Middle Fork of the Salmon River Paddling

Rafting in Mountain States, United States

Idaho has some of the most scenic wilderness in the U.S. Taking a rafting trip through Idaho backcountry is a perfect mix of beautiful forest landscapes and exciting white water adventure. The Salmon River has multiple forks for various trips and rafting routes. The Salmon River tends to be multi-day rafting trip, with a great mix of scenery and whitewater fun. The Salmon River season typically runs June-August.

Paddling Cataract and Westwater Canyons

Rafting in Mountain States, United States

It is tough to group all of the Colorado River trips together in one review. you really have a ton of different experiences depending on the location you decide to raft in.

The section of the Colorado River that runs through Moab, UT is a very calm stretch of water, with small rapids. It is mostly for first-time rafters and families. Great scenery, but not a lot of action.

Cataract Canyon is for sure the best section to run. Cataract Canyon is where the Green River and Colorado River meet, creating a great confluence of rivers and rapids. The rapids here are more like the Grand Canyon. Big waves, huge boats and a lot of fun.

Rafting the Grand Canyon

Rafting in Grand Canyon, United States

If you really want to see the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, take a rafting trip. See the canyon from the river is absolutely the best way to go. You get the best of both worlds- all the Grand Canyon scenery along with whitewater fun.

The rapids and whitewater in the Grand Canyon are different from the typical "whitewater rapids" you get on other rivers. The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is a huge volume river, and the rapids are more like big waves you see in the ocean. You are usually on huge pontoon rafts that hold like 15-20 people, with a motor on the back. You aren't in a small paddle boat with an oar in hand. You are sitting atop a huge raft as it jumps over massive swells in the river. A whole new experience.

Another great perk of a Grand Canyon rafting trip is that you get to take small hikes into secluded side canyons and waterfalls...places you would never see on your own. I absolutely recommend grand canyon rafting!

Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Paddling the Gauley River

Rafting in Appalanchian States, United States

The Gauley River is known around the country as one of the best whitewater rafting destinations. The "Gauley Season" actually only run during fall months and through October, because the river's water is dam released only during that time.

The river is narrow and rocky, which is the perfect condition for huge whitewater. The Upper Gauley is the most intense section of the river. It is about a 4-5 hour trip, and most of the time you are hitting class IV and class V rapids in succession. There is always a chance of falling out of boat on the large rapids, which adds to the excitement (for those who enjoy that type of risk), but nothing life threatening.

Basically, if you want to experience one of the most intense river trips in the country, you have to try the Gauley.

Rafting on the Nahanni River

Rafting in Northwest Territory, Canada

Canada is truly a hidden gem for river rafting. The Yukon and Northwest Territories in Northern Canada are long expeditions that take you through the heart of Canada’s outback. These river trips are long expeditions down rivers and through lakes, with the opportunity to see wildlife and nature as it is meant to be. Waterfalls, icebergs, canyons and mountains adorn the lush scenery and make every trip a memorable experience.

These trips are usually mild whitewater, with a focus on destinations, scenery and wildlife. Trips are usually around 8-12 days.