Lake Tahoe White Water Rafting

Lake Tahoe is famous for its water sports. The beautiful alpine lake offers clarity of water that attracts visitors from miles around to enjoy the fishing, boating, as well as the multitude of other amenities on offer.

White water rafting is a particularly exciting activity to enliven any vacation. It takes place on the only outlet of Lake Tahoe the Truckee River—named after the Washoe Indian Chief who guided many early settlers through the area. The white water rafting season runs from mid May through to September 30th and the Lake Tahoe area offers miles of class I-IV rapids, including the famous Boca Run which is a fun and very wet ride, suitable for the whole family.

(Description continues after the featured listings, scroll down.)

Lake Tahoe White Water Rafting -- Continue

There are other, more difficult runs to try for those adventurous types seeking a thrill ride. These have the delightfully descriptive names such as Tunnel Chute and Texas Chain saw Mama.

Several different companies offer white water rafting trips on the Truckee River. All rafting guides have extensive experience and as your personal safety is a major consideration, they will be fully trained in first aid. All safety equipment is provided and guests are encouraged to wear suitable clothing as getting wet is an absolute certainty!

Half day trips are a popular choice of white water rafting excursion. The Boca Run is a class III tour which takes visitors from Boca to Floriston. It begins in a gentle fashion, before reaching an exciting crescendo in the rapids of Floriston Gorge. Typical costs are $68 per adult and $58 per child aged 7-12.

The Verdi Run is a class II run which takes you through rapids such as Gorilla Falls and Powerhouse. You also get to see the site of the Great Train Robbery.

If you fancy a full day of rafting, how about a trip down The Chilli Bar Run which takes you through the Meat Grinder and Troublemaker, offering you a fascinating tour of gold rush country. Or how about The Gorge Run through Satan’s Cesspool, which is definitely not one to miss! Lunch is included in the full day trips and typical costs are $115 per adult and $95 per child.

During spring and early summer, when the river is at its highest, serious adrenalin junkies can enjoy a full day rafting the class III-IV Farad Run in the Lower Truckee Canyon below Floriston.

Whichever run you choose to try, getting soaked it all part of the fun!