We were really impressed by this company and had a great day. They are very well organized from the parking lot to getting you out of the raft at the end of the trip. Everyone that works there is pretty polite and friendly while also being focused on their jobs and getting lots of people moved through the process quickly. The little store (while not a bargain) has anything you might have forgotten as well as 2 bathrooms (and clean ones!). The only hitch we had was the bus back to the start apparently had two stops and the bus driver never told us when we were at the first stop (it looked like he was just waiting in traffic and then suddenly he left for the remote lot which is back near where we got on the bus at the end of our trip down the river). Even though none of us had been here before he acted like we should have known that was the place to get off. Oh well, a minor hitch in an otherwise great day.
There is not much else to say about the company. The trip itself is well documented: fun, family-firendly, pets even welcome! On our low-water day it took us exactly 3 hours including a stop for lunch. You will bump inot all sorts of objects but the rafts are tough and you'll be fine (as will the rafts).
Some tips:
1) There is an early-bird discount if you arrive before 10. A member of our party asked about every other dicount (AAA, AARP, etc.)- not available.
2) If you get there by 9:30 as we did (they want you there 15-20 mins before your reservation time) you can park in the main lot and just walk to check-in and get to the boats. Otherwise there is an overflow lot that is a short bus ride away.
3) Don't be discouraged if they are not taking reservations well in advance- they made it sound like the river was dry but it was fine- call the day before
4) they sell duck food in the little shop - for $1.00/bag it was money wel spent given it is slow journey and there are lot of ducks (or bring your own)
5) unless you have somewhere else to go, on a low-water river, it is not really necessary to paddle very often- just enjoy the ride and have the person in back steer.
6) call and see if you can park at the bottom and take the bus to the check-in point. There is a lot down there and it will save you a lot of time at the end when you'll be ready to go
7) There's a SaveMart across the street so you can stock up on supplies there (good sandwiches, etc.) and save versus the store at the rafting company (which does a booming business in sunscreen, candy,etc.
8) There are lockers (coin-operated)- but they are located beyond the little store so you won't see them until you walk through the store and come out the other side.
Written July 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
natterjacktoad
San Francisco, CA14 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
I took a mini vacation with my three kids aged 10 to 15. Naturally its hard to find an activity to suit everyone, this worked out great. Everyone was super excited before we started, we had packed a cooler of snacks as per the website, I hadn't quite appreciated how you could take this as an all day activity and wished we'd packed more substantially. Also, i hadn't packed my swimsuit (why i don't know) and regretted that too.
It felt chaotic as we drove past but really it was superbly organised. We dropped off, parked up and went straight to the raft. The team knew exactly what they were doing and worked hard to get people on the river efficiently.
It wasn't as relaxing and peaceful as i had imagined as the river was packed with people from other raft companies and also people just taking their own inflatables out. There were plenty of places to stop along the way and everyone was super friendly (helping me with the boat). I would say you do need the oars and some strength to navigate along some of the choppier parts of the river especially at the end when we got stuck on what felt like every single rock. i was glad I had my 15 year old son with me because i don't think i could have done this by myself.
It felt chaotic as we drove past but really it was superbly organised. We dropped off, parked up and went straight to the raft. The team knew exactly what they were doing and worked hard to get people on the river efficiently.
It wasn't as relaxing and peaceful as i had imagined as the river was packed with people from other raft companies and also people just taking their own inflatables out. There were plenty of places to stop along the way and everyone was super friendly (helping me with the boat). I would say you do need the oars and some strength to navigate along some of the choppier parts of the river especially at the end when we got stuck on what felt like every single rock. i was glad I had my 15 year old son with me because i don't think i could have done this by myself.
Written July 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this only for rafting or do you have equipment for individual floats down the river? I read an article that said you could rent tubes or such to float down?
Thank you!
Written June 30, 2019
We will have 2 female adults and 2 girls age 10 - how "rough" are the rapids? Is it too much for the 10 year olds?
Written June 21, 2019
My husband and I are taking our honeymoon in Lake Tahoe and river rafting is on the top of our lists for things to do! When will you be opening this season? Also, do you offer rafts for two people? We sort of wanted a private relaxing day.
Written April 20, 2018
Call them on 530 583 1111
The staff are super friendly I’m sure they’ll answer your questions.
Or you can book online truckeeriverrafting
Highly recommended, my wife and I had an amazing time.
It’s definitely worth contacting the information centre, they really helped us while we were there
Written June 2, 2018
riverman66
Santa Barbara, California
Yes, a ten year old can raft the river with Truckee River Rafting! Must be with an adult though.
Written March 8, 2016
Is the river too low to raft on in mid Aug. of this year?
Written July 9, 2015
riverman66
Santa Barbara, California
Sorry for very late reply...usually we are open all of August. Low water will shut us down. Watch our website for updates for 2016!
Written March 8, 2016
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