Spring through fall is peak whitewater rafting season. As temperatures heat, there’s no better adventure that’ll simultaneously pump up your adrenaline while cooling you off. And it’s an adventure that’s accessible to all, from families with young kids to adrenaline junkies. However, there are no two whitewater rafting destinations that are alike, and it can be overwhelming deciding which of America’s great whitewater destinations to choose from. So we’ve put together a list of a few of the best whitewater trips in America.
The Best Whitewater Destinations In America
Rogue River, Oregon
Oregon’s Rogue River, which was protected in 1968 by Congress as part of the original National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, is one of America’s most classic whitewater rafting destinations in the West. Bordered by lush pines and big boulders funneling into narrow canyons, the Rogue River meanders west through the Klamath Mountains of Southwestern Oregon. Rafting trips on the Rogue River often start near Crater Lake National Park, and primarily consist of Class II to III rapids, with one Class IV rapid, Blossom Bar. On the river, you’ll have the opportunity to view wildlife like salmon, osprey, bald eagles, otters, deer, and even bears along the shores. Trips on the Rogue can last anywhere from three to five days, and are generally suitable for ages seven and up, making it great for first-time rafters.
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Grand Canyon, Arizona
Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River is one of the most popular activities to do in the Grand Canyon, and is one of the most unique ways to experience one of the natural wonders of the world. The perspective of looking up from the vast canyon floor gives rafters a unique view of this iconic landscape. Whitewater rafting trips through the Grand Canyon can last anywhere from one to fifteen days, while rapids typically range from Class I-III, with a few Class IV and V rapids. Considering the length of the Colorado River, as one of America’s longest rivers, and the variety of rapids and experiences, there are whitewater rafting trips through the Grand Canyon that are suitable for all ages and abilities.
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Desolation Canyon on the Green River, Utah
Rafting down the Green River through Desolation Canyon is for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience one of the most remote areas of the lower 48. The Green River is 730 miles in length, however the 84-mile section through Desolation Canyon is the real showstopper. Its 60-plus rapids (up to Class III) range from gentle to playful to adrenaline pumping, and hold something for everyone from the beginner rafter to the more experienced. Class III rapids include Steer Ridge, Cow Swim, and Three Fords. Wildlife is abundant throughout Desolation Canyon, with opportunities to see wild mustangs, bears, birds, and big-horned sheep. While the remoteness of Desolation Canyon makes it a great choice for experienced rafters, first-timers and families can still find rafting trips that are suitable for them.
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Hells Canyon on the Snake River, Idaho
Hells Canyon, like Desolation Canyon, is another famous section of one of America’s most renowned rivers, the Snake River. The Snake River helps form the border between Idaho and Oregon, and all total meanders more than 1,000 miles through Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America, and like the Grand Canyon, makes for one of the most fun and beautiful whitewater rafting trips in the country. Rock walls, grassy slopes, and tons of wildlife surround you on the river while you paddle through the dramatic canyon. Most trips are at least three days, though some trips can span a few more days. You’ll encounter Class III to IV rapids, with Granite and Wild Sheep being a couple of the Snake River’s most famous rapids.
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Flathead River, Montana
Big Sky Country is also whitewater rafting country, and especially on the Flathead River. Flathead River is split into three forks, the South, Middle, and North Fork. The North Fork is fun for Class I-II rapids, and ideal for single-day or multi-day rafting trips. The North Fork is a great introduction to rafting on the Flathead River, and perfect for families. The Middle Fork, along the southern border of Glacier Park, has more wild whitewater rapids with Class II-III rapids. The South Fork is much more remote, and for the more adventurous and experienced rafters who want a packrafting experience.
Make a whole week of it in Northwestern Montana, and combine a whitewater rafting trip on the Flathead with fly fishing. The Flathead River is considered one of Montana’s best destinations for fly fishing.
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Rio Grande, New Mexico
The Rio Grande’s expansive river system is the fourth longest in the U.S. at 1,885 miles. Flowing out of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado down to New Mexico and beyond, it was one of the first rivers to be protected in the 1960s. The expansiveness of the Rio Grande means that there are a plethora of rafting experiences. Some of the best whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande is between Questa and Pilar, divided into sections called Middle Box and Taos Box. Each of these sections can take a full day to complete. The Lower Gorge is cut into two sections, Orilla Verde, which is a more low-key paddle that’s great for families, while Racecourse is a more fun and intense ride with Class III rapids (Class IV during the spring high season). These are both good half-day whitewater rafting trips on the Rio Grande.
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Kennebec River, Maine
The Kennebec River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in New England. The 12-mile section of the Upper Kennebec Gorge features Class III-IV rapids, making a wild and fun introduction to whitewater rafting on the East Coast. Known for its big waves, the Kennebec River is fueled by consistent releases from the Harris Station Dam. Springtime in particular can make for a wild and rollicking whitewater rafting trip on the Kennebec. Rafting continues through the fall, which makes for a beautiful adventure to the backdrop of Maine’s iconic fall foliage. Some of the Kennebec River’s best-known rapids include Big Mama, the Alleyway, Z-Turn, and Magic Falls.
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September 30, 2024
