Trip planning · Tahoe City, California
Plan Your Truckee River Rafting Trip
Where to park, how the shuttle works, what to bring and what to leave behind — everything you need before you float the Truckee in Tahoe City.
Getting here
Two addresses, one easy morning
Everything starts at our Hidden Valley parking lot at 2200 River Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145 — directly across from the River Ranch. All rafters park here, and parking is free with your trip. The launch site on River Road has very limited parking, so please come straight to the lot.
From the lot you check in, sign your paperwork and ride the shuttle to the launch point. When your float finishes at the River Ranch patio, a shuttle is already waiting to bring you back to your vehicle.
- Park here first2200 River Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Look for the logo, the orange flags, the big orange raft and “2200” painted on the guardrails. - Office & launch area185 River Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145
- Shuttle hours8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day weekend (May 22) through Labor Day (September 7)
Check in
Four steps and you are on the water
- 01
Sign your waiver before you travel
The link to your waiver is in your confirmation email. Completing it in advance means check-in takes a couple of minutes instead of ten.
- 02
Park at Hidden Valley, 2200 River Road
Free, included, and the only place rafters should park. Leave the car here for the day — the shuttle brings you back to it.
- 03
Check in and meet your shuttle
We confirm your reservation, hand over your life jacket and paddle, and put you on the bus to the launch site on River Road.
- 04
Float, and let the river set the pace
The Launchmaster gives you your raft and sends you off. Two to three hours later you pull into the River Ranch patio and a shuttle is waiting.
What to pack
Bring this, leave that
Pack for the river
- Swimwear, or clothes you are comfortable getting wet in
- Footwear — flip-flops are fine; bare feet are not allowed
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses with a secure strap
- A reasonably sized cooler the driver can carry on their own
- Lunch, snacks and drinks — including beer, outside 1–6 July
- A waterproof pouch for your phone and keys
Leave it behind
- Glass of any kind — never permitted on the river
- Styrofoam cups and containers — also banned, for the river's sake
- Car keys, wedding rings and anything irreplaceable
- Cameras that are not waterproof
- Fishing rods — fishing from the rafts is not allowed
- Anything you would be upset to see float away
Rules we hold to
- Minimum age is 2 years old, no exceptions
- Under 15 requires a parent or guardian to sign the release
- At least two capable paddlers per raft
- Children 12 and under wear a life jacket all trip
- No alcohol between 1 and 6 July, per California law
- Every reservation is pre-paid to hold your spot
Good to know
The small details that make the day easy
On-site convenience store
Snacks, cold drinks including beer, sunscreen and Truckee River Raft Co. clothing are sold at the launch area — plus the essentials guests most often forget.
Restrooms along the route
There are several port-a-potties spaced along the five miles, so you are never far from one.
Water temperature
The Truckee generally runs 65–70 °F through the rafting season — comfortable for swimming in the holes and side channels along the way.
Cameras on the river
Photographers shoot the float through the season. You can find and buy your trip photos afterwards in our photo store.
If the weather turns
Rafting happens in sunshine and in Sierra showers. If we ever need to change or cancel a trip on your date, our team will contact you using the details on your reservation, and you can always reschedule.
Changing a reservation
You can add or remove people and move your time using the link in your confirmation email, or by calling the desk during shuttle hours.
Planning FAQs
Before you arrive
Is there an age limit for who can raft?
Yes. We do not allow rafters under two years of age. Anyone under 15 needs a parent or guardian to come and sign the release form at the time of the trip.
How safe is it?
Very. It is a mild float, classified as Class I. There are five little rapids along the way, the most challenging being the end stretch. All rafts are large, sturdy, commercial whitewater-grade rafts, and life jackets are provided for every rafter aged 2 and up.
Do you sell supplies such as food, drinks, or clothing?
Yes. Our on-site convenience store sells snacks, drinks and branded Truckee River Raft Co. clothing, plus the essentials people forget — including sunscreen.
Do we have to share our raft with people we don't know?
No. The only people on your raft are the ones in your party.
Can I add or subtract people to a reservation I've already made?
Yes. Refer to your confirmation email to make changes to your booking.
Where does the Truckee River float start and finish?
The Truckee River Float Trip starts in Tahoe City on the north shore of Lake Tahoe and ends five miles downriver at the River Ranch Lodge patio. Truckee River Raft Co. is the only rafting concession that exits directly onto the River Ranch patio.
Where do I park for the raft trip?
All rafters park at the Hidden Valley lot at 2200 River Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145, directly across from the River Ranch. Parking at the launch site is limited, and parking at Hidden Valley is free and included in your trip.
How much does the Truckee River float cost?
Adults aged 13 and over are $77 and children aged 6–12 are $40. Toddlers aged 2–5 ride free. The price includes parking, the shuttle bus, paddles and a life jacket for every rafter aged 2 and up.
Ready when you are
Book the float, and we will handle the logistics
Parking, shuttle, paddles and life jackets are all part of the price. All you have to decide is when you want to be on the river.