Search results
20 amazing white water rafting trips in the USA. From high-energy rapids to laid-back river floats, we’re on a mission to find the white water rafting trips you'll love in the USA. This is choose-your-own-adventure, whether you want to perfect your river surfing skills, or just hit the water for sun and swimming.
- Classifying Whitewater Rapids
- The Best Whitewater Rafting in The Us
- FAQs
The International Scale of River Difficulty (ISRD), created by the American White Water Association and recognized worldwide, has six classification levels. The scale represents the skill level and technical difficulty required for negotiating a stretch of river or a single rapid. Note that the class distinctions are subjective and based on experie...
1. Colorado River, Colorado, Arizona, Utah
1. Length:280 miles 2. Rapid Class:I-V Arguably the most famous whitewater rafting destination in the US, the Colorado River snakes its way through the mighty Grand Canyon. It features over 80 rapids for thrill-seekers to enjoy, as well as calmer stretches for taking in the stunning scenery. This rafting tourat the Fisher Towers section is a good example of the latter. The season runs from late April to early October, with the best time to go rafting in the early summer months following the s...
2. Gauley River, West Virginia
1. Length: 24 miles 2. Rapid Class: I-V Gauley River in West Virginia is the place to go if you’re looking for intense whitewater rafting adventures. It’s not for the faint of heart, with over 100 rapids that range from class I to class V. Age restrictions are in place, and certain sections of this wild ride are only permitted to paddlers over 16. The lower Gauley is more suitable for beginners and novice paddlers, and this lower Gauley whitewater rafting tripis a nice entry point if you want...
3. Salmon River, Idaho
1. Length: 84 miles 2. Rapid Class: III-IV Around 300 challenging rapids on the Salmon are known as “the River of No Return.” The drops here are like a rollercoaster on water, with the famous Middle Fork tributary offering some of the best runs for adrenaline-pumping whitewater river adventures worldwide. Riggings will be your best jumping-off point, a destination known as an outdoor capital. This half-day whitewater tripdeparts from the town and includes all the needed gear and an experience...
Related Resources 1. Family Vacation Ideas 2. Breathtaking Camping Spots in the World 3. Tropical Vacation Ideas in the World
- New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia. In spite of its spry moniker, and the fact that it’s the newest national park in the U.S., the New River Gorge in West Virginia is an old classic when it comes to whitewater connoisseurs.
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Among the most iconic rafting destinations on Earth, the Colorado River that famously chisels its way through the mighty Grand Canyon is a must-do experience for any ardent paddler.
- James River, Virginia. Whitewater rafting is frequently associated with far-flung locales deep in nature, surrounded by soaring trees as bald eagles soar overhead.
- Snake River, Wyoming. It doesn’t get more Americana than whitewater rafting along the iconic Snake River in the wilds of Wyoming. Winding its way through Grand Teton National Park and through the community of Jackson, the epic waterway offers both slow-moving trips and more adrenaline-pumping experiences, both of which can be combined for one full-fledged experience.
- Rogue River. The Rogue River is a 215-mile river in southwestern Oregon. The river is well-known for fishing, scenery, and whitewater rafting! The variability of rapids classification makes it one of the best places for whitewater rafting for both novices and experienced kayakers.
- Salmon River. Salmon River or “The River of No Return” is a 425-mile river in Idaho. It’s one of the largest rivers in the United States without a dam in its primary downstream segment.
- Tuolumne River. The Tuolumne River is a 149-mile river in Central California that originates at over 2,400 meters above sea level in Yosemite National Park!
- Colorado River. The Colorado River is a 1,450-mile river that carved the Grand Canyon thousands of years ago. Visiting the Grand Canyon is a worthy trip already, and adding paddling will make it even better.
- Colorado River. WHERE: Arizona. See the Grand Canyon like never before, as you float on a raft through the challenging waters of the Colorado River. Nine rafting companies operate on the river, offering a variety of trip packages from half-day trips to extended two-week journeys.
- Gauley River. WHERE: West Virginia. West Virginia’s Gauley River provides a 35-mile stretch of Class V+ challenges throughout gorges and valleys primed for whitewater adventure.
- Salmon River. WHERE: Idaho. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River gets top marks for its incredible whitewater sequences and unbeatable views of nature. The river has won acclaim for its whitewater, which includes 300 ratable rapids, six natural hot springs, and pristine campsites.
- Rogue River. WHERE: Oregon. Rogue River flows along the southwest region of Oregon from the Cascade Mountains into the Pacific Ocean. Green-forested canyons line the river’s challenging rapids, most notably Rainie Falls (Class V), Upper and Lower Black Bar Falls (Class III+), and Blossom Bar (Class IV-V).
Of course, taking a breather on a gentle lull of river water after an intense Class IV or V ride is a fantastic sightseeing alternative as well. From easy-going waters to extreme rapids, these 18 rivers offer all levels of paddlers the best white water rafting trips in the U.S., from coast to coast.
The top whitewater rafting rivers in the United States offer thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery for adventurers of all skill levels. Rivers like the Colorado River, Gauley River, and Salmon River provide a range of experiences from challenging Class IV and V rapids to milder adventures suitable for beginners.
