raftcalifornia

california rafting trips & vacations

CALL TO BOOK | (530) 626-7385

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Welcome! We are so excited for you to come and experience one of our amazing river trips! We want everyone to be prepared and know what to expect. Here are some tips on What to Bring, and What NOT to Bring on your white water rafting trip with Raft California!

River attire is very casual and you should expect to get wet and dress accordingly. Quick-dry clothing is recommended. Anything cotton gets wet stays wet and does not keep you warm. Following this list will assure you a comfortable and well-prepared trip. Please remember to tip your guide at the end of your rafting trip! If you forgot to bring cash, just contact our office to use a credit card. Some locations can provide credit card tip processing on a tablet.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
Raft California will provide the following gear/items for all our rafting trips:

PFD

Personal Floatation Device/Life-Jacket

Paddles

Don't want to be up a creek without one...

HELMET

So seagulls don't poke you in the coconut!

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Flip Flops

We recommend river sandles or old tennis shoes

No Pets

Unfortunately claws and rafts don't mix

VALUABLES

If you don't want to lose it, don't take it down the river

We urge you to leave your valuables at home. If you wish to bring a camera, please provide a case (preferably waterproof). However, it will not be possible to photograph during rapids.

On our Truckee, Trinity, South Fork American, and Middle Fork American River trip – Professional photographers are positioned along the banks taking photos of us running the rapids. These photos are available for sale at the end of the trip and the companies are in no way associated with Raft California. We do have links directly to their websites. 

Extra money may be needed for meals en route to and from you trip, for souvenir T-shirts and photographs or a guide tip.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
  • Watter Bottle for Every Person Rafting
  • Swimsuit or Shorts
  • Tennis shoes or river sandals (Tevas, Chaco’s, Keens…NO FLIP FLOPS)
  • Sunhat or Visor
  • UVF Sunshirt
  • Nylon Windbreaker
  • Head strap for eyeglasses
  • Waterproof Sunscreen
  • Towel, dry clothes and shoes for wearing around camp
  • Extra pair of glasses (Optional)
  • Guide Tips!
OVERNIGHT GEAR LIST
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad 
  • Pillow 
  • Tent – optional 
  • Ground cloth
  • Flashlight w/ extra batteries
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal toiletries
  • Light jacket/sweater
  • Long pants
  • Dry shoes or sandals
  • Towel/Washcloth
  • Fishing gear/license – optional
  • Spirits (in moderation) – optional
  • Musical instrument – optional
  • Camp Chair – optional
2 Day Wilderness Rafting Trip Notes

These notes pertain to only our Wilderness Rafting Trips – those include the 2 Day Middle Fork American River Trip, 3 Day Lower Klamath River Trip & 2 Day East Fork Carson River Trip.

We include:

  • Dry Bags for your personal gear (we suggest putting in a duffel bag for easy packing)
  • 2 person tent (we include a 2 person tent for every 2 people on the trip)
  • Sleeping Pad (not a bag)

Please bring with you:
  • Your own sleeping bag 
  • Pillow, teddy bear etc
  • Refer to the Overnight Gear List above as well
Recommended Spring Rafting Attire

We recommend cool weather clothing (as a precaution) for the months of April, May, and October and for days anytime during the season where rain or cool weather is a possibility. Please avoid wearing cotton since once wet this will just make you cold and wear quick drying materials such as poly-pro. We recommend that you bring the following attire for cold weather white water rafting:

 
  • Wetsuit & Splash Jacket (rent) OR DrySuit
  • Lightweight cap that covers the ears (you will be wearing a helmet so you don’t want anything too bulky)
  • Long Sleeve shirt or sweater
  • Windbreaker
  • Wool Socks
  • Wool gloves
Get In Touch
(530) 626-7385
Tributary Whitewater
Incredible River Experiences

We launch trips on many different rivers in California, Oregon and Idaho. For questions give our main office a call – we would love to talk with you about our trips and rivers.

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the Rivers we run

Our vision is to create a sustainable and equitable reality where our rivers are enjoyed and protected, a place where families and friends can be inspired and challenged.

Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running rivers since we were first founded in 1978. Since we opened 40+ years ago we have expanded to include Adventure Connection, Mariah Wilderness Expeditions, High Desert River Outfitters, Canyon Outfitters and are the parent company of Raft California and Raft Oregon. While some things have changed over the years, Tributary remains a family-run small business with the same passion for the river and the mission of leading others to experience it.

 © 2022, Tributary Whitewater LLC, All Rights Reserved

Tributary Whitewater Tours is a permitted outfitter under the National Forest Service, the CA Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Nevada County, El Dorado County and Bureau of Land Management. Tributary Whitewater Tours is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.