Take The Longest Float Trip In California This Summer On the Yuba River

Crystal clear water, verdant tree and plant life, and oodles of history are what you’ll experience when you float the Yuba River in Northern California. Running parallel to Highway 20 between Yuba City and just south of Browns Valley in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and extending approximately 60 miles, the Yuba River offers a unique delight at every turn. Let's explore tubing in California on a Yuba River float.

If you float straight on through from Hallwood to Shad Pad Park, it would take approximately two to three hours. But you’ll definitely want to make it an entire day and stop along the way to take in the natural beauty.

You can start your journey at the North, Middle, or South Forks of the river, each offering distinctive highlights of this Nevada County gem.

Vibrant foliage hues pop out from along both banks of the river, as the seasons change.

Inviting natural pools surrounded by craggy boulders like this one are great for a cool swim on a hot day.

Once you get into the South Yuba River State Park, you’ll see the Bridgeport Covered Bridge.

Built back in 1862 and extending 230 feet, it is the longest single-span-covered bridge in the world. It is also just one of the many historic bridges found within the Park.

If you’d like to take a float break, you’ll find numerous trails along the banks, including this one rising gently near the South Fork of the river.

If you want to kick your float up a notch, there are some parts the water becomes more active, making it great for those who enjoy white water rafting.

Soak in the beauty of the Yuba River:

Images can’t quite capture the beauty and feeling you get when traversing the Yuba River. But the memories to be made here will captivate your senses for years to follow.

Have you ever attempted to float the Yuba River in Northern California? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. Let us know all about it in the comments. If you enjoy tubing the river in Northern California, you'll likely love these wonderful swimming holes as well.