Things to Do on the Truckee River
The Truckee River is the gem of our region – offering countless opportunities for recreation in Northern Nevada, as well as just over the California stateline. From adrenaline-fueled whitewater kayaking excursions to mellow camping trips and celebratory downtown events, you probably already know your favorite ways to enjoy our waterway. Looking for more things to do on the Truckee River? Keep reading for our top ideas to enjoy nature from a new perspective this season!
Paddling & Floating
Tubing, SUPing, kayaking, rafting and canoeing along the Truckee River are Northern Nevada summer traditions. On a sweltering July afternoon, what could feel better? For casual floaters, Mayberry Park is one of the most popular places to start. Beginning at Mayberry Park, you’ll enjoy stretches of parkland and open space before arriving downtown – while avoiding areas with harder rapids and larger dams. As you plan your trip, check out our Truckee River Water Trail page for recommended routes, convenient put-ins at your favorite parks, scenic picnicking options, and easy access to restrooms and potable water along the way.
Enter the river at your own risk. Keep safety top of mind by considering local conditions and how recent weather may contribute to water levels. Check the Tahoe City dam release and downstream USGS data for water flow information, visit City of Reno Police Department area incidents and other jurisdiction’s similar stats for social patterns related to safety, and be sure to bring your life jacket! Click here for more details about paddling and fishing the Truckee River Water Trail – and learn how One Truckee River is working to improve your river experience and connect our community with this region’s natural beauty.
Excited about whitewater? Looking to improve your skills, or just have fun in the water? Downtown Reno’s Truckee River Whitewater Park is the perfect place to practice kayaking maneuvers, with a half-mile of progressive drop pools and Class II and III rapids. Bring your own boat or pick up a rental from Sierra Adventures. Sierra Adventures offers four levels of paddling instruction, with excellent options for all levels of river enthusiasts. For more whitewater adventures, pop over to California for a Truckee River rafting excursion with Tributary Whitewater Tours, Isolated Rivers Incredible Experience, or Raft California. Or, for a more mellow Tahoe excursion, check out rentals and tours from Clearly Tahoe, Truckee River Raft Company, and Tahoe City Kayak.
Walking & Hiking
Here in the Truckee Meadows walking, hiking, and running along the Truckee River are among our favorite local pastimes. The Truckee River Walk begins at City Plaza in downtown Reno and extends out to Idlewild Park. Enjoy this 3.5 mile stroll, or continue on to Mayberry Park for a full-day excursion. Alternatively, take things slow and create your own public art tour, featuring dozens of temporary and permanent installations with Burning Man roots.
How about shorter walks? Oxbow, Dorostkar, and Lockwood all offer nature trails close to a mile in length – while still highlighting some of the prettiest scenery in town. For a less urban environment, pay a visit to Mustang Ranch or Mayberry Park, with hike options suited for just about any every ability level.
Biking
For Nevadans who prefer longer rides and runs, the Truckee River presents some of the most accessible local trails. The Tahoe-Pyramid Trail is 85% complete - with the goal of developing a peddle-ready path following the entire length of the Truckee River, from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. Today, five sections are ready to explore. Take an urban cycle through Sparks and Reno, a visit to Rock Park or Cottonwood Park, watch horses in Mustang, or venture into more rugged terrain between Wadsworth and Pyramid Lake. Incorporating the Sparks section of the Tahoe Pyramid Trail into your daily commute or weekend ventures is a great way to bypass the bustle of traffic and enjoy a quieter section of the Truckee River.
Camping
Looking to pop a tent (or pull up a trailer) with your family or favorite crew? Consider a visit to Pyramid Lake, our river’s endpoint and home to an unusual mix of desert wildlife. The Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park and Fish Ladder Beach are your best bets for a weekend not-so-far-away from home.
While you’re at Pyramid Lake, try your hand at fishing – the lake is home to the ancient Cui-ui Fish and world-famous Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. A Tribal Permit is required to recreate on native land and some areas are closed to the public. Opt to fish from the shore or take your SUP, kayak, or motorized boat out for a calm morning on the water. (Rental kayaks and charter boats available for hire) With a little luck, you’re likely to spot American White Pelicans, as Pyramid’s Anaho Island is a National Wildlife Refuge. Finish your weekend with a visit to the Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitor Center to learn how our region’s original native inhabitants, the Paiute Indian tribe have enjoyed the Truckee River for generations.
In the heat of summer, head upstream to camp on the Truckee River in California. The National Forest Service runs riverside campgrounds at Granite Flat and Goose Meadow. From here, you’ll have the best access to leisurely river paddles with the Truckee River Raft Company, flatwater kayak and SUP rentals and tours through Tahoe City Kayak, and countless opportunities for independent hiking, swimming, and biking along the shore.
Fishing
Northern Nevada is fortunate to offer some of the best trout fishing in the western US. Enjoy a picturesque day of catch-and-release angling in your local riverside park – or try to snag a massive Lahontan Cutthroat Trout at Pyramid Lake. The choice is yours.
Visit the Reno Fly Shop’s website for the most recent local fishing reports, to sign up for classes and clinics, or to embark on a group trip. Other local outfitters include Arlo’s Fly Fishing Service, Great Basin Guide Service, Pyramid Fly Co., and Pyramid Lake Fly Fishing. Before you get started, don’t forget to pick up your fishing permit through the Nevada Department of Wildlife for the Truckee River or the Paiute Tribe for Pyramid Lake.
Check out the Truckee River Water Trail map for our recommended local fishing spots.
Bird Watching
Get involved with the Lahontan Audubon Society by participating in their upcoming events – or set out on your own. The Audubon website features field guides to some of the best Truckee River bird watching locals: Verdi, Mayberry Park, Dorostkar Park, the Oxbow Nature Study Area, and Pyramid Lake. Did you know that Northern Nevada is home to 480 types of birds? Find out more at ebird.org.
Summer Celebrations
Celebrating along the Truckee River is a highlight of any Northern Nevada summer! Just about every warm-weather weekend, you can find a riverside park offering live music, performance, vendors, and tasty treats. April’s Earth Day in Idlewild Park and June’s River Festival in Wingfield Park are among our favorites – featuring paddling and biking events, local crafts, live music, rides, and more! Check out seemingly-endless outdoor music opportunities at July’s Artown Festival, enjoy Reno’s family-friendly movies series in Wingfield Park, embrace Northern Nevada Pride, or explore new genres with a massive range of concert styles throughout the season: from folk to electronic.
And what about Reno’s weekly events? Pull up a chair and enjoy 45+ rotating food truck vendors, live music, train rides, and other children’s activities at Food Truck Fridays in Idlewild Park. (Fridays 4-9, June-Aug) Or, sample local specialties at Feed the Camel, a weekly gathering featuring local specialties, microbrews, and more at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center. (Wednesdays 5-8:30, June-Sept) The Riverside Farmer’s Market is a truly local affair, bringing together many of the finest small farmers, ranchers, and artisans of our region. (Sundays 9-12p) The Reno Wine Walk, organized by the Riverwalk District, brings out the community every Third Saturday from 2-5pm. And added to the roster in 2023: Downtown Tuesdays brings live music and food trucks to 4th Street’s Partnership Plaza on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, May-September.
Picnics, Playgrounds, and Swimming
Here in the Truckee Meadows – we savor every opportunity to enjoy the sunshine at our favorite outdoor spaces. Our shoreline parks include Mayberry, Dorostkar, Crissie Caughlin, Idlewild, Barabara Bennett, Rock, Cottonwood, and more. Each park offers a unique mix of family-ready activity areas to explore, including playgrounds, BBQ grills, sports fields, skate parks, and shady waterside picnic and swimming spots. Read more about these neighborhood parks and amenities in the Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County Parks and Recreation Directories. Or, encourage your family to learn something new about nature through a Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation Junior Naturalist program, Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful event, or Sierra Nevada Journeys camp.