On the Truckee River since 1976
The Original Tahoe City Rafting Outfitter
Truckee River Raft Company has run the self-guided float from Tahoe City since 1976 — same five miles, same river, same family of staff on the water every summer.
Who we are
Fifty summers on the same stretch of water
Truckee River Raft Co. has been putting rafters onto the Truckee at Tahoe City since 1976, which makes us the original outfitter on this river. In that time the operation has not changed much, because it does not need to: a self-guided five-mile float, a shuttle that carries you door to door, and staff at both ends who know exactly where the shallow spots and the best swimming holes are.
Our crew is a Tahoe City crew. The Launchmaster decides which raft suits your party and gets you moving, the shuttle drivers keep the day running on time from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the team at the River Ranch end helps everyone out, gathers up the paddles, and makes sure you leave with everything you brought.
We run one trip and we run it properly — because when a family has planned a summer day around a float down the river, the details matter.
Our crew at the launch site in Tahoe City — orange shirts, orange paddles, and the dogs that come with the job.
Why raft with us
What fifty seasons on this river taught us
1976
Operating on the Truckee
5 miles
Every single trip
Travelers' Choice
TripAdvisor award winner
Class I
Gentlest river rating
The only River Ranch exit
We are the only rafting concession that finishes directly on the River Ranch Lodge patio, so the last step of your trip is a table rather than a car park.
Door-to-door service
Free parking at Hidden Valley, a shuttle upriver to the launch, and a shuttle waiting at the take-out. You park once and never think about logistics again.
Rafts built for the job
Every raft is a large, sturdy, commercial whitewater-grade boat, sized to your group by the Launchmaster. You will never share one with strangers.
A river we look after
No glass and no Styrofoam on the water, ever. It keeps the Truckee safe and clean for the people swimming in it, the dogs riding on the rafts and the river itself.
The river
The Truckee, from the lake to the lodge
Lake Tahoe has exactly one outlet, and it is here in Tahoe City. Water that leaves the lake flows down the Truckee River through the pines, past sand bars and granite, and on toward Reno. The five miles we float are the calmest and most scenic of the lot.
Expect water between roughly 65 and 70 °F through the season, five small rapids with the liveliest saved for the finish, and enough quiet water in between to swim, paddle badly, or lie back and do nothing at all.
In guests' words
Why people come back to the Truckee
A Must-Do!
Didn't originally have this on our Lake Tahoe itinerary, but at this point I would say it is a “can't miss” event. We brought some snacks and beers and had a really good 5 hours just floating down the river, and ended down at the pub for a bit too, lot of fun.
Family Fun
Great experience. Fun & safe for the entire family. Would recommend it. Also enjoyed eating lunch at the restaurant at the exit. Departed on an early launch time so no crowds on the river. Enjoyed this day of rafting with my family. Very organized and seemed to have been run well.
Loved It
We had an awesome time! Everything was well organized and easy to navigate. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The river is calm with just enough rapids to make it tricky for novice rafters. Our two kids (5 and 7) loved it! Highly recommend this company and activity!
2026 season · Memorial Day weekend (May 22) through Labor Day (September 7)
Come float with us this summer
Reservations are pre-paid and guarantee your place on the river. Book online in a couple of minutes.