Whitewater Kayaking Trip on the East Fork Carson River

The East Fork Carson River is A Perfect First-Time Kayak Camping Trip!

A kayak camping trip on the Carson River
East Fork Carson River kayak camping trip with Current Adventures Kayak School
A perfect Spring kayak camping trip on the East Fork Carson

The East Fork Carson River is an awesome first time overnight whitewater kayaking trip for paddlers with class 2+ or greater skill level. Newer paddlers can have a blast in an inflatable kayak while more experienced intermediate paddlers can navigate in a hardshell. Non-paddling friends and family can come along on our raft-along option on this pristine wilderness run. Many of our guides and annual returnees consider this their favorite kayak camping trip of the year.

2024 Dates:
May 4-5

May 18-19

June 1-2

or call us at 530-626-3363 to register for this trip

A perfect kayak camping trip on the East Fork Carson River

Cost: 2 days and 1 night
Kayaker Cost: $369/person (shuttle additional via Markleevile Store)
Rafter Cost: $369
5/18/24 – meet up 8am – Carson River Resort (site to be determined after reservations open in February)

5/19/24 – Take out above old Ruhenstroth Dam site

Meals available: lunch Saturday through lunch Sunday

Kayak Rental (hardshell or inflatable): $75

PFD & Helmet Rental: $25

Camping Gear: See our rentals page for detailed pricing.

Pre-requisites: Rafters = none,  Kayakers = class 2+ skills ( IK) or better ( hardshell)

River Description

The EF Carson is a popular and scenic class 2+  stretch, but it is more difficult in two respects than the rating can indicate.   While  the rapids are not difficult, the water is very cold, the current is  non stop in the early miles and constantly pushes towards one bank or the other, so swims can be longer and could lead to hypothermia without quick recovery and/or proper attire. Constant maneuvering is required to stay in the center of the channel.

Call us if our dates don’t work for your schedule.  We’ll run a private trip for your group.  The continuous flow and fun of the river together with wildflowers, fabulous scenery of the Eastern Sierra, camping in lush meadows among scattered pines with nearby hot springs make for a lasting memory.

We meet trip participants in Markleeville, CA. Current Adventures provides experienced, knowledgeable guides, raft transport of gear, dry bags for your personal use and scrumptious meals from breakfast (light) on the 1st day through lunch on the 2nd day.  Please let us know if you have any special dietary needs, so we can accommodate them to the best of our ability.

Kayak camping trips are perfect on the Carson River

  We strongly encourage that you make arrangements to have your own vehicle shuttled by the local shuttle service and have it waiting at the take-out for you. Please contact us in advance, and we can give you the information on the cost and services available, and we can help folks connect on carpooling, etc.. Shuttle service does book up so we typically “block” a number of spots with the shuttle folks in advance so that you can let them know you are with Current Adventures when you call and you don’t miss out. Depending on trip size, etc. our guides can sometimes help with a shuttle after the trip if necessary for anyone without a ride or shuttle ( and won’t leave anyone hanging there (<: )

We also provide a packing list of suggested gear.  You may be able to rent anything you don’t have from us or from The River Store. We’re happy to supply a list of Markleeville area accommodations for those who’d like to drive up early. Please give us a call with any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you on the water!

Current Adventures operates under a special use permit from the  Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to operate on the Carson River and is a non-discriminating and equal opportunity service provider. For more information regarding our Federal permits or on how to file a complaint please click here.

Client comment:” What a great time we had on the Carson River!!  We always brag about how Current Adventures has the best guides, and you proved us right again.The food was delicious, the apple cobbler and brownies were to die for! Everyone on your staff made our trip pleasant and fun. Theresa and Kevin.

Join us for this rare and unique whitewater kayaking trip on the East Fork Carson River, considered by many local paddlers as the best family and Spring kayak camping trip around! (<:

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