Truckee River Rafting - Tahoe City to River Ranch, California (CA)

Rafting the Truckee River is a popular summer activity. The run between Tahoe City and River Ranch is a Class 1 whitewater rafting area.

Bring your inflatable rafts to the parking lot and launch point and walk 50 steps to the water. Step in the water with your raft. It's that easy. Truckee river rafting is FREE. Car parking is FREE.

If you're not messing around, you could probably get down the river in 2 hours. But there's no need to rush. You can take as much time as you like, all day if you wish. It's a 3.75 mile trip down the Truckee river from the launch point to River Ranch.

Many people bring $15 K-mart rafts with no paddles. I see a lot of people using tire tubes; some use nothing more than an inflatable pool toy. Free fun! Parts of the Truckee river are shaded, some are in direct sun. Take plenty of sun block and bottled water.

Exit the river just before reaching River Ranch, or at River Ranch; when you see the buildings that were built right on the river edge, it's time to exit. Don't worry, you will see the exit point. It can't be missed, unless you're asleep.

Deflate your raft at River Ranch, and carry it about 50 steps to the bus stop. There's a regular public bus service between Truckee and Tahoe City. If you're rafting with more than one person and you want to save a few dollars, send just one person back to Tahoe City on the bus to collect the truck and have him or her return to collect everyone else at Tahoe City.

The bus fare will cost $1.75 for the general public and 85 cents for seniors, disabled, and children ages 6 - 12; this will get you (and your deflated raft) back to Tahoe City. Have everything ready to go when you board the bus; your raft should be deflated and rolled-up, and your exact change in hand, ready to pay the driver.

Yes! It's August 2011, the dam is open and the river is running. October 2011 Update: The water is cold and the snow is here.