Truckee River links Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, carving a path through the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin. It powers cities, irrigates farms, and offers recreation—from rafting and kayaking to fishing and riverside trails.

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Geography

ContinentNorth America
RegionWestern United States
SubregionGreat Basin
CountryUnited States
StateCaliforniaNevada
CountyWashoe CountyNevada County
TimezoneAmericaLos Angeles
Latitude39.3275
Longitude-119.9432
Maps
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Truckee River originates from the northeast corner of Lake Tahoe, flowing roughly 130 miles northwest across the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin. It passes through Truckee, California, and Reno, Nevada, emerging into pyramid-shaped Pyramid Lake. The river has been a vital waterway for centuries, shaping ecosystems and cultures before serving modern purposes: hydropower, municipal supplies, irrigation, and recreation. Along its course, visitors find a mix of wild trout fisheries, flatwater kayaking, urban trails, and historic crossings. Key access points are often day-use parks, riverfront parks in cities, and designated fishing areas—the specific facilities depend on the segment and local management.

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