Overview
- Location: Lake Tahoe, CA to Pyramid Lake, NV
- Total Length: ~121 miles
- Kayaker’s Focus: Upper stretches (Tahoe City to River Ranch), Boca to Floriston, Reno Whitewater Park, Verdi to Sparks
- Season: Spring–early summer for whitewater; summer/fall for floats and Reno playpark
- Character: Alpine meadows, pine forest, granite boulders, and city surfing in Reno
Section 1: Tahoe City to River Ranch (California)
- Distance: ~5 miles
- Class: I (easy, gentle float)
- Put-In: Tahoe City (Commons Beach, or directly below Lake Tahoe Dam)
- Take-Out: River Ranch Lodge (at Alpine Meadows Road bridge)
- Time: 2–3 hours
Description:
The iconic “Tahoe float”—clear, cold water through pine forests and granite boulders. Best for families, beginners, and lazy summer afternoons. Minimal whitewater, but some swift current and riffles—watch for swimmers and rental rafts. The river here is busiest July–August.
Hazards:
- Low bridges (duck or portage at high water)
- Crowded in midsummer, especially near River Ranch
- Occasional shallow spots; scrape rocks at low flows
Amenities:
- Tahoe City: full amenities, outfitters, bathrooms, parking (can fill early!)
- River Ranch: limited parking (plan shuttle in advance), riverside bar/restaurant
Notes:
- No helmet required for flatwater, but always wear a PFD!
- Rentals available from local raft companies (not suitable for whitewater kayaks—bring your rec boat or SUP if desired)
Section 2: Truckee (Boca to Floriston) – Classic Whitewater Run
- Distance: ~7 miles
- Class: II+ to III (solid intermediate)
- Put-In: Boca Dam or Boca Bridge (both have parking)
- Take-Out: Floriston (CA/NV border, pull-off under I-80)
- Time: 2–3 hours
Flow Range:
- Best at 500–1,200 cfs (check Boca Reservoir release; flows drop in late summer)
- Can be bony below 400 cfs; pushy above 1,500
Major Rapids (Downstream Order):
- Jaws (II+)
- Boulder-strewn, S-curve—read-and-run at moderate flows
- At higher water, strong waves and pushy current
- Bronco (III)
- Main event; ledge drop with surfable wave at bottom
- Scout right from river bank if uncertain
- The Ledge (II+)
- Shelf drop, usually surfable at center or right
- Play spot for local kayakers
- Split Rock (III)
- Final rapid before Floriston, technical boulder move; left or center line
Character:
Continuous pool-drop style, swift current between rapids. The river is hemmed in by pine forests, steep hills, and old railroad lines.
Hazards:
- Cold water (even in summer—glacial melt from Tahoe)
- Strainers after high flows—check for new wood after storms
- Private property along some banks—use designated access
Shuttle:
- About 20–25 minutes (one car at Boca, one at Floriston pull-out)
- No commercial shuttle service—self-shuttle or ride with friends
Amenities:
- Boca: Vault toilet, ample parking
- Floriston: Limited roadside parking; no bathrooms
Camping:
- Boca Campground (USFS): Near Boca Reservoir, suitable for groups
- Prosser & Martis Creek (upstream near Truckee): More developed sites
Section 3: Reno Whitewater Park (Nevada)
- Location: Downtown Reno, Wingfield Park (Sierra St & Island Ave)
- Distance: ~1/4 mile, multiple man-made features
- Class: II–III (higher at spring flows)
- Season: Paddleable year-round, but best April–June for playboating
Features:
- 11 drop-pool features: surf waves, holes, eddies
- Slalom gates set up for races/clinics
- Bouldered banks for easy scouting and access
- Suitable for all types of whitewater kayaks and SUPs (helmets mandatory, PFD required)
Events:
- Reno River Festival (May): Playboating competitions, clinics, demo days
- Freestyle clinics and weekly “local nights” (check Facebook groups)
Hazards:
- Urban debris after storms—check lines before play
- Crowded in summer: swimmers, SUPs, kids, dogs
- Cops patrol for safety—no glass, no alcohol
Amenities:
- Parking at Wingfield Park (metered), restrooms, food/drink nearby
Nearby Rental/Instruction:
- Kayak Reno: SUP/kayak rentals, lessons (on-site)
- Truckee River Kayaks: Rentals, info at festivals
Section 4: Verdi to East Sparks (Nevada) – Scenic Downriver Run
- Distance: ~13 miles
- Class: I–II (perfect for beginners, scenic float, SUPs, and rec kayaks)
- Put-In: Crystal Peak Park (Verdi, NV; easy parking, bathrooms)
- Take-Out: Rock Park (Sparks, NV; developed riverfront park)
- Time: 3–5 hours depending on flow
Features:
- Beautiful cottonwood forests, open desert vistas, urban parks, a handful of mellow riffles, small waves (Class II in Reno city center, especially spring)
- Several river access parks: Mayberry Park, Dorostkar Park, Idlewild Park (good for lunch breaks, alternate access)
Hazards:
- Floating debris/logs after storms, high runoff in May/June
- Urban encampments along some stretches—generally safe, but stay alert
- Strong winds in afternoon (paddling east toward Sparks)
Shuttle:
- Easy along I-80 or via surface streets; take two cars or bike shuttle
Camping:
- No camping along urban stretches
- Davis Creek Regional Park: Closest developed campground, 15 minutes south of downtown Reno
Other Sections & Opportunities
- Truckee (Town of Truckee to Boca): Class II, pleasant but less popular due to low bridges and diversions
- Pyramid Lake: NOT recommended for river kayaks (wind, waves, permits required from the Paiute Tribe)
- Lake Tahoe: Superb for flatwater touring, not whitewater
Outfitters & Rentals
- Tahoe Whitewater Tours: Guided trips (Boca–Floriston, float sections), lessons, and kayak/SUP rentals.
- Truckee River Raft Company: Rentals for Tahoe City to River Ranch stretch (not for whitewater kayaks).
- Kayak Reno: Rentals and instruction at Reno Whitewater Park.
- SUP Nevada: Stand-up paddleboard rentals at various spots along the river and Lake Tahoe.
Regulations & Tips
- Permits: None needed for private boaters; commercial guides must be licensed.
- Life Jackets: Required for all on the river in Nevada, and always recommended.
- Alcohol: Banned in most public river parks (especially in Reno/Sparks).
- Respect private land: Stay at established access points.
- River Festivals: Reno River Fest, Truckee Duckee Derbee, local slalom races.
Local Resources & Info
- American Whitewater – Truckee River
- Reno River Festival
- Dreamflows Truckee Gauge
- USFS Tahoe National Forest – Boca Campground
Rapid Table: Boca to Floriston
| Rapid | Class | Mile | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaws | II+ | 0.5 | Boulder drop, best at 800+ cfs |
| Bronco | III | 2.0 | Main drop, wave trains, scout right |
| The Ledge | II+ | 3.0 | Surf spot, fun at moderate flows |
| Split Rock | III | 6.5 | Technical finish, left/center route |
Sample 2-Day Trip
Day 1:
- Paddle Boca to Floriston in the morning (whitewater run)
- Lunch in Truckee, explore shops, breweries
- Evening: camp at Boca or Prosser Campground
Day 2:
- Morning float from Tahoe City to River Ranch, or park-and-play at Reno Whitewater Park
- Afternoon: SUP/kayak at Lake Tahoe, or bike the Truckee River Path in Reno
Pro Tips
- Dress for cold water: Even on hot days, water is snowmelt! Wetsuit or drysuit in spring.
- Check flows: Boca release schedules affect water levels on the whitewater run.
- Early or late paddles: Beat the crowds in Tahoe/Reno by paddling before 10 am or after 4 pm.
- Group safety: Whitewater runs (Boca–Floriston) are best with 2+ boats and throw ropes.