Respecting the Truckee River While Tubing & Paddling
Getting ready to head out on the Truckee River this summer? We certainly are! Spending time enjoying the river with friends and family is one of our favorite things about living in Northern Nevada. When we enjoy the river we care for the river more.
This summer, we encourage you to respect the Truckee River, its banks, and its neighboring parks while cooling off in the water. That’s why we’ve put together a quick guide to get you started planning your paddling or tubing excursion along the Truckee River in Nevada. Check out our blog to better understand the river’s rapids and nearby amenities – and what you need to know about protecting water quality, staying safe, and respecting the river’s plants and animals while you explore.
Our top tips for tubers and paddlers:
1. Make a plan. Our guide to the Truckee River Water Trail includes information about each section of the river as it flows from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. As a Nevada nonprofit, we’ve also created two more in-depth paddling guides, highlighting our state’s two most popular sections: Boca to Mayberry and Mayberry to Rock Park. When planning your trip, check out the links on these pages to learn more about how fast the Truckee River is flowing, how this affects your paddle or float, and where you’ll encounter rapids and other on-water obstacles.
2. Keep the water clean. The Truckee River provides 85% of the Truckee Meadows’s drinking water. It also serves as drinking and recreational water for our neighbors downriver: with communities in Fallon, Fernley, and the Pyramid Lake relying on our shared resource. Check out our collection of river maps to learn more about the best places to find restrooms, doggy waste disposal stations, and other amenities. Begin your day knowing how you’ll pack out your trash. Even better? While you’re there, pick up litter you encounter along your journey.
3. Respect plants and wildlife. To prevent trampling plants and accelerating erosion – follow established trails and paths when getting in and out of the water. When the path is unclear, pay close attention to not step on plants. Especially in popular areas, lots of small footprints add up! Consider which animals you might spot and enjoy watching them from a distance. If an animal is paying attention to you, you’ve gotten too close.
4. Know your coordinates. They’re not only how you’ll stay mindful of the rapids and other hazards around the next bend, but how you’ll notify emergency services if your day doesn’t go according to plan. In case of emergency, note the mile marker signage (posted every tenth of a mile) along the river.
5. Understand that you’re recreating at your own risk. While there’s many simple steps we can all take to be safer (including knowing your ability level, staying sober, never recreating alone, and wearing lifejackets, helmets, and water shoes), nature can be unpredictable and there’s no lifeguards along the Truckee River.
6. Have fun! At One Truckee River, we understand that when you enjoy the river, you care for it more. And that’s what we’re all about. We’ve provided this information to help get you started – the rest is up to you. What’s next? After you enjoy your day on the Truckee River, consider making an impact by volunteering, attending an event, or donating to our organization.