The North Fork Yuba River offers both veterans and active first-timers a variety of whitewater rafting thrills on over 28 miles of river. Raft trips from 1 – 3 days can be combined for varying levels of difficulty. At higher flows previous paddling experience is recommended. However people who are competent swimmers, athletic and adventurous can enjoy some of these runs when the peak snow melt is over. Even at lower flows, the North Fork Yuba River offers exciting rafting in smaller boats.
Despite the most popular section including the infamous Class 5 Maytag rapid, it occurs towards the end of the run. We always scout this.
Our white water rafting trips on the North Yuba River offer uncrowded, more private trips. We are one of the original permit holders for the North Yuba are there are still only 3 permitted outfitters originating in 1981. It is a very special river to us, and we would love to have you join us.
The North Fork Yuba River travels through the scenic Tahoe National Forest, and is fed by the snow-melt from the majestic 8000+ peaks of the Sierra Buttes. It is located at the north end of the fabled Mother Lode highway (Hwy 49). The nearby mining towns of Downieville and Sierra City provide rustic charm and great history. There is plentiful camping, a good selection of restaurants, cozy cabins & motels, saloons and historic landmarks.
Great opportunities are available in the area for hiking, fishing and mountain biking. For those travelling from the Bay Area or Sacramento, the towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City are conveniently on your way. They provide unique experiences and accommodations to extend your stay.
Raft California operates under permit from the Tahoe National Forest Yuba River Ranger District and is an equal opportunity service provider.
Please be on time and note that there is no real address for this location. If you want to get a close destination, use 5151 Golden Chain Hwy, Camptonville, CA 95922 – this is approximately 2,000 ft. from the right turn on Indian Valley Rd. Can also use Indian Valley Campground, Camptonville, CA from Google maps.
Note that cell reception is pretty non-existent past Nevada City so if you are running late or need to contact us please do so in Nevada City or use the pay phone from Indian Valley Outpost Resort located on Hwy 49.
GPS Coordinates provided by Tahoe National Forest: Latitude:+39° 30′ 48.79″, Longitude -120° 58′ 58.91″. PLEASE NOTE THAT GPS DIRECTIONS ARE OFTEN INCORRECT AND WE HAVE MANY CLIENTS WHO USE GPS AND GET REALLY LOST. Please use our map in conjunction with any other mapping device/method you use, and try and stay aware of exactly where you. Cell phone reception is also not always available in these rural areas. We cannot be responsible for you getting lost and missing your trip.
Downieville: offers the closest hotel and inn accommodations (10 miles NE of meeting place).
Grass Valley/Nevada City: 38-42 miles, 45 minutes SW of meeting place. Convenient stop-off for clients traveling from Sacramento. Great restaurants, gas lights, horse drawn carriages.
Camptonville and Downieville: offer the closest accommodations
Grass Valley/Nevada City: 38-42 miles, 45 minutes SW of meeting place. Convenient stop-off for clients traveling from Sacramento. Great restaurants, gas lights, horse drawn carriages.
Camptonville and Downieville: offers the closest accommodations
Grass Valley/Nevada City: 38-42 miles, 45 minutes SW of meeting place. Convenient stop-off for clients traveling from Sacramento. Great restaurants, gas lights, horse drawn carriages.
Not a lot of selection, but surprisingly good quality for a small rustic town.
Historic buildings & walks in nearby rustic Downieville. Restaurants, gas & other supplies can be found in Camptonville and Downieville.
The area offers numerous trails for day hikes, back packing & mountain biking. Trails from easy to more difficult. See our North Yuba River hiking information.
With over 25 years of running the highest quality rafting trips and river tours, Raft California invites you to join us on one of our spectacular rafting adventures!
We have whitewater rafting trips on over 12 rivers in Northern California, Oregon, and into Nevada! Rivers include the South Fork American, Middle Fork American, North Fork American, North Yuba, Truckee, Tuolumne, Kaweah and more!.
Recycling for SYRCL What is SYRCL? SYRCL stands for South Yuba River Citizens League. They are a non-profit founded in 1983 by grassroots activists near the South
Raft California Food Truck Fridays Lemongrass Cafe serving dinners at Raft California Lotus, CA Campground every Friday! The Lemongrass Cafe Food Truck serves up food,
