Rafting and Kayaking in and around Lake Tahoe

When you get as much snow as Lake Tahoe does in the winter you can bet all that water has to go somewhere. And go somewhere it does. There are numerous opportunities for whitewater adventures at all levels. Within the industry the slogan is "from Mild to Wild!". From the serene beauty of Emerald Bay to the gentle flow of the Upper Truckee as it leaves the lake to the class IV rapids of the tunnel chute the Tahoe area has everything even an avid paddler could want. There's no shortage of commercial outfitters prepared to fill your every need as well. It's not difficult at all to rent a kayak just about anywhere near the lake. Many ski rental shops in the winter turn into bike/kayak rental shops in the summer. If you're planning to paddle on the lake you will want a longer thinner kayak than if your planning anything on rough water. There are numerous rivers to run both on the east and west sides of the Sierras. The majority can be accessed from Highway 49 as the rivers pour out of the Sierra from Coloma to Downieville. Here is a quick rundown of the favorites. The links will take you to more information about the run. Looking for paddling gear? Check out our rafting and kayaking gear section.

River/Run	Level	Trip Length	Outfitters
East Fork Carson - Put in to Hangman's Bridge	II/III	1/2 Day Part of Overnighter	American River Recreation WET Rafting Trips Rubicon Whitewater Adventures
East Fork Carson - Hangman's Bridge to Ruhenstroth Dam	II	1/2 Day Overnight at Hot Springs	American River Recreation WET Rafting Trips Rubicon Whitewater Adventures
South Fork American River - Chili Bar run	III+	1/2 Day One Day Part of multi day trip	Whitewater Excitement American River Recreation WET Rafting Trips Beyond Limits Rubicon Whitewater Adventures Whitewater Voyages All Outdoors EarthTrek Expeditions Environmental Traveling Companions Mariah Wilderness Expeditions Mother Lode River Trips Tahoe Whitewater Tours Tributary Whitewater Tours
South Fork American River - Gorge run	III+	One Day Part of multi day trip
Middle Fork American River - Oxbow Bend to Paradise Canyon	IV+	One Day Part of multi day trip	Whitewater Excitement American River Recreation WET Rafting Trips Rubicon Whitewater Adventures Whitewater Voyages All Outdoors EarthTrek Expeditions
Middle Fork American River - Lower	II	One Day	WET Rafting Trips All Outdoors
North Fork American - Chamberlain Falls	IV+	One Day	Whitewater Excitement Wet Rafting
North Fork American - Giant Gap	V	One Day	Whitewater Voyages
Truckee River - 64 Acre Park to River Ranchp	I	1/2 Day	Self Guided
Truckee River - Boca Reservoir to Floriston	III+
Yuba River

All Difficulty Levels are for average flows, which are not always present. You can check flows at Dreamflows.com
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