River runs

Nevada river runs

Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Nevada with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.

Runs in Nevada
37
Class range
I–V
Across the U.S.
331
Updated
May 31
Open the Nevada paddle layer on the map Whitewater + paddle runs filtered to Nevada.
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May
31
2026
River runs
Nevada may be known for its deserts and casinos, but the state also offers some thrilling whitewater and kayaking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. One popular destination is the Truckee River, which flows from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. The Truckee River offers a variety of runs for all skill levels, with the most popular section being the Truckee River Whitewater Park in Reno. This park features man-made features such as drops and waves, making it a great spot for kayakers looking to practice their skills. Recommended streamflow levels for the Truckee River are between 300-1,000 cubic feet per second for optimal whitewater conditions.

Another must-visit river for whitewater enthusiasts in Nevada is the Carson River, specifically the Carson River Canyon run. This run offers class II-III rapids and stunning scenery as it winds through the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is best navigated in the spring months when snowmelt increases the water levels, providing exciting whitewater conditions. Safety is paramount when kayaking or rafting in Nevada, so always check current streamflow levels, wear appropriate safety gear, and be aware of potential hazards such as rocks and strainers. With its diverse range of river runs and beautiful landscapes, Nevada is a hidden gem for whitewater and kayaking adventures.
Full directory

Nevada river runs

Every paddleable section in Nevada keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.

37 entries
River run Streamflow Class
Headwaters To Eastern Boundary Of Great Basin National Park 4 cfs II-III
Frenchman Reservoir To Nf Boundary 1 cfs III-IV
Leavitt Meadows Campground To Htnf Boundary 385 cfs II-III
Wilderness Boundary To Trailhead/Roads End 6 cfs ·
Trailhead To Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest Boundary 6 cfs II-III
Headwaters To Mt Moriah Wilderness Boundary 6 cfs III-V
Headwaters To Trailhead, Roads End 54 cfs ·
Roads End To Forest Boundary 54 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Alta Toquima Wilderness Boundary 7 cfs III-IV
Headwaters, Includes N Fork And Main Fork To T20n,R66e, Sec 17 6 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary 15 cfs II-III
Headwaters To Jarbidge Wilderness Boundary 15 cfs III-IV
T47n,R40e,Sec 13 To Forest Boundary T47n,R39e,Sec10/11 6 cfs ·
Headwaters To Forest Boundary 7 cfs II-III
Headwaters To Arcdome Wilderness Boundary 7 cfs III-IV
Wilderness Boundary To Forest Boundary 15 cfs III-IV
Little Whitehorse J4 3 cfs ·
Big Trout Creek (Including East Fork) 3 cfs V
Mcdermitt Cr J7 3 cfs III-IV
Rattlesnake Cr J17 3 cfs III-IV
Sage Cr J9 3 cfs III-IV
Antelope Cr J10 3 cfs III-III
Mcdermitt Cr, N Fk J8 3 cfs III-IV
Oregon Canyon Cr J15 3 cfs IV-V
Whitehorse Cr 3 cfs III
Indian Cr 3 cfs III-IV
Doolittle Cr 3 cfs ·
Whitehorse Cr J1 3 cfs III
Willow Cr 3 cfs II-IV
Cougar Point Creek 14 cfs ·
Dave Creek 14 cfs III-IV
Salmon Falls Creek 51 cfs III-IV
West Fork Bruneau River 21 cfs III-IV
Rocky Canyon Creek 51 cfs II-IV
Jarbidge River 14 cfs III-IV
East Fork Jarbidge River 14 cfs III-IV
Cottonwood Cr 3 cfs III-IV
River runs FAQ

About Nevada river runs

What does whitewater class mean?

The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.

Where does the Nevada streamflow data come from?

USGS streamgauges. Each Nevada paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.

What's a runnable level?

Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Nevada paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.

Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?

Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?

No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.