As the seasons change this spring and the winter snow melt begins to fill the rivers and streams of the American west, whitewater rafting enthusiasts have another exciting season on their hands. Anytime from spring until Labor Day is a great time to get wet and wild, though flows and therefore rapid levels usually pick up as the summer progresses. Whether it’s with the family or a group of extremists looking for heart stopping action, here are five great options for whitewater rafting in the west.
Top whitewater rafting
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Arkansas River, Colorado
When it comes to great canyons in America, the Royal Gorge near Colorado Springs is one of the finest. This stretch of the Arkansas River with class IV rapids, winds through sheer rock faces 1,000-feet tall. Up above, the Royal Gorge Bridge – one of the highest bridges in the world – spans the divide in masterful construction from the 1920s. Rafting trips here have everything you could want out of Colorado: big rapids, huge geologic features and intriguing human history. And with sections like Sunshine Falls, Sledge Hammer and Boat Eater, who wouldn’t want to paddle in? For more info visit Whitewater.net.
Photo credit: Flickr Creative Commons
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Merced River, California
In Northern California, it’s the American River near Sacramento that gets most of the attention, but if you’re willing to drive four hours out of San Francisco outside Modesto, you’ll be rewarded with a wild adventure on the Merced River. Heralded by long-time guides as one of the exhilarating rapids in California, the stretch of the Merced in question features sections called Nightmare Island, Grand Slam and Ned’s Gulch. Flowing 18 miles toward Yosemite Valley, a rafting trip down the Merced offers fantastic glimpses of the park’s waterfalls for a day on the river you won’t forget. For more visit Whitewaterexcitement.com.
Photo credit: Flickr Creative Commons
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White Salmon River, Washington
In Southwest Washington near Vancouver, the White Salmon River flows into the mighty Colombia. But before it does, the White Salmon River passes through a basalt canyon known as the Farmlands. Depending on water flow, this section of class V rapids may not be accessible most of the year. Few guide services even make the trip down one of the Pacific Northwest’s most spectacular rapids. This narrow box canyon no larger than a single raft begins innocently enough until dropping into rapids such as Sidewinder, The Drop Zone, Mini Lava, and Off Ramp. Rafters must be committed as there is no escape from the mossy rock faces. For more visit WetPlanetWhitewater.com
Photo credit: Flickr Creative Commons
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Chilko River, BC
If you have the time to really get out there, a rafting trip down the Chilko River in British Columbia is unparalleled in the region. This untouched section of glacial runoff winds through lush forests, narrow canyons and high dessert plateaus. Guide service on the Chilko typically involves a flight and a multi-day trip eventually flowing into the Fraser River. Included in this section of rapids is North America’s longest continuous stretch of commercially navigable Class IV whitewater. For more visit OARS.com.
Photo credit: Oars.com
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Snake River, Idaho
For another great canyon ride, consider Idaho’s Hells Canyon on the Snake River. This 10-mile stretch bordering Idaho and Oregon represents North America’s deepest river gorge at nearly 8,000 feet. With the peaks of Idaho’s Sevin Devils Mountains range to the east, rafting the Snake River is offers pheonomal views and a thrilling ride. Visit RowAdventures.com for more.
Photo credit: Flickr Creative Commons
