Whitewater Rafting on the Truckee River
Being the only whitewater park in the United states that is located in the heart of a downtown resort area, that is walking distance for 24-hour hotels, is open year-round, has a constant flow of clean, fresh water, has 11 drop-pools with 2,600 total feet in length (or 1/2 mile), has a great variety of whitewater activities for different skill levels, has easy public and spectator access, has a favorable year-round climate, is designed to accommodate low water flows to ensure usability during dry spells, is situated in mountain adventure area, and easy to reach, the Truckee River Kayak Park is a must-see attraction.
The five drop pools in the north channel and six in the south channel make kayaking maneuvers decrease slightly in elevation with each successive pool. The area is supplied with fresh water and 7,000 tons of smooth flat-top rocks and boulders, which were installed along the river banks and in-stream for easy public access, spectators, and kayaking maneuvers. Deep pools with continual fresh water provide good habitat for fish, in particular the Lahontan cutthroat trout. A grassy park with amphitheater and facilities for concerts, festivals, picnics, outdoor sports and recreation enhance the area.
In creating the Whitewater park the dangerous dam materials were removed, which created safer recreation area. Boating can start anywhere upstream and can be quite an enjoyable experience. There are Pedestrian walkways beneath Arlington Avenue for convenient mobility between east and west ends of the terrestrial park. It takes approximately 2 minutes to “run” the new whitewater park straight through, but some kayakers take hours, enjoying maneuvers in each pool. Water temperature ranges between 50 and 70 degrees. Kayakers need to wear helmets and flotation jackets for protection and safety. Beginners can enjoy the whitewater park, which is engineered to be safe
The Whitewater park is 2,600 feet, including 1,400 feet in the north channel and 1,200 feet in the south channel or one-half mile. Note: The north and south channels are created by Wingfield Park, an island in the river that divides the flow and has been a city park for years.
The Truckee River Kayak Park is a Class 2 to 3 course (on a scale of 1 to 6; one being a lake, six being a waterfall) Users include kayaks, canoes and rafts, inner tubes. Maneuvers enjoyed by those frequenting the parks are freestyle including front and side surfing, cartwheeling, throwing ends, blunt moves, spoofing and splatting, flat spinning, loops, front flips, slalom racing.
With such local features like the Truckee River Kayak Park it is no wonder that Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World, is considered much more than just a gambling town.
