Tributary Whitewater Tours

TripAdvisor's #1 Auburn tour—rafting all four forks, family-friendly.

Tributary Whitewater Tours is a long-running rafting outfitter on the American River, guiding trips on the South, Middle, and North Forks as well as other Western rivers. Founded in 1978, it offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day overnight adventures spanning gentle Class II floats to advanced Class V whitewater, so families and thrill-seekers alike can find a fit. Minimum ages vary by trip, with some family runs welcoming young children and tougher rapids reserved for teens and up. Most trips launch from Lotus, and the company maintains its own private campground on the South Fork. Beyond standard runs, it stages specialty outings such as yoga, craft beer, and dining trips. Visitors book it for decades of experience, options for every skill level, and a riverside basecamp roughly 30 minutes from Sacramento.