Lazy Rafting Operations on the Truckee River May Not Open this Summer

Here’s some bummer news for all you NorCal river rats out there – our beloved summer tradition of lazy rafting on the Truckee is on a serious hiatus this year.

That’s right, folks. The epic float from Tahoe City to River Ranch along the scenic Truckee River isn’t going to happen in June and July, and there’s a good chance we might miss out on the whole summer.

Why, you ask? Well, the winter snowpack has turned Lake Tahoe into a chock-full water wonderland, causing a potential overflow situation in our rivers and reservoirs. That means the usual water release from Tahoe into the Truckee isn’t on the cards this time around, leaving the river flow a bit too weak for a safe and fun-filled rafting experience.

Truckee River Rafting, one of our favorite local rafting companies, dropped the not-so-fun news recently. They’ve had to pump the brakes on any June and July bookings, but they’re keeping fingers crossed for a potential August comeback, all depending on how the water situation pans out.

“Due to the epic snowfall we received this winter, our rivers and lakes are FULL,” the rafting company wrote on social media. “However unfortunately for rafting, too much water means little to no chance of opening. At this time we are not accepting reservations for summer 2023.”

This year’s “Big Melt” has led to some serious safety concerns, making California’s rivers a little too wild for comfort. The intense runoff has, unfortunately, left seven people either missing or dead as of last Friday.

It’s a tough blow for our hardworking rafting operators, who’ve already been having a rough ride with recent pandemic woes and drought seasons, both of which left water levels too low for rafting.

But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. The upside of our record snow year is that Tahoe visitors can keep the winter vibes rolling with snowball fights and skiing sessions well into the summer. Over at Palisades, they’re gearing up to keep the slopes open on select days all the way up until July 4. Let’s keep the NorCal spirit alive, folks!