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Truckee River: Mayberry Park to Cottonwood Park

Family-friendly downtown segment of the Truckee River, with two whitewater parks and many city parks and amenities.
Trail Uses
Paddling
Location
Washoe County
Length
5.10 miles (One Way)
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Towns
Reno, Sparks
Surface
River/Stream
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

The Mayberry to Cottonwood Segment begins at the Mayberry Park in West Reno and is primarily a Class 1-2 run.

In this river segment, there are a few diversion dams and power plants which require portage. The segment take the paddler through the cities of Reno and Sparks, in mostly an urban setting.  There are two major city parks along the way, with purpose-built whitewater parks for a fun paddling experience.  

Truckee's flow is highly regulated, with most river flow fully allocated through a system of water rights, set by the Truckee River Operating Agreement. Water levels on the Truckee River widely vary by season and the river is navigable depending on the flow rates and your experience level. Make sure to assess water levels before your trip.

View the daily streamflow conditions on the USGS Waterdata website, or use the links below for specific gauge sites along the river.

Truckee River – Mogul

Truckee River - Reno

Truckee River – Glendale Ave

Truckee River - Sparks

Truckee River – Vista Blvd

Other Information

City of Reno events website:  Things To Do | City of Reno

Visit the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority website to get information on places to stay, eat and recreate.

See the TravelNevada website for articles and things to do in Reno and Sparks.

For information on the City of Sparks, Rock Whitewater Park, click here.

Washoe County Parks and Open Space – Truckee River District Parks webpage.

Trail Manager

There are several agencies that manage the water in the Truckee River. The primary landowner for the river bed within Nevada is the Nevada Division of State Lands, but the water flow itself is managed by the Federal Water Master and Truckee Meadows Water Authority through the Truckee River Operating Agreement. 

Nevada Division of State Lands

Nevada Division of State Lands
901 S. Stewart Street, Ste. 5003
Carson City, NV 89701
Phone: (775) 684-2720
View website

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Recreate Responsibly

Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. This goes for trash, leftover food, toilet paper, and hygiene products. If you brought it into nature, please bring it out.
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Trailhead Information

Put-in at the Mayberry Park in West Reno. Take-out is at the Cottonwood Park, on Spice Island Drive in Sparks.  There are other access points along this segment, including the Wingfield Whitewater Park and the Rock Whitewater Park.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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Trail Alerts

Safety
Be a Safe and Respectful Paddler
Paddling conditions will vary according to the weather and season, so always exercise caution and always wear a lifejacket. With good judgment and proper equipment, the risk associated with paddling can be minimized. Respect the natural world and the rights of landowners, and be considerate of other outdoor enthusiasts. Paddlers should seek to avoid causing erosion, trampling vegetation, disturbing wildlife, and harming water quality.
Safety
High Flow Area

In the Spring runoff months, water may be very fast and high. Paddlers should use caution and plan accordingly.

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