Frequently Asked Questions
-
For over 20 years we have been running some of the best rivers in the Lake Tahoe area. Throughout the years we have been aiming to be the premier rafting company in California/ Nevada. Our effort to continuously do better is reflected in or safety protocols, our experienced guides, our trips, and the experience you will get when choosing us. Check out what our previous customers are saying!
-
For our whitewater rafting river trip portions each raft is guided by a checked- off river guide. We take pride in making sure our guides have been thoroughly trained on each river section we offer prior to taking guests down. Your guide will, instruct, teach and entertain throughout the entirety of the tour.
-
Simply answered, yes, we do finish our day where we started. All of our river tours have a specific meeting location where we park our vehicles, check in with office and guide staff. From these meeting locations leave your vehicles and we hop into our rafting buses for a short drive to the river rafting put-in location where we begin our river rafting portion. Once completing the river rafting portion and take-out of the river, our same rafting bus will pick us up and drive us back to our original meeting location and back to your personal vehicles. Completing our day at the same location we originally met.
-
There is no experience required for any of our river trips. However, we encourage experience for our more difficult, Class IV adventures on the North Fork and Middle Fork American trips. Please feel free to call us with any concerns or questions about appropriate trips for your group.
-
We have packing lists for you to review for each of our different trip types that is sent with your confirmation email. Look for the “Trip Details PDF” on the webpages as well in your email. Remember that the weather changes dramatically throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall rafting season. It can be significantly colder during March- May we encourage our guests to always be prepared. We always have wetsuits and splash jackets available for you at no extra charge. Don’t forget good footwear (no flip-flops), layers and a water bottle.
-
We have trips for almost everyone. Each trip page displays the minimum age for the trip as well as the difficulty rating. If you have any questions before you reserve your trip, please contact us for more information.
-
In all outdoor adventure activities there is an inherent level of risk. Whitewater river rafting is an adventure activity which takes place in natural flowing river systems and outdoor settings. River rafting does not take place in a theme park or controlled setting such as Disneyland or Water World environments. On all of our adventures our guests’, guides’ and staffs’ safety is our number one priority. We will always be completely honest when pairing our guests needs and expectations with the appropriate adventure on the Truckee, Carson and American Rivers. The most likely thing to happen if anything does occur, is potentially falling out of the raft. Usually when this happens we pull you out of the water quickly and get you back in the raft. Most often if this happens it usually ends up being that guests favorite part of the trip when looking back on it.
-
Most of our rafts have a capacity of 6 paddlers, however, some can accommodate more and during seasons with lower water levels, we might take less paddlers in each raft. Please don’t think or your reservation in terms of rafts, rather, reserve for as many people in your group and we will pair you with the right number of rafts when you arrive.
- Truckee River: We use 13’ raft: These can take up to 4-6 guests + a guide. (water level dependent).
- Carson River: We use 13’-14’ rafts: These can fit up to 6 guest + a guide.
- North Fork American River: We use 13’-14’ rafts: These can fit up to 4-6 guest + a guide. (water level dependent).
- Middle Fork American River: We use 13’-14’ rafts: These can fit up to 4-6 guest + a guide.
- South Fork American Rivers: We use 13’, 14’ and 16’ rafts: these can fit 4-8 guests + a guide.
-
It is recommended but not mandatory that all our guests know how to swim. All guests are given Type V, US Coast Guard approved flotation devices (lifejackets) that are designed to float you on your back, nice and high in the water. For all our class 3 and above sections, you will also be issued a helmet.
-
Absolutely! We are proud to have the best guide and they are often requested by past guests. Just let us know at the time of reservation, either online or over the phone and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
-
While gratuities are not mandatory, they are very much appreciated. River guiding is just like any other service industry position that relies on gratuities. Like your servers at your favorite restaurant, a typical tip is between 15% and 20% of trip cost.
-
You must meet us at the appropriate meeting location described in your confirmation email. From there, all transportation to and from the river in included. For large groups who wish to customize their experience, we may be able to arrange a custom pick up and drop off at your hotel for an extra charge.We always recommend that all our guests visiting California, Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada bring or rent a vehicle as there are so many wonderful things to do that will require reliable transportation.
-
We will do our best! We have carefully crafted our menus to be inclusive of a variety of dietary preferences. Please let us know your dietary restrictions so we can adjust our offerings to your needs.
-
Alcohol is not allowed before or during your rafting trip. However, on all our overnight trips we will have coolers and space to carry your favorite alcoholic beverages in moderation.
-
Whitewater rapids are rated on a scale of 1-5. We offer a variety of trips to choose to fit everyone’s adventure needs from Mild to Wild. To understand the rafting scale of rapids check out our Rapid Classifications web page.
-
- Class I is for beginners and Class V is for high adventure seekers.
- Class I- II Trips (Beginner): East Fork of the Carson River: Hangmans Run
- Class I, II, III+ Trips (Beginner/ Intermediate): Truckee River: Boca-Floriston, Truckee River: Verdi- Mayberry, South Fork American: Chile Bar run, and South Fork American: Gorge Run.
- Class I, II, III, IV+ Trips (Intermediate/ Advanced): North Fork American: Chamberlain Falls Run, Middle Fork American: Tunnel Chut
-
-
While there is not a weight limit, we are restricted by the size of our PFD’s. We can only accommodate chest sizes of 52” or less. As well we do ask all our guests to be active participants in the activity or in the case of a swim be an active participant in your own rescue. If you have any concerns, just let us know your height and weight and we can usually tell from that. Whitewater rafting is an active sport, as such we ask all of our guests to participate by paddling and doing their part with your river guide paddling commands. Please let us know if you have concerns if this activity is appropriate for you our other guests in your group.
-
Please see our minimum ages listed on each individual trip page. Please note that on seasons with extremely high- water levels and usually only during the months of late May and June, we may have to raise some of our minimum ages. This certainly is not the case every year.
-
Like most rivers in the Western U.S., the California Rafting season varies each year according to the Sierra Nevada snowpack. Typically, we have lower water levels in March and April, higher water levels in mid-May to late June, medium to low water levels in July and our lowest flows in August and September.
- For highest flows and best chance of big whitewater hits we recommend going in Late May/ early June.
- For best chance of warm air temperatures and water temperatures suitable to swim in we recommend going in July/ August.
- For less crowded trips that are not as busy we recommend going early season April/ May or September when kids are back in school. Our naturally flowing rivers such as The Carson River and North Fork American River are only available in May and June due to the natural snowmelt and spring runoff that allows these river to run. River systems with man made dams have consistent flows and are regulated throughout the year. The Truckee River, South Fork American, and Middle Fork American are available from April through September with regulated flows and releases.
-
Not necessarily. During our milder trips, typically, the only time you will fall in is if you choose to get out and swim. Please always ask your guide when it’s appropriate to do so. On our Wilder trips, there is always a chance, however, most people do not and if you listen closely to your Guide’s instructions and properly brace your feet into the raft, the chances become much slimmer.
-
There are virtually always opportunities on all our trips to jump in and swim. Although some of our more difficult section may offer less opportunities, always feel free to ask your Guide to point out an appropriate time to cool off in the river and remember to never enter the river head first!
-
We run our river trips rain or shine. We are used to having afternoon rains in the high sierras that form from afternoon thunderheads in late July/ August.. We have never in our history had any issues with thunderstorms on the river. Of course, our Guides are extremely conscientious and well trained to keep your safety as their number one Priority.
-
Tahoe Whitewater Tours currently offers the most customer-friendly cancellation policy in the river industry. We ask our guests to please honor the policy so we can continue to offer it to our future guests. Our policy is as follows:
- You may cancel or change group size up to 48 hours in advance of your reservation with no penalty.
- Within 48 hours of the tour time, any cancellations, changes, or “no shows” are responsible for payment in full.
-
We provide helmets for all our guests on our trips and require our guests to wear them.
-
Tahoe Whitewater Tours has an impeccable safety record with the most professional guide staff on the river. We place extremely high standards on our guides and equipment. The majority of our Guides surpass the minimum training requirements and certification levels required by our regulating agencies. We do hire many talented individuals in all aspects of guiding and outdoor adventure lifestyles.
-
On all our Truckee River trips, you will meet at our Rafting Headquarters where you will have restroom and changing rooms to use. You will be able to use your vehicle as your locker and we’ll keep your keys safe inside. Don’t worry, we’ve never had any issues in our secure parking lot and we don’t want you losing your keys in the river. For our river trips in which we meet at off site locations we recommend leaving valuables at home. You are more than welcome to bring wallets, cell phones, back pack, change of clothes, car keys and other valuables onto our the river rafting bus transporting you to and from the river which will be attended from our drivers throughout the day. We have never had any issue with theft or lost items. We do not recommend bringing any item onto the rafts that you would be sad if lost or damaged due to the river rafting adventure. Our policy is if you love it leave it at home.
What to expect after making a reservation
After you make your reservation with us you will receive an email with information concerning your trip. Items such as what to bring, directions to meeting locations, plus more. We recommend sharing confirmation emails with each member of your group to ensure everyone has all the information to plan accordingly. Pack lists and directions are most important for everyone in the group to have.
What Rapid Classifications
Whitewater rafting involves a lot of stamina and knowledge of how a river flows. Rivers can vary between difficulties, so when planning a rafting trip it’s important to know what level of difficulty you’re going to be experiencing. There is a rapid classification system used to compare river difficulty that is arranged into six classes. The system is not exact as rivers don’t always fit easily into one category and a rafter’s experience and knowledge of a river might classify it as a different level of class, but it’s a good starting point for knowing what to expect from a river.
Knowing what you can expect from a river beforehand can determine how much fun you have on a rafting trip. Attempting a river that is not fit for your skill level can be very dangerous and unsafe for you and those around you. Using the rapid classification system can help you make the smart decision of what a good level is for you. Tahoe Whitewater Tours is pleased to bring you exciting rafting trips in California and Nevada Rivers. From the mild meandering rapids on the East Fork Carson River to the adrenaline pumping whitewater of the Middle Fork American River, we want to show you the trip of a lifetime. Find the trip suited for you and contact us today at (530) 587-5777.
CLASS I (Beginner)
Moving water with current and small waves. Slow moving water with relatively few obstacles. Easily boated by inexperienced paddlers or inner tubes. There are no major obstacles and a passable channel will be clearly defined. Low risk to swimmers.
CLASS II (Beginner)
Rapids have bigger waves and more obstacles requiring basic maneuvering ability. There are no major obstacles and a passable channel will be clearly defined. Those with little to no experience in rafting might benefit from assistance in paddling and maneuvering to learn the proper way to raft. If swims occur, collision with obstacles and waves are possible yet most often swimmer will reach bottom of rapid easily.
CLASS III (Intermediate)
Moderate, irregular waves, hydraulics, holes, and cross currents that can be difficult to avoid. This level requires complex maneuvers involving fast currents and good raft control in tight passages. Large waves and strainers can be present but avoided. These rapids should have a guide instructing paddle commands in the maneuvering and handling of the raft. Precise maneuvering is a requirement to insure passenger safety. Class III rapids may seem easy to passengers who have been guided by experts. Intermediate and even advanced boaters sometimes run into trouble on Class III rapids. Swimming through Class III rapids is not ideal but many who do have great stories to tell. Collisions with obstacles and dunked by waves are highly probable, rafters are shaken but typically OK.
CLASS IV (Advanced)
For advanced rafters. Generally steeper, longer, and more obstructed than Class III. Often technical runs requiring precise lateral moves, unavoidable waves and constricted passages which demand fast maneuvers from experienced rafters to negotiate best route. Scouting should be done if unfamiliar and guides should be highly skilled to insure a successful run. These rapids are powerful, but still predictable, requiring precise boat handling. If swimming, risk of injury is more significant here because water conditions make self-rescue difficult.
CLASS V (Expert)
Routes are more demanding, with long rapids that require a high level of fitness. Strong currents, big waves,boulders, and holes powerful enough to flip and hold boats, violent rapids with many obstructions. Class V rapids may have one or more vertical drop. Advanced expedition style guiding skills are a must. This class requires the proper equipment, extensive experience, and rescue skills. Scouting rapids is recommended for all who enter. The
extreme of whitewater boating. Swimming is not recommended.
CLASS VI (For professionals boaters only, conditions dependent)
The highest level on the rapid classification system often considered un-runnable with no possible successful route through. Class VI is considered un-runnable as most of these rapids have never been attempted, or if attempted claimed lives or had little successes. They are extremely difficult, unpredictable and dangerous. All precautions have to be taken at favorable water levels because the consequence of error is very severe and rescue may be impossible. Swimming or attempts often result in death.