Idaho Rafting Adventure

One of the top ten rafting sites that you should try and experience is the white water rafting in Idaho. It is famous for offering the best river trips in the world. Among the rivers that they are famous for is the Middle Fork of the Salmon Rice. There are also thousands of miles of rivers which you can choose from that makes Idaho a whitewater paradise. It also showcases rivers of varying difficulty that ranges from level one to five. So you don’t have to worry if you are with your family because there will be an experience suitable for your family. If you are looking for adventure and a wild ride there are also rivers with levels four and five of rapids. They also have the Wilderness River Outfitters that will provide you with the trip that you have always dreamed of. The rivers of Idaho include the Salmon, Owyhee, Jarbidge, and the Bruneau.

The Idaho white water rafting season usually starts in the first few months of the year. The best rides for the Owyhee, Jarbidge and Bruneau rivers are run only in April, May and June. So better plan your summer ahead so that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the best rapids in Idaho.

Level of Expertise

The canyons have mostly level four and five rapids but there is also level three available in the Lower Owyhee which is great for families and all rafters. The Jarbidge and Bruneau are suitable for those who look for a wild ride and experience. The classic white water river trips in Idaho are those of the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Main Salmon Rivers which have levels three and four, sandy beaches, historic cabins, majestic canyon scenery, and hot springs. It is one of the best all around trip found in the west. The season of the Salmon River is usually from April through September.

Since the rivers depend in the kind of season that they have, it is best to inquire about rafting adventures months prior to your visit. You can also ask the most suitable time of the year to experience certain rides that you like. In this way, you won’t be wasting your timing and not being able to experience what you like. So it is best to plan ahead a vacation for you and your family. For sure you will enjoy the whole new white water rafting experience in Idaho.

There are several rivers in the Beehive State that have rapids well suited for white water rafting. These are the Colorado and Green Rivers, as well as the Dolores, San Juan, and Sevier Rivers.

The Colorado River stretches over 2,000 kilometers from Colorado, through southeastern Utah and northwestern Arizona, to the Gulf of California. It enters Utah just north of the city of Moab in Grand County. Within the state, there are three sections of the river that are used for white water rafting, the Westwater Canyon, Fisher Towers, and Cataract Canyon.

Westwater has not earned the title the “West’s Best Short White Water Rafting Trip” granted by the National Geographic for nothing. It has 17 miles of roaring waters that consists of at least 11 Class III to IV rapids. The white water itself it exciting, but if you are brave enough to turn your head around while working on the churning waters, you will discover spectacular black, gold, and red walls that reach up to sky.

Fisher Towers is a calm section of the Colorado with six Class II rapids. This is an ideal spot for beginners, young kids, and those who are trying to conquer their fear of the water.

Eighteen of the 112 miles of the Cataract Canyon are filled with 26 rapids classed at III to V levels. The rapids are quite challenging that some outfitters do not allow children below seven years old to get on board. Some even increase this limit to 12 years. You can also beach your raft in between the rapids to hike to the ancient cliff dwellings of early Native Americans and browse through their rock art.

Originating from the Wind River Range in Wyoming and eventually joining the Colorado River, the Green River is another great place for white water rafting. Here you can start your whitewater adventure on a desert plateau and run through millions of years of geologic history while navigating through Class II to IV rapids. You can also take a break from the waters and travel through the hideouts of famous outlaws and dinosaur playgrounds, as well as examine Native American prehistoric rock drawings.

The Dolores River joins the Colorado River northeast of Moab. So does the San Juan to the south near Powell Lake. The Sevier River, on the other hand, rises in the northwest and, after a circuitous route, pours into the Sevier Lake. These three rivers feature Class II to IV rapids. Beginners can learn the ropes of rafting in these waters while experienced rafters can have their share of challenges. Parents can introduce their children to the beauty of nature in these rivers. At the same time, there are also sections that are guaranteed to make a rafter’s heart beat a little faster.

You will experience an rafting adventure through the Grand Canyon as you travel through the rivers of Arizona. The Colorado River on its path to the Grand Canyon is a famous rafting spot in Arizona. The Upper Salt River Canyon or the mini Grand Canyon has amazing scenery for river enthusiasts and even first timers. Arizona also has the “Wild and Scenic” river which is the Verde River that has a variable spring season and an experience ride you should not miss.

Just like in any other white water rafting activity, there are different levels or classes of the river which you can choose from. Below is a summary or overview of the levels and its characteristics that you will encounter when you are in Arizona. These will give you a picture of what your future adventure will be like.

• The first level of white water rafting in Arizona is characterized by a meandering river with few bumps. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you might be disappointed in the first level of the ride. This class or level is perfect for nature tripping since you will have the advantage of enjoying the scenery as you go down the river. You can even bring your children with you in this ride and have a great time together.
• The second and third levels of the river are a bit more difficult. There will be higher rapids and some obstacles as you go down the river. You should not worry about falling out of the boat since there will be guide who can assist you as you go down the rapids. They will also be the one to tell you what to expect so that you can prepare for it before it happens.
• The next level is the fourth level. It is a bit more complicated than the first three levels. In this class, it is important for the rafters to pay attention to their guide so that they can be safe and have fun as they go down the rapids. This is advisable especially for the first timers and for those who are not yet used to rafting. There is a higher risk of getting knocked out of the raft so one must take care. The boat is designed to stay a afloat when weighted correctly which means you must take directions from your guide achieve this. There are also life vests and footholds to assure that you are safe.
• The fifth and last level of the Arizona rapids is the most difficult among all. It is not advised to be tried by first timers or beginners. One must have proper experience and must be expert enough to try this trail. Even if you have done the other levels of the rapids, it is best to still have a guide on your first level five adventure. For sure you will enjoy your experience while white water rafting in Arizona.

White water rafting in Oregon is an adventure trip that lets the individual take in the gorgeous scenery and unspoiled beauty of the location. With white water rafting, no experience is necessary but adequate knowledge and skill in swimming is recommended. Most white water rafting trips are paddle trips, meaning that the participants will paddle and help guide the raft through the water. If an adrenaline rush paddle trip isn’t your thing, there is also a trip that allows you to enjoy the view and take pictures while the guide will do all the paddling.

Oregon boasts of numerous challenging rivers that cater to every experience level of various participants. There are six white water rivers that participants can choose where to go to: North Umpqua, Grand Ronde, Mckenzie, Owyhee, John Day, and Deschutes Rivers. Each river has something different to offer white water rafting participants that is surely memorable and fun-filled.

For beginners and individual wanting to relax, a white water rafting trip in the amazing Grande Ronde River is just perfect. The swift river makes its gentle descent in a wild and extraordinary location that allows elk, bighorn sheep and mule deer sighting. It also provides the participants opportunities for photograph taking and swimming.

The John Day River is suitable for second-time rafters with its superb class II white water. This charming river takes participants into Oregon’s finest river canyon that has unmatched beauty and mind blowing scenery.

In spring when high mountains snow melt, the Owyhee River rafting offers dramatic white water river cuts that runs through the sagebrush lands of Oregon. For those seeking a non-stop white water that’s fast-paced and narrow, the upper Mckenzie River is highly recommended. Its perfectly clear waters are bordered by luxuriant forests making it extremely breathtaking.

The Deschutes River in Oregon is the most well-known river in the state. This wild and scenic river offers participants an exciting class III and IV rapids that is why it is perfect for those who want to experience an all-out paddle trip.

Want to hear the load roar of the rapids and experience the sometimes not so gentle spray of white water on your face? If you do, take the North Umpqua River. Its adventure filled class III and IV white water is simply beautiful. In fact, it is the most beautiful in the Pacific Northwest. With its numerous rapids per mile, the North Umpqua River will surely excite every rafter that passes its beautiful course.

When white water rafting Oregon style, make sure that the rafting company you choose provides first class rafting equipment such as a lifeguard approved life vest, safety helmet and right size paddle. Take a chance and visit Oregon now. Its wonderfully exciting and breathtaking white water rapids will surely hook you into this extreme yet family friendly sport.

If you are in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, grab the chance to feel the white water river’s roar and paddle your stress away. White water rafting in Ohiopyle takes places in four various rivers with class ranging from the easiest to the hardest of rapids.

If it is your first time or would want to bring young kids along, the easiest rapid, Middle Yough, is perfect. The Middle Youghiogheny rafting trip is the ultimate family experience. It is a paddle trip that is 9 miles and 8 rapids of fun and excitement. The gentle rapids is a sure way to entice children in white water rafting.

For more experienced but unsure rafters, the Lower Yough rafting trip will surely pump up the adrenaline. It runs for 7.5 miles with 22 rapids in all. Participants can either choose to paddle their own raft but with guides on kayaks as escorts in case of assistance in steering directions. Beating the white water on your own will surely make you beam with accomplishment pride. For those who are less adventurous, a guide can captain your raft and guide you through the white water.

White water rafting fanatics are usually skillful and confident in their white water rafting skills. If you are one of them, try the Cheat River run. It has exhilarating class IV rapids that will surely pump up your heartbeat. With the participant’s safety in mind, expert guides in kayaks are alongside throughout the journey. Extreme white water rafting can also be experience if it is requested by the participants. The Upper Yough is full of continuous rapids, narrow turns and twists and several drops that will surely make the heart stop. The Upper Yough run is captained by an expert guide and precious whitewater experience is a must.

Lehigh River in Poconos, Pennsylvania also offers great white water rafting trips. Now that water releases are done in the dam controlled river, white water rafting can be enjoyed in all seasons that have usually placid river flows.

The river is probably one of the best whitewater rafting places in the United States as it was chosen to host the 1996 Summer Olympics whitewater slalom events. This was ran at the Upper Ocoee which stretches up to five miles of swift white waters complete with its share of eddies, huge waves, boulders, holes, sieves, and strainers. The Olympic course ran a mile of this challenging course. Unfortunately, rafters can only get to take on the challenge of the Upper Ocoee for 34 days in one year. This is because of the dam controlled water releases.

If you were unable to book for the Upper Ocoee, you do not have to wait another year to enjoy this great river. You can always throw your rubber raft into the Middle Ocoee, jump into it, and get wet in five miles of exhilarating Class III and IV rapids. Grumpy is the rapid that introduces you to the next 19. As you paddle and navigate your raft through it, you will realize why it is called Grumpy. The river will allow you to catch your breath, but only barely. Gonzo Shoals follows immediately that you will feel as if it is actually a bigger Grumpy. You won’t see Bashful or Happy or Sleepy at the Ocoee. Instead, be ready for Double Trouble, Hollywood Hole, Sneaky Pete, and Hell’s Hole. And expect them to come right at each other’s tail.

There are at least 24 outfitters operating at the Ocoee River, all professionals with extensive experience so it is perfectly safe for you and your family to go out there and to conquer yourself in the white waters. Each raft is manned by an experienced guide who will help you make your adventure challenging, fun, and memorable enough for you to keep talking about it for years to come. And perhaps motivate you to keep coming back for more. Apart from their expertise in guiding your raft, all guides are also trained and certified in First Aid and CPR.

One of them is the Nolichucky River which drains the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Upper Nolichucky starts your whitewater adventure with a drop into a 10-mile long gorge where you can take on the challenge of conquering Class III and IV rapids. The Lower Nolichucky is much gentler with its Class II and III rapids. This is perfect for families with small children. It even has quiet pools where you can go swimming.

To the south of the Nolichucky is another river with exciting whitewater rapids. The Upper Pigeon River has 12 Class III and 3 class IV rapids that are challenging but not exhausting. The river winds its way through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Martha Sundquist State Forest, and the Appalachian Trail thus ensuring a great view as you navigate the whirling and churning waters of the Upper Pigeon. The Lower Pigeon is more of a float trip where the rapids slow down to Class II and III levels.

Ocoee River has been rated one of the top ten whitewater rafting destinations in the USA by Canoe Magazine. In 1996, the Upper Ocoee was host to the whitewater slalom event of the Summer Olympics. The dam controlled water releases, however, limit the time rafters can enjoy this challenging route to only 34 days a year. But there is always the Middle Ocoee which features 20 rapids of Class III and IV levels in close succession with each other. You will feel like you’ve gone though five miles of continuous rapids.

The Watauga is another river that is famous for its whitewater rapids. It is about a hundred kilometers long and has its headwaters in the Grandfather Mountain in Watauga County, NC and crosses into Tennessee at Johnson County. Its Class I and II rapids make it a place for family adventures and for beginning rafters. It does have a Class III at the end of the ride. Named Anaconda, the final rapids is a perfect ending to a learning course in whitewater rafting.

Flowing through the Pisgah National Forest is the French Broad River. It features plenty of Class II and III rapids along a five mile stretch. You can bring your eight-year olds on this trip and share the fun and adventure with them. If you feel that you have mastered the art of whitewater rafting after this half a day practice, you can leave the children on the shore for their own on land exploration, and jump into the river’s second section and brave the Class IV Frank Bell’s and Needle Falls rapids.

With these five great rivers to choose from you can spend a month in Tennessee and still not get enough of whitewater rafting and spectacular scenery.

The mountains, apart from their natural beauty, offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. In fact, the state is known for skiing, rock climbing, spelunking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and whitewater rafting. There are two rivers in West Virginia that lend themselves to a great whitewater rafting adventure, the New River and the Gauley River.

The New River extends over 52 miles on a descending riverbed with boulders randomly scattered across the waters. Along the banks are upland forests and steep cliffs that provide the rafters a course on nature appreciation. The river is often divided into the Upper and Lower New River.

The Upper New River consists of mild rapids rated Class II and III. These waters offer an ideal setting for the outdoor adventures of families with children. It provides them with opportunities to enjoy nature, face challenges they can handle together, and bond with each other.

The Lower New River flows on steeper inclines, thus speeding up the flow of the whitewater. This, in turn, results to bigger waves, eddies spinning faster, quicker sweepers, and more strainers, holes, sieves, and pillows. These waters are classed at II to IV and are recommended for more adventurous and daring souls. Children below 15 years old are usually not allowed on these waters.

The Gauley River also has an Upper and Lower division. It is shorter than the New River, but as far as river rafting goes, it is rated one of the top ten in the world. One reason for this is that the river comes fully alive when the dams of Summersville Lake are opened to drain it each fall. For 22 days, water from the lake swells the banks of the Gauley. Perhaps another reason is its 680 feet drop in it 26-mile length.

Upper Gauley rafting is raw adventure. It has over 40 rapids including at least five Class V monsters that will definitely keep your adrenalin pumping. The action is virtually non-stop as there are only a few very brief calm areas where you can catch your breath. This is definitely not for novices or the faint-hearted. And certainly not for children.

The Lower Gauley is the tamer sibling of the Upper. This is where you can warm up for the more exciting run at the Upper Gauley. Class II to III rapids won’t tax your concentration so much that you can still take a long hard look at the woodland and cliffs you pass along the route. Children 14 and below can join their parents in these rapids.

There are several river rafting outfitters at the New and Gauley Rivers. You can easily find them on the Internet. Before deciding on one, be sure to check their track record and compare prices. You can also join forums about river rafting. Chances are there is someone in that forum who can give you information about the West Virginia rivers. And if their feedback proves to be positive, then you can go up the Appalachian Mountains and enjoy the “wild and wonderful” and wet New and Gauley rivers and find out if indeed “mountaineers are always free”.

Maine boasts of at least three whitewater rivers:
Penobscot River. This 350 mile (563 km) long river is the second longest in the Pine Tree State, and is supplied by several lakes. The portion of Penobscot where it turns into a 12-mile whitewater starts near the Ripogenus Dam, which supplies the river with ample water starting about the middle of May until October. The months of May and June have the most ample water, and therefore stronger water flow, because of the run-off from the melting snow.

Penobscot’s overall rating is Class IV but there are areas in the river that less ferocious than others. Immediately below the Ripogenus Dam are the Ripogenus Gorge and The Cribworks which are Class V rapids. Downriver are alternating Class III and IV waters, allowing you to alternately catch your breath and plunge into the quick waters. The last challenge before the takeout is the Big Pockwockamus, a Class IV.

One of the best features of this river is the breathtaking view of Mt. Katahdin, Maine’s tallest mountain. Indeed, this mountain is the centerpiece of the Baxter State Park.

Kennebec River. Fed by Maine’s largest lake, Lake Moosehead, Kennebec stretches for 150 miles (240 km). Twelve miles of this long river, beginning at the Harris Station at the Indian Pond, pass through the Kennebec Gorge. These 12 miles have tall waves, big boulders, eddies, holes, strainers, and sieves, which are definitely boosted by the release of waters from the dam.

Rapids range from Class II to V. If you are a father with small kids, you can take them to the Class II with you, after which, you can take them ashore then go back to take on the Class IVs such as the Rock Garden, Z Turn, Maytag, or Carry Brook; or, even the Class V Magic Falls.

Dead River. The name Dead River is a misnomer. With its whitewater and the scenic Bigelow Mountain Range on its southern shore, it can hardly be thought of as dead. Its tributaries are the North and South Branch Dead Rivers that converge into the Flagstaff Lake. The lake was made into a dam, which allows control of the water flowing into the river for whitewater rafting.

The Dead River has about 30 rapids running continuously for 14-miles. Right at the put-in point, you run into the Class III Spencer Rapids, exit out of it into the Minefield, a Class IV challenge. More Class III and IV waters follow until the take-out point at Crusher Pool, but not before running the Class V Big Poplar Falls.

There are professional whitewater outfitters in Maine that are recognized by the State of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Choose them over fly-by-night operators that do not have a track record in the business. This will help make your whitewater rafting adventure truly exciting and challenging, yet safe and secure.