Truckee River Trail - Mayberry to Rock Park
Kayaking & Tubing the Truckee River in Reno, NV
When Northern Nevadans talk about paddling and tubing the Truckee River, this is what they’re all about. Tubers often begin their journey in the tree-lined Mayberry Park on hot summer days, meandering down to Idlewild or Wingfield Park on low water. Alternatively, whitewater kayakers and rafters often opt for the wilder, higher and much colder waters of early season trips. With sturdier watercrafts (and ample experience), the river opens up to longer paddles through a more adventurous range of conditions.
To stay safe on the river, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
Mayberry to Wingfield Park is one of the most common sections of the Truckee River to float! Popular among paddlers in high water and tubers later in the season, it offers great opportunities for adventure and enjoyment at various adrenaline levels. Mayberry Park provides ample parking and a convenient put-in location. You’ll want to begin your trip here.
While most of this section runs smoothly, there are a few significant hazards to consider. You’ll encounter the first not far past Mayberry Park. At Mile 50.51, there’s an abandoned diversion structure at Ambrose Park. A dam once stood here, built in 1876 by the South Side Canal Company and capable of watering 160,000 acres. When it collapsed in 1946, it left behind wood-collecting rebar, which remains in the river and must be navigated around today. Aim for river left to avoid the debris.
Chalk Bluff Dam, at mile 51.16, should be approached with respect. When flows are above 1500 CFS, there’s an easy place to land about 50 yards above the Chalk Bluff Dam to portage left. Look for the sign.
From here, the river becomes scenic and calm. While you’ll pass by some homes, much of the riverbank feels more natural than urban, with trees, brush, and rocky stretches of shoreline running almost the entire length. As you pass by Dorostkar, Crissie Caughlin, Oxbow, and Idlewild Parks, consider stopping to enjoy a cool dip or sunny reflection along your way.
Tubers and less experienced paddlers will want to take out at Idlewild Park. Alternatively, downtown Reno’s Whitewater Park at Wingfield Park offers a thrilling end to many tubing and paddling trips. Strong river skills are recommended to enjoy the Whitewater Park, especially when water levels are high. The biggest drop, called Drop #5, lies below the island, where the 2 river channels come back together. Scout this feature before paddling through. Avoid the shallow chute on the far right.
All tubers and casual paddlers should get off the river here. One Truckee River highly recommends hiring a guide for travel through the Glendale Dam Diversion.
Beyond Wingfield Park in downtown Reno, confident paddlers will journey into the less frequently kayaked (yet enjoyable) Sparks river corridor. Here, the most notable hazard to contend with is the Glendale Dam Diversion just downstream of the I-580 bridges and the Grand Sierra Resort. There’s also a significant Class III rapid near Wells Avenue, at mile 55.60, not marked on the River Recreation map.
The Glendale Dam is an extremely dangerous structure, with 100+ yards of constant hazards and many foot and arm entrapment areas for swimmers. To avoid the dam, be sure to get out of the water before the low footbridge along the right riverbank diversion. Walk around the footbridge, judge the water depth, and decide whether you feel comfortable getting back in the water just below the metal bridge (staying near the center of the Class II channel) or prefer to follow the trail towards Walmart and the Glendale Bridge, crossing the street before returning to the main river channel. Continue on through pleasant waters until you reach Rock Park.
Beware of the Pioneer Diversion Dam, 57.11. Portage left or run it. If you choose to run it, understand that it does play out into occasional boulders. Paddle center right to avoid this hazard.
Ahead, Rock Park was designed to be a whitewater park, at a smaller scale than Wingfield Park in downtown Reno. It’s playboating features include surfing waves and a freestyle hole. The park is especially fun at flows over 1000 CFS, when larger waves develop.
Before shuttling back to your car at Mayberry, consider a leisurely picnic along Rock Park’s grassy riverbank. Or, if you’ve ended your trip in downtown Reno, enjoy lunch or a refreshing beverage at your favorite Reno Riverwalk restaurant.
