As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the snow that has blanketed the upper elevations of Nevada County’s Sierra begins to melt, causing creeks, streams, and rivers to swell. This seasonal transformation not only brings stunning waterfalls and vibrant wildflower displays in late spring and early summer but also signals the arrival of another thrilling adventure – whitewater rafting.
The Truckee River
Truckee is truly THE gateway to all things outdoor adventure – and that includes whitewater rafting! Whether you’re looking for a relaxed float or an adrenaline-packed ride, the Truckee River, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, has something for everyone.
Lake Tahoe – Float Truckee River Outlet
For a laid-back experience, float down the River Ranch Run from Tahoe City to River Ranch. This stretch offers gentle Class I and II rapids, making it perfect for rafts, kayaks, and inner tubes.
Truckee River Rapids – Guided Tours
But if you’re craving more excitement, the most popular guided tours kick off at Boca Reservoir. You’ll tackle 5.5 miles of Class II rapids before hitting the thrilling Class III rapids near Bronco Creek.
No matter your style, it’s the perfect spring or summer adventure to complement all the outdoor fun Truckee has to offer!
North Fork Yuba River
After a restful night at a cozy B&B or the historic Holbrooke Hotel, start your day with a tasty breakfast in downtown Grass Valley – or grab a locally brewed artisanal coffee if you’re not a morning person. Meet up with H2O Tours at 9 a.m. sharp at the Pine Creek Shopping Center, and get ready for what some say is the best whitewater rafting in the state: the North Fork Yuba River. The Goodyear’s Bar run is the most popular, offering an 8.5-mile adventure through a scenic forested canyon. It starts with 5 miles of Class II and III rapids, with exciting challenges ahead, including the Class IV Ramshorn and Two Pair rapids (both requiring scouting), and wraps up with Maytag (Class V) and Son of Maytag (Class IV).
Seasoned Expert Runs
If you’re an experienced kayaker with your own gear, the South Yuba River, just an hour from Nevada City and Grass Valley, has some serious challenges waiting for you. For a complete guide to the runs, be sure to check out Nevada City’s kayaking and whitewater rafting page.
Finish your Adventure Right
After dropping rapids and paddling through whitewater, you’ve probably worked up a thirst. If you’re in Truckee, wrap up your day with a tour of its local breweries—or dive deeper by checking out Visit Truckee-Tahoe’s Music, Breweries & Drinking page.
Down in Grass Valley? Sip your way through town with a visit to its craft breweries. Not a beer fan? No problem. Explore the Sierra Vintners Wine Trail, with scenic stops at foothill wineries, or pop into one of the cozy tasting rooms in the historic districts of Grass Valley or Nevada City.
Don’t Miss!
You might come for the whitewater rafting, but make sure to take in the stunning sights along the South Fork of the Yuba River (and don’t forget your camera!). This 20-mile stretch of the South Yuba River canyon runs from Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park to the Bridgeport Covered Bridge. Along the way, you’ll find the longest single-span covered bridge in the world, the rugged beauty of the canyon, and plenty of trails to explore the area’s natural wonders.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cold Waters
If the whitewater rafting is great thanks to the Yuba River flow, that also means swimming can be especially dangerous due to snowmelt. Don’t become a statistic! If the conditions look risky, play it safe and head to one of the pools or alpine lakes we recommend in our article, Yuba River Swimming Holes – Do’s & Don’ts.
