Pommie Travels

15 Best Whitewater Kayaking Destinations in the U.S.

Whitewater kayaking is an experience you should definitely try at least once. The connection you get with nature as you battle through the rushing water is an intense feeling!

It’s also a great activity to do with friends. Whitewater kayaking with your buddies can give a stronger bond as you conquer the rapids together. Whether you are just a beginner or a veteran of whitewater kayaking, the USA would never run out of rapids to challenge. Here are the top 15 whitewater kayaking destinations in the U.S.!

Top US Whitewater Kayaking Destinations

Rogue river.

Rogue River whitewater kayaking, United States

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. Most rapids are Class II and III, with enough speed and obstacles to keep kayakers alert.

Rapids such as Rainie Falls, Mule Creek Canyon, and Blossom Bar in the Rogue River offer Class IV to Class V whitewater. Paddling between the forested canyons of Rogue River is an experience no-one should miss.

Salmon River

Salmon River whitewater kayaking, United States

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.

The river is also one of the first Wild and Scenic Rivers protected by Congress. Rapids range from Class II to Class IV, making this destination great for paddlers of any skill level. Near the Salmon River are white, sandy beaches to relax in and natural hot springs to unwind in after a day of kayaking.

Salmon River is perfect for a multi-day kayak camping excursion.  

Tuolumne River

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! Experienced whitewater kayakers will delight in the 18-mile kayaking route of Class IV+ rapids.

An experienced guide is required unless you’re a professional. Trips can range from one to three days, where you’ll experience the rushing whitewater and calm swimming holes in between. While you may not get to brave the rapids as a beginner, once you gain experience, you should put Tuolumne River on your kayaking bucket list. 

Colorado River

Horseshoe Bend Grand Canyon

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.

Paddling through the Colorado River will give you a new experience of the impressive canyon. The Colorado River rapids range from Class III and up.

A complete tour of the Colorado River can vary widely, with some trips taking up to three weeks, although most trips average around one to two weeks. If you’re looking for the ultimate kayak + camping experience, this might be the one!

Arkansas River

kayaking whitewater trips

The Arkansas River is a 1,469-mile river with a portion that flows through the Royal Gorge canyon. The narrow canyon walls loom over you and your kayak, creating an impressive sight.

The river is only for experienced paddlers – big waves, steep drops, and plunges await those who dare challenge its rapids. The Arkansas River has Class III to V rapids, depending on the water height, so you must be able to swim for some unexpected flips. Trips can take from half-day to five days.

Gauley River

Gauley River whitewater kayaking, USA

Gauley River is a 105-mile river in West Virginia. Both Lower and Upper Gauley River offer whitewater of Class III to Class V.

While the Upper Gauley River gets more attention, you shouldn’t miss the Lower Gauley River. Lower Gauley is slightly calmer than Upper Gauley. Both parts, however, should only be kayaked by experienced paddlers.

The summer water flow can turn Gauley into a different experience, with daily fluctuating water levels and sparkling water. If you want a unique paddling experience, the Gauley summer trip is the best option!

Youghiogheny River

Ohiopyle Falls, Ohiopyle, PA, USA

Youghiogheny River or Yough is a 134-mile river in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Almost all of the Youghiogheny River is navigable by watercraft.

The river also has rapids ranging from Class I to Class V, which makes it another river that’s great for beginners and veterans.

Maryland’s portion has Class IV to V whitewater if you’re looking for intense rapids. On the other hand, Pennsylvania has the calmer river portions with Class I to Class III whitewater.

While you’re in Youghiogheny River in Pennsylvania, be sure to check out the Ohiopyle State Park, a perfect place to go biking, hiking, and camping too! 

Deerfield River

Bue heron

Deerfield River is a 76-mile river that ends in the Connecticut River. The river has numerous dams, dividing it into many portions.

A 17-mile river stretch from Fife Brook Dam to Number 4 dam is very popular for whitewater paddlers. That river portion offers Class II to IV rapids and a gorgeous view! Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the Zoar Gap section.

As you paddle through Class III+ rapids, bald eagles, beavers, red-tailed hawks, blue herons, and other animals can be seen from the shore.  

White Salmon River

White Salmon River is a 44-mile river in Washington. The upper portions of the river have challenging Class V stretches.

Most tours take you through the Middle White Salmon River which has Class III to Class IV rapids. The lower portion of this river has been designated as a Wild and Scenic River and is also the calmest part, with Class II to Class III rapids.

No matter which section of the river you go to, you can be sure to have a great time! White Salmon River trips take around from half-day to one day.

Potomac River

Potomac River

The Potomac River is a 405-mile river along the East Coast. The rapids in the Potomac River range from Class I to Class V+. Most tours will cover rapids ranging from Class I to Class III.

Kayaking the Potomac River can be a fun afternoon trip, with some taking around one to two hours. Some companies there offer whitewater kayaking lessons for beginners. Learning whitewater kayaking might be a good family outing! If you want to learn the basics of whitewater kayaking, perhaps check the Potomac River out.

Kern River

Kern River is a 165-mile Wild and Scenic River in California. If you like kayaking and want to see the breathtaking Sequoia National Forest, the Kern River is the place to paddle.

There are many trips for both beginners and advanced kayakers. Some outfitters also offer beginner kayaking courses. The river offers Class II to Class IV rapids. The Class IV rapids make Kern River a popular whitewater kayaking destination. Trips can range from a few hours to two days. 

Kayaking and visiting the Sequoia National Forest — what more do you need on a trip?

Chattooga River

Chattooga River is the main tributary of the Tugaloo River in North Carolina. It’s also a designated Wild and Scenic River, so you can expect the landscape and wildlife to be gorgeous. The lush greenery and isolated nature (no motorized vehicles are allowed within a quarter-mile of the river) while kayaking is a sight to see!

Whitewater rapids on the river range from Class II to Class IV. The river is sectioned into three rapid classes, so beginners and advanced kayakers will find a part of the river for them! You can expect both day trips and overnight trips to the Chattooga River.

For overnight trips, be sure to pack extra kayak lights in case the existing mounted kayak lights dim out or get damaged by hard objects.

Snake River

Snake River USA

Snake River is a 1078-mile river and the largest tributary of the Columbia River. Kayaking the Snake River in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a great family experience.

An 8-mile stretch of this river offers Class II to Class III whitewater and the lush forest scenery of the Teton Range! You will also be able to spot eagles nesting as you go through the fun rapids. The Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, and Champagne are the popular rapids in Snake River, with trips taking around four hours. 

Nenana River

Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska

Nenana River is a 140-mile river that flows through the Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska . The scenery and wildlife of the Nenana River are something everyone needs to see.

More experienced kayakers can paddle through the Nenana River Gorge. The gorge is 10 miles of Class IV whitewater between steep canyons. You will find wild sheep and nesting golden eagles along the way!

The outside of the river gorge provides Class I to Class III whitewater for families and beginners. While paddling, you might be able to see moose, bears, and wolves. Paddlers who are also animal enthusiasts should not miss this one out!

Kennebec River

Kennebec River is a 170-mile river in Maine. It is also home to 11 native sea-run fish. This river is the most popular whitewater destination in Maine! It offers Class II to Class IV rapids, with Big Mama and Magic Falls being the most popular rapids.

Trips start below Maine’s largest hydroelectric dam, Harris Station. Once you launch, you’ll be in for a great time as you paddle down 12 miles of river! Trips usually take around four and a half hours.

A Final Word…

If you’re traveling the U.S. looking for a great place to experience whitewater rapids, check these places out! You can also go and search for kayaking near me locations . The U.S. has many rivers to go whitewater kayaking, ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced. When you are just starting out, remember that you have nothing to prove if you want to stick to the lower classes. Go paddling for your enjoyment and prioritize safety at all times! 

FAQs About Whitewater Kayaking, Answered

Whitewater grades go from  I to VI, with difficulty increasing from Class I through Class VI.  Class I and II are good places to start learning whitewater kayaking. They have small waves and a few riffles, though they still require some maneuvering.  Class III and IV are for those with previous whitewater experience and skills. The passages get narrower, and the waves get higher. Class IV routes need more complex maneuvering and sometimes even scouting.  Class V and VI routes are the hardest, with rough rapids and congested portions. Making a mistake in classes V and VI have a real risk to your life. 

recreational kayaks have rounded hulls that are designed for stability and ease of paddling on flat water or lakes.

inflatable kayaks bounce off rocks is helpful for beginners. They are also generally more stable than hard-shell kayaks. A high-quality inflatable whitewater kayak can handle up to Class IV rapids! Grab the best inflatable kayak now and have fun!

Whitewater kayaks come in three types: playboats, river runners, and creekers. Your purpose and the rapid’s classification are the primary considerations when choosing a whitewater kayak. Play boats will work for calmer rivers with some class II waves and if you want to perform tricks. For more intense rapids, you might need a creeker. When in doubt, river runners, the solid middle ground for whitewater kayaking, are a safe choice!

Choose a paddle that allows you to give your best without overexerting yourself! Paddles with straight shafts weigh lighter and cost less, making them a common choice for whitewater enthusiasts. A bent shaft is most suitable for those who have wrist problems.  Consider also the blade shape. Paddles with more surface area at the upper tip provide more power and are more efficient. On the other hand,  paddles with more surface area below the centerline of the paddle provide better maneuverability and control. 

n addition to being able to comfortably maneuver your kayak by yourself, you should master how to roll your kayak. Due to the unpredictability of whitewater, getting your kayak flipped is inevitable. Learning how to roll to rebalance your kayak will save you from the risks of having to swim through whitewater. The C-to-C and sweep rolls are the most basic roll techniques you should learn. 

Aside from the right kayak and paddle, a helmet, a PFD, and a sprayskirt are the other whitewater kayaking essentials. A good whitewater helmet will protect your head from any dangerous rocks or logs if you capsize. For PFD, you will need a Type III or V PFDs in compliance with the U.S. Coast Guard requirements. Lastly, having a sprayskirt will keep the splashes of water out of your kayak.

Whitewater kayaking is an activity for up to two people only, which requires more skill than whitewater rafting. In whitewater rafting, a group of up to 10 people braves the rough waters, where each member assists in paddling and more skilled rafters can support the less experienced rafters.

Kayaking, like all extreme sports, has its risks and dangers. Accidents during whitewater paddling are uncommon,  with fatalities occurring at a rate of 2.9 deaths per 100,000 participants per year and injuries occurring at 3 to 6 injuries per 100,000 kayaking days. These rates are lower than that of scuba diving and rock climbing. Most injuries occur when kayakers get hit by objects while swimming or when the high water impact hits the upper extremities. 

Wear clothes that would keep you warm, light, and dry. A dry suit or quick-dry bathing suits are perfect for warm weather conditions. For rafting in cold weather, wear a wetsuit, synthetic layers under the wetsuit, and river shoes. In any case, do not wear cotton! Cotton absorbs your sweat and water, which increases body heat release. Also, it does not dry quickly. 

While you already have paddling experience in flat water, it is safer to hire a trainer to teach you the nuances of whitewater kayaking. Then, start practicing! Acclimatize yourself first with Class I and Class II rivers before moving on to rougher waters.

  Written by Julien

Julien is an adventure travel enthusiast who loves any outdoor activities. He has been into mountaineering, paddling, diving, trekking, cycling, snorkeling, and more. His fun-filled experiences with the great outdoors fueled him to launch XtremeSport4u .

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20 amazing white water rafting trips in the USA

Adults and children rowing over rapids

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. Not that summertime’s the only time to head to the river. America’s best white water rafting is powered by melting snow, dam releases, and year-round rivers, so you can find the perfect white water adventure for any month. Ready, set, paddle.

Kick off from the riverbank and dive into a world of swirling eddies, standing waves, and rippling white water. We’re showcasing 20 white water rafting trips that are among some of the best in America, from California gold country to deep Appalachia—lining up enough white water adventures for a lifetime on the river.

Why white water rafting? It’s not just splashing through rapids and riverside picnics (though we think that sounds pretty nice). White water rafting gives a whole different perspective on some of the United States’ wildest places, with the chance to spot wildlife and gorgeous scenery that’s far from any road. That’s why some of America’s best white water can be found in these small towns and mountain wildernesses—it’s a taste of the country at its most pristine.

Gardiner, Montana

People paddling with Wild West Rafting

Wild West Rafting

In Gardiner , go white water rafting on the Yellowstone River to float through the gorgeous Gallatin Range of the Rocky Mountains. You'll have the chance to spot ospreys and Montana’s other native wildlife. Try out your paddling skills on a rafting trip, or go for the full wilderness experience, paddling a longer section of the Yellowstone River and spending the night at the edge of the water.

Taos, New Mexico

People on raft rowing through canyon

Far Flung Adventures

Head to Taos for a white water rafting trip on the Rio Grande , then paddle the Narrows, Big Rock, and Souse Hole. Even if you endure the spinning whirlpools and eddies, leaving Taos might not be so easy—the entire town is said to be an “energy vortex” that’s rumored to exert a powerful pull on visitors.

Canon City, Colorado

People in raft going over rapid

Lost Paddle Rafting

There are more than 100 miles of rapids on the mighty Arkansas River, a river rafting hotspot that flows right past the mountain town of Canon City . With that much white water, there’s a lot to choose from while booking a river trip, and options range from the laid-back Bighorn Sheep Canyon to the more challenging Royal Gorge , whose towering canyon walls contain some hair-raising Class V rapids.

Hartford, Tennessee

People rafting the Upper Pigeon Smoky Mountains

Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting

With access to the best white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains, Hartford is a great home base for Tennessee white water adventures. Choose the lower section of the Pigeon River for a beginner-friendly float through Class I and Class II rapids, or opt for the upper Pidgeon River to tackle Class III and Class IV rapids that include big waves and some serious drops.

Buena Vista, Colorado

Entering Browns Canyon Noah's Ark Colorado Rafting & Aerial Adventure Park

Noah's Ark Colorado Rafting & Aerial Adventure Park

Surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, Buena Vista is a top destination for Colorado white water adventures. You can paddle Brown’s Canyon National Monument , take on the serious white water that surges through Royal Gorge , or use Buena Vista as a base camp for paddling “ The Numbers ,” a legendary stretch of the Arkansas River that’s steep, rocky, and powerful.

McCaysville, Georgia

Ocoee River rafting trip

Rolling Thunder River Company

Flowing through the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest , the Toccoa River is great for white water rafting trips at a laid-back pace. Families with smaller kids can try white water rafting for the first time, and you can float the Toccoa River in a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddle board, or inner tube (floating beer cooler optional).

Bryson City, North Carolina

People going over rapids with Nantahala Rafting with Adventurous Fast Rivers

Nantahala Rafting with Adventurous Fast Rivers

White water rapids alternate with stretches of flat water on the Nantahala River outside of Bryson City , a picturesque home base for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park . A daily, scheduled dam release powers the Nantahala River’s Class II and Class II rapids, sending cool water down a watercourse that’s fringed with lush, North Carolina forest.

Lotus & Coloma, California

Adults and children in yellow raft on rapids

Beyond Limits Adventures

Paddle the south fork of the American River on a white water rafting trip from Lotus or Coloma in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This is California gold country: watch for shining flecks in the water as you learn to navigate churning rapids and waves, or bring your gold pan along for an adventurous overnight rafting trip and an evening beneath the California stars.

Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

Five people in raft going over rapids

White Water Adventurers

Ohiopyle State Park contains a high-energy stretch of Class II, Class III, and Class IV rapids packed into seven and a half miles of the Youghiogheny River—locals just call it the Yough. White water rafting on the lower Yough River is a great first-time white water rafting adventure, but experienced white water kayakers will love surfing standing waves and holes.

Charlemont, Berkshires, Massachusetts

People holding oars in blue raft and waving

Crab Apple Whitewater

Deerfield River white water rating conditions range from inner tube-friendly ripples to Class IV rapids boosted by dam releases from April through October. And since the Deerfield River follows the scenic Mohawk Trail byway into the Berkshire Mountains , getting to the white water rafting spots is half the fun.

Jackson, Wyoming

People in raft with water splashing around them

Jackson Hole Whitewater

Paddle with gorgeous views of the Grand Teton Mountains on a white water rafting trip on the Snake River. Jackson Hole white water rafting ranges from relaxed floats perfect for spotting wildlife to high-energy rafting trips that take on more challenging rapids; you can even mix rafting with a taste of Wyoming’s legendary fly fishing .

Idaho Springs, Colorado

People in blue raft amid green hillsides

Rocky Mountain Whitewater Rafting

White water rafting in Idaho Springs means paddling scenic Clear Creek, which features both easy sections of fun, rolling rapids and sustained stretches of Class III and Class IV rapids that will keep you focused (and wet). Idaho Springtime’s white water rafting starts when the river warms up in May, and flows right through the sunny Colorado summer.

Merlin, Oregon

View from back of people on red raft going over rapids

Orange Torpedo Rafting Trips

Tiny Merlin, Oregon is the perfect adventure base camp for a white water rafting trip on the Rogue River , among the most legendary rafting destinations in the West. The name sounds intimidating, but Hellgate Canyon’s a great place for first-time paddlers, while Class IV falls and surfable waves make the Nugget Falls section ideal for stepping up your skills.

The Forks, Maine

People rowing over rapids

U.S. Rafting

Deep in western Maine, The Forks is a white water rafting destination with a backwoods soul . This is where the Dead River and the Kennebec River come together, and there’s great white water rafting on each of the two waterways. The Dead River boasts the East’s longest stretch of continuous whitewater, while the Kennebec takes a powerful dive through the remote Kennebec River Gorge, where dam releases churn the water into Class IV rapids.

Athelstane, Wisconsin

People in red raft rowing yellow oars

Wildman Adventure Resort - Peshtigo River Outpost

Shoot the white water on the Menominee River, whose river banks are hemmed in with soaring cliffs. White water rafting trips from Athelstane navigate Piers Gorge, on the dividing line between Michigan and Wisconsin. When the water peaks in the spring, Class IV and Class V rapids offer a challenging white water adventure for more experienced paddlers.

Weatherly, Pennsylvania

Dozens of people carrying rafts on ground

Whitewater Challengers

The Lehigh River once powered mills and foundries, but now it’s a great spot for white water rafting trips in the Pocono Mountains . Book a weekend rafting adventure that’s timed to the dam release, and your white water experience will be powered by energetic rapids. On other days, Class I and Class II white water make for family-family rafting .

Flagstaff, Arizona

Raft boats docked within canyon, with people sitting on ground

Grand Canyon Custom Tours

Rafting the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s best white water rafting adventures, with unmatched views of the canyon from water level, and Flagstaff makes the perfect rafting base camp. Take on the Colorado River in a wooden dory like John Wesley Powell, or opt for the comfort of a white water raft as you splash your way down the most iconic river in the American west.

Lansing, West Virginia

People rowing over rapids

New & Gauley River Adventures

Paddle the spectacular New River Gorge on a river rafting trip in the heart of West Virginia, and you’ll be white water rafting one of the oldest rivers in the world. More experienced rafters can head to the nearby Gauley River , with challenging, technical rapids that hit their peak between early September and mid-October.

Stanley, Idaho

One person in single raft rowing amid rapids

White Cloud Rafting Adventures

Flowing through the heart of an untouched wilderness, the Salmon River may be called the “River of No Return,” but even beginning paddlers can experience Stanley’s best white water rafting. Rafting trips bounce over Class II and Class III rapids in rafts and white water kayaks, passing some of northern Idaho’s most rugged wilderness scenery.

Ocoee, Tennessee

People in yellow raft rowing amid rapids

Quest Expeditions

Take on challenging Class III and Class IV rapids on the Ocoee River , one of the best white water rafting destinations in Tennessee, and you’ll splash through the heart of the southern Appalachian mountains. Warm river water makes it even more fun to paddle through roller coaster waves and churning drops, with a long season that stretches all the way from March through October.

Explore more white water rafting trips:

  • Best white water rafting in Colorado
  • Best white water rafting in North Carolina
  • Best white water rafting in Virginia
  • Best white water rafting in West Virginia
  • Best white water rafting in Tennessee

Whitewater Kayaking Schools and Trips

Looking for the best whitewater kayaking trips in North America? Want to learn how to kayak so you can go on your own kayak trip? Look no further! Rafting America gives you the best of the kayaking world. You can find the best whitewater kayaking trips and kayaking schools across North America.

Learn From The Best!

Kayak and canoe clinics.

The best way to get into whitewater kayaking is by taking kayak lessons. Kayak schools are offered by experienced kayakers at many of the white water rafting outfitters across the US and Canada.

Rafting America members have the top kayaking instructors, schools and trips in the world. These kayak schools have options for all ages and skill levels. From first-time kayakers to whitewater veterans, these schools will hone your whitewater kayaking skills so you can kayak with confidence!

Zoar Guided Kayaks 5 Copy

Must-Do Kayak Trips

Kayak trips in the u.s. and canada.

Find the top kayak trips in North America. From Canada to California, Alaska to Maine, Rafting America gives you the best kayaking locations for a great whitewater vacation.

Many of the kayak trips offered by Rafting America Outfitters accommodate various skill levels and experiences. Enjoy the scenery and practice your kayaking on beautiful rivers.

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Bio Bio Expeditions - Whitewater Kayaking

Join bbx for the whitewater kayaking trip of a lifetime – thrills, fun, relaxation and luxury unparalleled.

When you join Bio Bio Expeditions for one of our whitewater kayaking adventures, you can expect a wonderful, exciting, luxury, and full-service whitewater experience. Whether it’s a high adventure in the heart of Patagonia on the epic Futaleufu River, an exhilarating Zambezi adventure or exploring the unspoiled regions of Costa Rica, you’re sure to find the whitewater kayaking trip that’s perfect for you.  

In addition to whitewater kayaking the most magical rivers on the planet, our adventure vacations include traveling through lush tropical rainforests, secluded wilderness lodges, and breathtaking beaches. A truly unique experience; enjoy seeing new parts of the world by foot, mountain bike, horseback, and, of course, kayak, all while immersing yourself in unique history, culture, and printing ecology.

Relax in luxury – comfy accommodations, thoughtfully prepared gourmet meals, hot tubs, and even hot tea delivered to your tent in the mornings!

Our Adventures

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kayaking whitewater trips

Featured Trip Futaleufu River Rafting Multi-Sport

High adventure activities in the heart of Patagonia, Chile on the Futaleufu River include: whitewater rafting Class II-V, hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, daily yoga classes and mountain biking!

Relax during your stay at our deluxe riverside camp with hot tub, sunset bar, massage, wine tasting, and more!

kayaking whitewater trips

Featured Trip Zambezi Explorer

Join us on a unique Whitewater Rafting trip to the Zambezi in Africa!

From your first dip into the Devil’s pool overlooking the Victoria Falls, to the wildlife Canoe Safari and visit to Chobe National Park in Botswana, to the huge rapids, your Zambezi adventure will be amazing to the last drop!  All combined with elegant safari lodges and camps with amazing wildlife!

kayaking whitewater trips

Featured Trip Costa Rica Multi Sport

Get off the beaten path and explore the unspoiled parts of Costa Rica.  Travel through lush tropical rainforests to secluded wilderness lodges and  beaches.  Raft the world class Pacuare river, one of the most magical rivers on the planet!

Explore, relax and get to know the real Costa Rica!

Winter adventure travel in south america

Kayaking the Futaleufu

Kayak three diverse and exciting rivers in one fabulous trip: Rio Futaleufu, Rio Azul and Rio Espolon. Stay at our riverside camp and enjoy great food and world-famous Patagonia hospitality. It’s a paddler’s paradise on the Futaleufu! Depending on experience, we have kayaking for beginners in which we can help you learn to kayak better, so any level of experience is welcome.

kayaking whitewater trips

Tamur River Expedition

Experience the best Nepal has to offer!

Two days in Kathmandu, 4 day trek into a remote region of Nepal with amazing Himalayan views and then 6 days down the beautiful Tamur River in a raft or kayak.

kayaking whitewater trips

Wilderness Medicine Survival Skills Course and Whitewater Rafting Adventure

The Wilderness Medicine Skills Course is an exciting and unique CME course in the Mt. Shasta / Marble Mountains Wilderness area of Northern California.

This course is designed for clinicians who want to learn state-of-the-art wilderness medicine and survival skills in a spectacular outdoor setting.

kayaking whitewater trips

Upper Klamath Rafting Safari

Combine rafting big summer flows down rapids that are over a football field long, an ultra-comfortable ‘safari style’ backcountry camp (think: glamping), and options for mountain biking, running, inflatable kayaking, and fly fishing.

kayaking whitewater trips

Middle Fork of the Salmon River Raft Expedition CME

Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon is at the top of the list for both beginning river enthusiasts and seasoned river travelers alike—individuals or families—and is known as one of the premier wilderness rivers in the world.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon has it all: spectacular scenery in one of the deepest river gorges in North America, crystal clear water, blue ribbon trout fishing for native Westslope cutthroat trout, riverside natural hot springs, abundant wildlife viewing and historic sites to explore.

Named by National Geographic as one of the top 3 river trips in the world, the Middle Fork Salmon River Idaho will provide you with a continuing medical education seminar of a lifetime.

Trip is run with Middle Fork River Expeditions as the outfitter.   

kayaking whitewater trips

California Salmon Rafting

The wild and scenic California Salmon River, although still somewhat unknown even in its home state of California, is one of the most incredible whitewater rafting trips in the country.

Rafting the Futaleufú

Futaleufu in Patagonia Multi Sport IVS

This exciting multi-sport Veterinary CE Course takes place on the mighty Futeleufu River in the heart of Patagonia! Stay at our river-side base camp, the ideal launching spot for your mountain biking, hiking, running and fly fishing excursions!

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Call us: 1-800-246-7238 by email: [email protected].

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An OARS guide rows a raft through whitewater in Cataract Canyon in Utah

Whitewater Rafting

Group whitewater rafting.

Whitewater Rafting Trips with OARS

OARS helped pioneer whitewater rafting in the Western U.S. And since we first got started in 1969, we have guided more than 500,000 guests on rivers all over the world. Now, with more than 75 unique itineraries, we offer travelers more whitewater rafting trips than any other outfitter on the planet. But it’s not just about how long we’ve been in business, or the number of trips we offer. It’s really about the OARS experience .

Whether it’s a quick, one-day whitewater rafting trip , a week-long river trip, or an epic 18-day rafting expedition, we can guarantee a trip with OARS will end up being one of your most memorable vacations ever. Because, let’s be honest, we’re not talking about a trip to Disneyland here. River trips are the ultimate way to escape the grind, disconnect and spend quality time with friends or loved ones, or even make new lifelong friends. Not only that, there is no better way to experience some of the most scenic and remote wilderness areas in the world than from a raft, dory, inflatable kayak or stand up paddleboard.

At the core of what we do are multi-day rafting trips , offering guests incredible access to remote wilderness areas that few people get to see each year, including off-the-beaten path locations in our national parks, wild and scenic rivers throughout the West and bucket list destinations all over the world. Of course, if you’re just looking for a quick and fun trip to enjoy with friends and family, our one-day rafting trips in California, Utah and even Fiji are some of the top rafting experiences in the world.

And trust us, we know choosing the right rafting trip can be a bit overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at 800-346-6277 . Our dedicated year-round office staff and team of adventure consultants have hundreds of trips among us, so we know we can match you with the perfect trip and answer any and every question you may have leading up to your adventure.

Find Your Perfect Trip

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Alaska Rafting on the Tatshenshini River

Location: Alaska Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 13

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Alsek River Rafting Adventure

Location: Alaska Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 14

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Tuolumne Whitewater Rafting 1-Day Trip

Location: California Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 14 (16 during high water)

Landscape view of three yellow rafts and a catamaran on an OARS Tuolumne River trip in California.

Tuolumne River Rafting Near Yosemite National Park

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Chili Bar Rafting on the South Fork American 1/2-Day

Location: California Adventure Level: Easier to Moderate Minimum Age: 8 (10-12 during high water)

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South Fork American River Rafting Gorge 1-Day

OARS rafting the South Fork of the American River

South Fork Whitewater Rafting 21-Miler 1-Day

Location: California Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 12

A tent by the river at the OARS at EarthTrek camp

American River Whitewater Rafting Super 1-Day

Location: California Adventure Level: Easier to Moderate Minimum Age: 8 (10 – 12 during high water)

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Middle Fork American River Rafting

Location: California Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 14

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Two-Day South Fork American River Rafting

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North Fork American River Rafting

Location: California Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 14 (16 during high water)

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Two-Day Middle Fork American River Rafting

Tunnel Chute is a Class IV rapid on the Middle Fork of the American River

Middle Fork | South Fork American River Chili Bar Combo

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South Fork | Middle Fork American River Rafting Combo

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South Fork | North Fork American River Rafting Combo

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Merced River Rafting Near Yosemite National Park

Location: California Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 12 – 14 (9 at low water)

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North Fork Stanislaus River Rafting

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Lower Klamath River Rafting

Location: California Adventure Level: Easier Minimum Age: 4

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Westwater Canyon Rafting

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 12 (16 during high water)

Landscape view of the Yampa River in Utah.

Yampa River Rafting

Location: Colorado & Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 7 (10 – 12 during high water)

Two yellow OARS rafts on the Green River through the Gates of Lodore.

Green River Rafting through the Gates of Lodore

Location: Utah & Colorado Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7 (10 – 12 during high water)

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Utah Whitewater Rafting through Split Mountain Canyon

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Easier to Moderate Minimum Age: 6 (11 during high water)

river running through a canyon.

Cataract Canyon Whitewater Rafting

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 9 (12 – 16 during high water)

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Stillwater & Cataract Canyon Hiker

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 12

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John Wesley Powell Retrace

Location: Utah & Colorado Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 16

Landscape view of Desolation Canyon on the Green River with sun rays shining through clouds.

Green River Rafting through Desolation Canyon

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7 (10 during high water; 12 for hiker)

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San Juan River Rafting

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Easier Minimum Age: 6

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San Juan River Hiker

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 12

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Lower San Juan River Trip: 5 Days

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Flaming Gorge Green River Rafting 1-Day

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Easier Minimum Age: 4 (7 during high water)

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Flaming Gorge Rafting

Landscape view of the Main Salmon River in Idaho.

Main Salmon River Rafting on the River of No Return

Location: Idaho Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7 (12 – 15 during high water)

Landscape view of the Snake River through Hells Canyon on an OARS trip.

Snake River Rafting through Hells Canyon

Location: Idaho Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7 (12 during high water)

Several OARS boats lined up on a beach at camp on the Lower Salmon River.

Gorges of the Lower Salmon River Rafting

Vibrant green landscape view of camp on an OARS Middle Fork of the Salmon River trip.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River Rafting

Location: Idaho Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 12 (15 during high water)

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Middle Fork Salmon River Fishing in Idaho

Location: Idaho Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 12

Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Middle Fork | Main Salmon River Rafting Combo

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Main Salmon | Lower Salmon River Rafting Combo

Location: Idaho Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 12 (15 during high water)

Two boats floating down Idaho' Salmon River

Ultimate Salmon River Experience

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Grand Canyon Rafting: Lees Ferry to Pipe Creek

Location: Grand Canyon, Arizona Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 12

Three OARS rafts row through breathtaking canyon

Grand Canyon Rafting: Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash

Late afternoon on an OARS Grand Canyon river trip

Grand Canyon Rafting: Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek

OARS raft hits rapid sending spray up in contrast to dark canyon walls

Grand Canyon Rafting: Lees Ferry to Pearce Ferry

OARS baggage raft drops into Lava Falls with two other rafts wait their turn

Grand Canyon Rafting: Pipe Creek to Whitmore Wash

Four OARS rafts in Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Rafting: Pipe Creek to Diamond Creek

OARS guide in baggage boat hits big wave in Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Rafting: Pipe Creek to Pearce Ferry

Yellow OARS rafts in lower section of Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Rafting: Whitmore Wash to Pearce Ferry

Location: Grand Canyon, Arizona Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7

Oar rafts and inflatable kayaks tackle rapids on a family adventure down Oregon's Rogue River with OARS

Rogue River Rafting

Location: Oregon Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7

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Rogue River Rowing Clinic

Location: Oregon Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 18 (16 with parent/guardian also in the class)

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Owyhee River Rafting

Location: Oregon Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 12

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Chilko Chilcotin Fraser Rivers Rafting Adventure

Location: Canada Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 13

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Nahanni River Rafting

Location: Canada Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 8

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Futaleufú Rafting Multi-Sport

Location: Patagonia, Chile Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 12

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Upper Navua Gorge: Fiji Whitewater Rafting

Location: Fiji Adventure Level: Easier to Moderate Minimum Age: 8

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Middle Navua River Kayaking

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Ultimate Africa: Luxury Safari & Zambezi River Adventure

Location: Zimbabwe Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 16

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Zambezi River Rafting & Zimbabwe Safari

Related blog posts.

Rafting Canada's Chilko River

10 of the World’s Most Notorious Whitewater Rapids

What is the Best State for Whitewater Rafting?

The Insider’s Guide to Whitewater Rafting in California

Rogue River rafting trip | Photo: James Kaiser

Best Multi-Day Rafting Trips for First-timers

Discover your next oars adventure.

Group whitewater rafting.

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It’s “March Madness” for River Lovers!

Vote for your favorite river trip for a chance to win one of five multi-day river trips from OARS, plus five awesome gear packages worth more than $1,000.

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Sharing Nature - Enriching Lives Since 1979

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White Water Rafting Trips

Rogue river rafting.

Rogue River rafting is unlike any other white water raft trip in the United States. Where else can you raft a wilderness river and stay in a comfortable lodge each evening?

Middle Fork Salmon River Rafting

Among whitewater rafting rivers, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho is a legend.

Rafting the Snake River through Hells Canyon

The country's deepest river canyon with the world's greatest guides. If you have not experienced rafting the Snake River through Hells Canyon don't wait any longer!

Family Magic White Water Rafting Trip

Family magic rafting trip, salmon river canyons rafting trip.

Raft Idaho's legendary Lower Salmon River in the Salmon River Canyons!

Deschutes River Multiday Rafting Trips

Deschutes river rafting & camping trips, choose your adventure, multi-day rafting trips.

Learn More about Multi-Day Rafting Trips

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Canoeing + Kayaking

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Walking & Hiking Trips

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Wild & Scenic Rivers

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Biking Tours and Trips

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Biking tours with ROW Adventures

Private Trips - We Make it Easy!

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Charter a Trip and Save!

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Best Family Adventures

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Top International Tours

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Owyhee River Rafting Trips

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Idaho Outdoor Adventures

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Oregon Outdoor Adventures

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Idaho Rafting

Learn More about Idaho Rafting

Oregon Rafting

Learn More about Oregon Rafting

Salmon River Rafting

Learn More about Salmon River Rafting

Rogue River in Oregon

Learn More about Rogue River in Oregon

Snake River Rafting & Hiking

Learn More about Snake River Rafting & Hiking

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Annual Guide Training Trip

Three people on a red raft floating the Bruneau River

A Remote River Odyssey - Rafting the Owyhee or Bruneau

A red boat with a guide on the oars with three passengers in the front floating downstream

What Class Rapids are on the Snake River through Hells Canyon

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White Water Rafting on the Chattooga River

one of the oldest whitewater adventure companies in the Southeast

Southeastern Expeditions has been named one of the top 10 rafting runs in the country

Made Famous

By being a major filming location for the 1972 movie "Deliverance"

In the Mountains

Through the Appalachian foothills of the Chattahoochee and Sumter National forests

A Destination for Thrill Seekers

With spectacular falls and an abundance of wildlife, the Chattooga is one of the top destinations for adventurers and thrill seekers. We have three kinds of trips:

  • Whitewater Rafting

Each mode of travel comes with our expert instruction, as each kind of craft is unique and rides differently in the water and over rapids. We’ll take you along section IV of the Chattooga, where you’re going to confront the steepest dives of any commercially rafted river in the South. Through a quarter mile flume the river descends over 75 feet into the Five Falls. Each is named to give you an idea of what you’re getting into:

  • Crack In The Rock
  • Sock Em Dog

Our Guests over The Years

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Yep, that’s us! And it started with Deliverance. Southeastern Expeditions opened its doors in 1972, with equipment purchased from Warner Brothers following the filming of the movie Deliverance, with Burt Reynolds and John Voight. The enduring flick made the river famous and put us on the map, bringing the river enough notoriety to be named by congress the first Wild and Scenic River in the south. Our newfound company was the first to bring visitors to the churning white water and steep descents of the Chattooga, just when everyone started beating a trail to come.

We’ve got room for you, but the best way to get on the water when you want to go is to book today. There’s plenty of demand – especially during the summer months, and we recommend booking ahead.

Visit Our Sister Site

For ocoee river rafting, testimonials.

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I just wanted to let you know that my two friends and I had a great time this past weekend on the overnight trip. We saw the biggest water of our lives and Geoff gave us a thrilling yet safe trip down sections 3 and 4 (he is a real professional)! The food and sleeping accommodations were far better than we expected. You really do have a first rate operation. We will be sure to come back to SEE in the future.

Chattooga Guest, Nathan

Our professional team, the people behind the amazing work.

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James Edward

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Christina Lee

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Danny Robin

We are located at 7350 Hwy 76 E, Clayton, GA 30525

Phone: 1-800-868-7238 Fax: 1-888-391-7403 Email: [email protected]

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River Rafting on the Kern River

Discover Your Next California River Rafting Adventure!

Whitewater Voyages has been providing the highest quality whitewater river rafting adventures for hundreds of thousands of happy guests since 1975. Whether a fledgling beginner looking for your first trip or a seasoned whitewater enthusiast looking for your next dose of whitewater nirvana, we're here to show you the time of your life. Our strength is rooted in our vast experience and rock solid commitment to providing all our guests a joyful, unforgettable experience running the rivers we hold near and dear to our hearts. Our guides are highly trained professionals selected for their expertise on the water and their personable, fun personalities. Dining along the river is another passion of ours and all of our meals are prepared to mouth-watering perfection. We love what we do and live to share our trips with all of our valued guests. Join us on the Kern, Kings, or one of our other associated rivers for a trip of a lifetime!

A note about the 2024 Rafting Season:

Last year's unprecedented snowpack provided an "afterglow" the likes of which we haven't seen in seventeen Long Years: A full lake guaranteeing an Outstanding Season on the Lower Kern River this year!

In fact, with the snowpack in the Southern Sierra approaching 90% of "Normal", conditions are likely to present as close to "perfect" on the Upper, Lower, and Forks of the Kern as we've seen in decades!

This year, you'll find discounts on the base price of our early season trips (March 15th - May 24th) of up to 18%! The value for these spring trips has never been better. And, if you join us again this long season as over 25% of our guests did last year, a 20% Rapid Repeater Discount will be applied to your subsequent reservation, as a sincere "Thank You"! Reservations placed by March 15th for any trip this year will be eligible to have our 2023 pricing applied.

We're expecting to be running One Day and 1/2 Day trips on the Upper Kern from mid-March through the middle of July this year. Our super popular Class III 1/2 Day "Jungle Runs" on the Lower Kern will be available from mid-March through September and our signature "Sierra Escape" overnight trip and One Day "Bigwater Run" will be offered from May 25th through September 15th. Please call for information about our Class V "Thunder Runs" and Forks of the Kern Trips".

Our 2024 Guide School will be held over two consecutive three-day weekends starting on Friday, April 26th and concluding on Sunday, May 5th. If you would like to improve your private boating skills, are looking to acquire the skills to guide, or would like to participate for the experience, this award-winning course is the ticket!

Oh. . .and another bit of exciting news: We're launching a new and long-awaited website in about six weeks. We're super excited about this project and look forward to it going live. Stay tuned!

Email Updates

We'll be emailing updates as the season progresses. If you'd like to be on the list to receive these notifications, just send us an email at [email protected] .

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Adventure, Friendship, & Growth

Since our inception, Whitewater Voyages' motto and continuing goal has been to foster an environment where "Adventure, Friendship, and Growth" permeates our trips. "Adventure" is naturally and amply supplied by the nature of the beautiful stretches of river we run. Whether newly formed, rekindled, or reinforced over the course of a river trip, "Friendship" is one of the key element of all of our trips. Our rafting trips provide a wonderful venue to bond with family and friends as well as meet new people and form new relationships. "Growth" is the natural by-product of a shared experience and is an essential element of a full, meaningful life. Whether you join us for a Two Hour, Class III Lickety Split trip, or a Three Day, Class V trip on the Forks of the Kern you can be assured that your experience with Whitewater Voyages will be rich with Adventure, Friendship and Growth!

1-800-400-7238

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Guided Trips

Guided Trips

  • Season Call for Availability
  • Trip Length 1 Day

Whether you are new to the Washington rivers, or just want others along for the ride, Wildwater's guided kayaking trips is your answer. Our expert guides have experience with the biggest rapids on rivers like the Skykomish, White Salmon, and Green, and will show you the way around every corner. On these trips, our guides focus less on instruction, and more on helping you learn the rivers.

Contact the Office for Availability

Reservations & Information

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© 2024 - Wildwater River Guides .

Wildwater River Guides, LLC is an equal opportunity provider and is under permits with the U.S. Forest Service; Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, North Cascades National Park, and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

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Moab's Premier

Boutique adventure company, now offering, arches and canyonlands national parks tours.

  • Arches & Canyonlands National Park Tours
  • STAND UP PADDLE

The Wild West Voyages Difference

Wild West Voyages is Moab Utah’s premier boutique Colorado river rafting, kayak, stand up board, and adventure trip company. We are a locally-owned and operated outfitter, and have been called “a small company with a big heart.” Moab river rafting on the Colorado River is a fun and amazing adventure and we offer more intimate guided tours including private charters with customizable details. You can design your raft trip by specifying your preference for an oar raft rowed solely by your guide while you relax (and hang on with both hands)! Or if you prefer you can request a group paddle raft for a more active experience. Often we can bring along a kayak or two for guests to take a turn in their own rig under the guide’s instruction. We offer guided, customized sightseeing and hiking tours into < Arches National Park and < Canyonlands National Park .

In addition to these personalized details, we are proud to feature:

  • Smaller group sizes and private charters
  • Air-conditioned vans; vehicle interiors cleaned after every use
  • First-class customer service
  • Professional and caring staff
  • Skilled, experienced guides holding a variety of safety, rescue, outdoor leadership, and science certifications
  • Plenty of parking in a hidden downtown Moab location
  • High-quality and well-maintained river rafting boats, kayaks, SUP boards and equipment. All vessels are thoroughly cleaned with soap and water after every use, including both guided tours and rentals.
  • River equipment cleaned and sanitized after every use: PFD’s (flotation vests), wetsuits, booties, splash jackets, coolers, and paddles. This includes equipment from both guided tours and rentals.

Want your adventure TODAY or TOMORROW? Please call (435) 355-0776 for availability.

Our Most Popular Adventures

Come with us and experience canyon country’s most formative and dramatic force: The Colorado River. Our classic Moab river rafting trips offer something for everyone . Raft, paddle an inflatable kayak or a stand-up paddle board. Float the family-friendly mild or moderate rapids, behold the stunning scenery, and let us treat you to a classic adventure of the American West!

Looking to visit Arches National Park? We now offer a fun morning hiking tour or an awe-inspiring evening evening sunset tour .

Let our caring staff and certified guides give you a full service adventure to remember! See our trip options here.

Want your adventure TODAY or TOMORROW? Please call (435) 850-6420 for availability.

Towers Colorado

Full Day Moab Raft Trip

Towers Colorado

Half Day AM Moab Raft Trip

Towers Colorado

Last Call Afternoon Moab Raft Trip

Towers Colorado

AM Inflatable Kayak Trip

Towers Colorado

Last Call Half Day Private Charter Inflatable Kayak Trip

Fun times with wild west voyages.

Tripadvisor

Fantastic experience from start to finish. Full day private charter was a family event to remember. Our guide for the day made the day fun and educational, full of local knowledge about the history, geology and biology of the Colorado river and Moab area. Highly recommended!

We celebrated my cousin's bachelorette party in Moab and this was the BEST part of the experience. We had SO MUCH FUN!...Their staff was exceptionally accommodating to us in every way… We all agreed we would go back 100 xs more! Thank you Wild West Voyages for the unforgettable memories!

We can't say enough positive things about this company. Everything was top notch from the moment they answered the phone.

[Our guide was] so knowledgeable, engaged everyone on the raft, had fun with everyone, and encouraged everyone to take full benefit of all aspects of the rafting experience. Being able to swim/float in the river was an added extra bonus. The lunch was wonderful.

...the trip was easy going and fun. We saw beautiful landscape, birds and wildlife all along the trip. The staff was helpful and enthusiastic. Our guide was wonderful. She was fun and knowledgeable.

..I didn’t for a moment feel as though I were just another customer. My son was so happy with the experience & we all felt safe & that we were incapable & profession hands... as well as that person to person skill. Thank you … Wild West Voyages, the day was everything to us.

…The kids afterwards said this was the best thing that they had EVER done. So it doesn't get much better than that. And while the boating and the raft were great, its the people that make it fun.

If you are looking for a river rafting company look no further. This team stands out with its friendly, caring service and warmth given to each and every guest. You can sense the passion of the team members to guide you through the beauty of this river voyage!

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If you prefer, you can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies via your browser settings. Like most websites, if you turn your cookies off, some of our services may not function properly. However, you can still reserve a booking over the telephone by contacting the company’s customer service number directly. Your browser or device may include “Do Not Track” functionality. Sebago Watersports information collection and disclosure practices and the choices we provide, will continue to operate as described in this Privacy Policy, whether or not a Do Not Track signal is received.

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Rafting and Adventure Travel

Best Whitewater Rafting and Camping Trips in the United States

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The United States is home to an amazing array of multi-day (overnight) rafting expeditions. Using our years of experiences guiding rafts around the world, the staff at Rivers & Oceans came up with our list of the top 10 best rafting and camping trips in the U.S. These white water rafting vacations are in no particular order , it was hard enough for us to agree on 10 trips. Since they are so unique, we have a separate blog post about our favorite multi-day rafting trips in Alaska .

Most of the whitewater rafting trips are all-inclusive packages between 4 to 6 days with a couple of options that can last two weeks (Colorado and Salmon Rivers). The main factors considered were their whitewater rapids, scenery, remoteness, access (from airports), camping, hiking, wildlife, fishing and water quality.

If you decide to book a trip through us the costs are guaranteed to be the same as if you booked directly with the outfitter.

Best Multi-day Rafting Trips in Oregon

1. the rogue river – southern oregon   .

We love rafting the Rogue for its lush scenery, wildlife, and length at four days is the perfect amount of time. The Rogue is know for its wildlife viewing with birds of prey, turtles, otters and black bear. Kids enjoy the warm water for swimming, and hikes to stunning waterfalls and historical properties. 

This is a great river for all ages, especially families that can enjoy the class III whitewater rafting and kid friendly camping. Older kids and adults can increase the level of adventure by paddling in a raft or inflatable kayaking. Getting to the meeting location is a three-hour drive south from Portland or a 6 hour drive from the Bay Area. There is also a local airport in Medford, Oregon.

Mule Creek Canyon - Rogue River Rafting

2. The Illinois River – Southern Oregon  

The Illinois River combines the best whitewater rafting, scenery, and solitude in the lower 48 states. It is such a secret due to only being run in the spring time. You will be blown away by the ruggedness of the canyon, endless waterfalls, water clarity, and the landscape of moss, flowers, and lush greenery surrounding the canyon. 

After paddling class IV whitewater, each night’s campsite provides a unique, scenic experience. Trips meet in Grants Pass, Oregon and are doable over a long weekend. Come ready to battle the elements of early spring in this remote and rarely rafted river of the coastal Cascade Range.  

illinois-river-rafting-green-wall-rapid

River News of Oregon

Led by successful dam removals such as the Elwa and White Salmon Rivers in Washington State, the  largest dam removal in US history  was announced on the Klamath River in southern Oregon. Previous removals have restored river ecosystems as well as saving taxpayer dollars due to the dams not producing power efficiently. Most exciting is the potential salmon recovery due to recovering hundreds of miles of free-flowing river. 

Utah’s Top Whitewater Rafting and Camping Tours

looking down into Lodore Canyon on the Green River

3. Gates of Lodore on the Green River – Northeastern Utah  

The Green River is the longest river system in the Southwest, providing the majority of water in the Colorado River. Lodore Canyon is a stunning four-day rafting trip on the Green River through towering red rock and sandstone walls.

Within Dinosaur National Monument, this a wonderful option for families with fun technical class III rapids run in a choice of oar raft, paddle boat or inflatable kayak. Enjoy side hikes to waterfalls and scenic overlooks with additional time to relax in camp on nice sandy beaches. Trips meet in Vernal, Utah, an easy three hour drive from the Salt Lake City airport. (See our page about rafting the Green River through Lodore Canyon .)

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4. Yampa River – Northwestern Colorado/Utah  

As the last free flowing river in the Colorado River system, rafting the Yampa River is a wild and special vacation. Flowing through Dinosaur National Monument like the nearby Lodore, the Yampa sees exciting flows during spring runoff, particularly in the famous Warm Springs rapid. Run the rapids of the Yampa in paddle boats, oar rafts, and inflatable kayaks.

The campsites on the Yampa are stunning, with lush box elder trees, sandy beaches and surrounded by incredible sandstone walls. Side hikes are a daily optional activity up creeks and to scenic views. This trip meets in Vernal, Utah, giving visitors the option to explore more of Dinosaur National Monument. (Find out more about Yampa River rafting tours .)

rafts floating on Yampa River

River News in Utah

In November of 2020, a major pipeline to divert water to Colorado’s Front Range cities (Denver), from Flaming Gorge Dam, which feeds into Lodore Canyon on the Green River and then into the Colorado River was denied by Utah state engineers. This is part of a decades long fight over Colorado River water. Read more in the Salt Lake City Tribune’s  article here . 

Idaho’s Best White Water Rafting and Camping Expeditions

5. the salmon river – central idaho   .

With white sandy beach camping, warm water and towering canyon walls the Salmon River is a staff favorite at Rivers & Oceans. We say you feel like you are in the Cabo, Mexico version of Idaho! Rafting the Salmon is an absolutely perfect trip for all – it has whitewater that is just exciting enough for thrill seekers to paddle in a raft or inflatable kayak, and mellow enough to relax as your float in an oar raft through the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states, the Frank Church River of No Return.

Sometimes called the Grand Canyon of Idaho, it is the second deepest canyon in the lower 48 states. It’s warm water, hot spring, historical sites and Native American pictographs make it one of the best six-day trips in the West. Together the Middle Fork and the Salmon River can be rafted 200 miles, making for an incredible 12-day expedition. (Read about the Salmon River of Idaho .)

Salmon River Canyon Granite Wall

6. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River – Central Idaho  

The Middle Fork is one of the most classic whitewater trips in North America. Flowing south to north for 100 miles through the Franch Church River of No Return Wilderness , the terrain changes between high alpine forest, grassy desert and finally into Impassable Canyon which provides for dramatic camping and rafting. Besides it’s many hot springs, side creeks and technical, rocky rapids run in oar rafts, paddle boats and inflatable kayaks, this river attracts fly fishers from all over the world.

The cold, clear water makes it a pristine habitat for many diverse fish species steelhead, cutthroat trout and also salmon. This vacation is best for the more adventurous in June and becomes a family trip in July and August. Trips meet and end in Stanley, Idaho. (See a video and more information on the Middle Fork of the Salmon .)

middle-fork-salmon-rafting-impassable-canyon

7. The Selway River – Western Montana/Northern Idaho  

Last but not least, rafting the Selway River is another staff favorite at Rivers and Oceans. One of the most pristine whitewater experiences and trips in North America. With incredibly diverse and lush scenery in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, class IV+ rapids run in oar and paddle rafts with world-class fishing, this river speaks for itself. Only one groups launches per day making this the ultimate wilderness adventure.

The river is typically run in five-days including a layover day (two nights camped at the same location) to give guests a day to explore the wilderness. Hike to a fire lookout tower, fly fish up Moose Creek or hang out in camp during the layover day. Trips meet in Missoula, Montana making this river one of the easiest to access. (Learn more about the exclusive Selway River .)

Angler fishing on the Selway River

River News in Idaho

Salmon River water flows down into the Snake River and then through the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean. These drainages are some of the most ecologically diverse and critical to species both inland and in the ocean.  Idaho Rivers United  created a community education program to help improve habitat conservation for wild fish that are critical to Native American communities, the Idaho economy and more. 

Top Overnight Rafting Trip Packages in California

8. tuolumne river – yosemite , california.

The Tuolumne is called the champagne of the Sierra due to it’s light bubbly whitewater in a dramatic canyon. Over 18 miles the river has 16 named class IV rapids plus many more class II and II rapids creating some of the most consistent whitewater rafting of any river. Everyone typically paddles on these trips. What puts it on the top 10 list is the camping and exploring on two and three-day trips. The Clavey River and the North Fork of the Tuolumne both provide world-class swimming and relaxing. Plus the Tuolumne River’s proximity to Yosemite makes it a much do for anyone visiting the park. (Check out the Sierra’s Tuolumne River .)

tuolumne-river-best-rafting-and-camping-7864540

9. Cherry Creek/Tuolumne Combo – Yosemite , California

Those that want more than the Tuolumne’s class IV experience can head upstream to Cherry Creek, the most difficult white water rafting in the United States. Paddle 9 miles of class V whitewater on Cherry Creek and then proceed down the rapids of Tuolumne River to camp over two or three days. This package provides the most whitewater intense rafting trip to be had anywhere.

Be warned, to participate in this trip you have to pass a swim training and be fairly fit. Most should stick with the Tuolumne run which is more than enough whitewater for all but the most die-hard enthusiasts. (Find out if rafting Cherry Creek is right for you.)

Cherry Creek Rafting Video

Best Rafting and Camping Tours in Arizona (and potentially the world!)

10. colorado river through grand canyon national park – northern arizona.

The Colorado River is unquestionably on everyone’s list of best rafting and camping trips in the world! There is huge whitewater, amazing sandy beaches for camping, and incredible hiking to scenic vistas and lush grottos. The human history of the area is fascinating and the guides are typically well seasoned and knowledgeable. These trips run from overnight to 18-days. The question is which is the best trip and when to go . (Learn more about floating through Grand Canyon .)

Best rafting and camping trip breakfast

Concluding Thoughts

While all these vacation packages create an incredible experience between the rafting, camping, and scenery, the best white water rafting trip in the US is the one that meets your groups needs. Families with children from 8 to 13 will be best on the Gates of Lodore, Salmon, and Rogue Rivers. The other rivers are not as family friendly with longer river days, tougher conditions, or harder whitewater. Looking for something more remote and wild check out our Alaskan rafting trips .

If you have questions or just want to talk about rivers please give us a call or contact us by email ! We’ll point you to the best outfitter and destinations for you and your group. We guarantee the same price as working directly with the outfitters.

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Dispatches from adventure tours around the world and tips for intrepid travelers. Read Our Blog

rafting tents on the Copper River in Alaska

Alaska Rafting Interactive Map

Interactive map of our favorite multi-day rafting trips in Alaska.

Keep Reading > Alaska Rafting Interactive Map

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Alaska Rafting: Remote Wilderness River Expeditions

Alaska is home to some of the most breathtaking wilderness rafting rivers in the world, with varying degrees of challenge and adventure. In this article, we will discuss the top multi-day wilderness rafting rivers in Alaska, including the miles and days of each trip, whitewater, wildlife and how to access the rivers.

Keep Reading > Alaska Rafting: Remote Wilderness River Expeditions

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All Inclusive Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, an all-inclusive rafting trip might be just what you’re looking for. Here’s everything you need to know about these unforgettable adventures.

Keep Reading > All Inclusive Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Experts in wilderness travel, we have extensive connections within the industry through our 60+ combined years guiding most of the trips we offer including hundreds of rafting trips in Grand Canyon.

There is no fee for our service, ensuring the cost of your expedition is the same as booking directly with the outfitter  ( Learn more ).

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Hours: M-F, 8 am – 5 pm ( See current AZ time ) [email protected] 928-526-4575 123 S. San Francisco St. #16 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

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Whitewater kayaker with Cape Fear River Adventures in Class III rapids near Lillington, NC

Whitewater Kayaking

Guided whitewater kayaking

10 miles; average 3 hours on water but varies based on water level

River features

several miles of flat water; several up to Class III rapids the second part of the trip

Skill level

prior paddling experience required

Weight limit

kayaks: 250lb/person

Searching Availability...

Trip Cost Prices are per person

Video trailer.

Whitewater Kayaking Guided whitewater kayaking river trip

Enjoy several miles of calm water in a secluded environment before entering the biggest rock garden of the entire Cape Fear River. Go through some Class II, II+ and possible III rapids (depends on the water level) in the second part of the trip. Get a glimpse of a soaring Bald Eagle or Great Blue Heron as you paddle on remote section of the Cape Fear. Use one of our sit-on-top self-bailing whitewater kayaks. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater kayaking while practicing your skills with a guide along your side.

Please note: Whitewater kayaking on the Cape Fear River is possible only at particular water levels, making it only occasional service that we offer. Typically, we see appropriate water levels in spring; however, sometimes the water will be high enough during other seasons. We announce when we are running rafts on social media and right here on our home page . You can reserve your spot in advance and we will contact you as soon as the river conditions are acceptable. Otherwise, this is a first come first serve option based on river conditions that day.

Things to know before you go!

It is dangerous.

River is an uncontrolled wilderness environment! At higher water level there are numerous dangers that can harm you or be life threatening.

Must be able to swim!

You must be able to swim and feel very comfortable in moving water.

Prior paddling and whitewater experience strongly suggested!

This is not a beginner's trip! We ask you to have prior paddling experience and some experience in whitewater.

Must be able to perform self-recovery

In the very beginning of the trip we ask you to capsize and than climb back in your kayak from deep, moving water. We do this exercise at least twice. You must be in good physical shape to be able to perform the recovery! If you are unable to perform self-recovery, or if our guides finds your paddling or recovery not sufficient, we will end your trip short at a 2-mile mark, for safety reasons.

Several miles of flat water

Depending on the water level there will be up to Class III rapids, but there is also several miles of flat water before the section with rapids.

What to wear

  • Dress for the weather with layered clothing if necessary, and expect to get wet.
  • Wet suit or splash jackets might be required in colder months; they are available for rent.
  • Wear long sleeves or opt out for sunscreen.
  • Bathing suit is a great option in warmer months, but don't forget sunscreen!
  • Paddling booties or water shoes are great! You can also wear old gym shoes, or strap-on sandals, but no flip-flops!
  • Any hat is recommended.
  • Spare clothes

Picture Gallery

Group of kayakers paddling with Cape Fear River Adventures in Lillington, NC

Trip F.A.Q.

Do i have to make a reservation, what is the cancellation policy, what is the age limit, what is the weight limit, is alcohol allowed, do you offer military, public safety or teacher's discount, can i end the trip early, do you accept credit cards, are there snakes, gators, or sharks in the river, are dogs allowed, will i capsize, i have never paddled before and/or i'm not familiar with rapids. can i go, is it dangerous, what kayak will i use, do i need to be able to swim, can i get trapped under the kayak if i capsize, do i go by myself or as a group.

kayaking whitewater trips

Whitewater Rafting Adventures

Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos

Kayaking Trips and Instruction at WRA

Here at Whitewater Rafting Adventures we offer a variety of ways to enjoy the adrenaline pumping sport of Kayaking. We offer both Inflatable Kayak Trips as well as professional instructed Kayak Clinics. Check out all the Kayaking options we offer below, or give us a call at (800) 876-0285 for more information

kayaking whitewater trips

IK trips at WRA

Inflatable Kayaking (IK) is the best way to take your day on the river to the next level. There are several Trip options available for different group sizes and individual skill level. We offer both Tag Along Kayaking trips where you would follow one of our Rafting Trips or Inflatable Kayak Only trips where it’s just you, your fellow Kayakers, and your Guides. IK trips run on our Summer, EZ Whitewater, & Whitewater sections of the river. Check out the Trip Specs below to see which IK Adventure is right for you!

IK Trips – Summer Rafting or EZ Whitewater Section

Difficulty: No experience needed Length: 3½ – 4½ hours Distance: 8-11 miles (Class I and II) Minimum Age: 12 years old Maximum Weight: 275lb

Tag Along IK Trip Prices

Weekdays (After Memorial Day)

Summer Rafting Section: $69.95

Weekend or Holiday Memorial Day through Labor Day

Summer Rafting Section: $79.95     EZ Whitewater Section: $85.95

Pre-ordered box lunch: $9.95 +tax

Private IK Only Trip Prices

Summer Rafting Section: $95.95

  • Private IK Only Trips require a group of 8 – 12
  • All prices subject to a $3.00 per person River Access Fee

Whitewater IK Trip

This exclusive Class III Whitewater IK Trip is takes place on the Upper Lehigh Gorge on the following select days throughout the Summer. Check out Specials & Events page or give us a call for more details.

  • May 26th, 2024
  • June 9th, 2024
  • Please call for other dates & availability

Difficulty: Experience required Length: 4 – 5 hours Distance: 11 miles (Class II and III) Minimum Age: 15 years old Maximum Weight: 275lb

Whitewater IK Prices

Whitewater IK Trip: $119.95

  • Whitewater Rafting or Kayaking experience is required, please call for additional details
  • Additional dates may be available & are depended on water levels
  • All prices subject to a $6.25 per person River Access Fee

Kayak Clinics

kayaking whitewater trips

Learn to Kayak at WRA

Whether you are a beginner who wants to get started in the exciting sport of kayaking, a seasoned boater, or just looking for a new adventure on the water, a Whitewater Rafting Adventures Kayak Clinic is just what you need. Start your day in the pond at our Adventure Center to get the basics down and then spend the afternoon putting your new skills to the test on the Class I & II rapids of the Summer Rafting section.

If you are a more experienced boater who wants to improve your roll or learn a new trick, our talented instructors will help you learn new skills or improve on your existing skills to help you become a more confident kayaker. No matter what your level of experience, Whitewater Rafting Adventures will tailor the day with us to your interests, ability level, and personal goals.

All kayak clinics include:

  • Talented and experienced instructors
  • Kayak, paddle, life jacket, and helmet
  • Pond Side Lunch from the Red Rock Cafe
  • Shuttle to and from the river
  • Free Hot Dog BBQ at the end of the day

Kayak Clinic Specs

Difficulty: No experience needed Length: 6-8 hours (1-day clinic), 12-16 hours (2-day clinic) Distance: 4-8 miles (Class 1 and 2) Minimum Age: 8 years old (Inflatable Kayaks Available for younger children)

Kayak Clinic Prices

1-Day Clinic $125.00 per person 2-Day Clinic $225.00 per person

  • All Kayak Clinic Reservations must be for a group of 2 or larger

kayaking whitewater trips

Offering the highest level of kayak coaching with a focus on fun. Our certified guides assess your individual needs and learning style, customizing instruction that supports your understanding and skill development. With a base camp right on the Salmon River, our all-inclusive programs have everything you need. Come for yourself, as a family, with a private group, or send your teen. Begin your adventure with the perfect kayaking package for you.

“ There is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

– Kenneth Grahame

TEEN KAYAKING COURSE

Young paddlers gain confidence, whitewater skills and a love for adventure. Our week-long performance kayak program cultivates the next generation of river runners. Summer camp has never been this wet and wild.

BOOK EXPLORE

teen-kayak-camp-beginner-in-rapid-03

TEEN KAYAKING 8 DAY SALMON RIVER TRIP

Take kayaking skills to the next level on the Main Salmon River. Teens discover all that river running has to offer on an 84-mile whitewater experience through America’s largest wilderness in the lower 48.

FAMILY WHITEWATER COURSE

River running as a family is transformational. A customized 7-day course meets your family’s boating goals. Our all-inclusive course and professional coaches create quality time for unprecedented family adventuring.

blu-loves-salmon-river-idaho

BEGINNER KAYAKING

Discover the joy of running rivers in a kayak! Enjoy 5 days at our pristine, all inclusive, base camp on the wild and scenic Salmon River. Expert guides provide personalized instruction, teaching you the fundamentals of whitewater paddling. Also consider our  Women’s Beginner events if that is right for you.

INTERMEDIATE KAYAKING

45 miles of class I-IV water offer the ideal setting for professional coaches to guide your kayaking skills to the next level. Enjoy an all-inclusive 6-day escape and move beyond your roll into the intricacies of whitewater river running.

tommy kayaking off a rock

PRIVATE MULTI DAY WHITEWATER TRIP

We make river running magical. Slip into beauty and adventure as you journey down 3o+ miles of the wild and scenic Salmon River. This all-inclusive down river adventure offers whitewater thrills with scenic splendor, delicious meals prepared at white sand beach camps, and peaceful nights under Idaho’s remote starry skies.

PRIVATE KAYAK INSTRUCTION

A day of coaching can change your boating forever. Let our professional guides assist you in moving your kayaking skills up a class. Our base camp sits on 45 miles of all the types of whitewater you might need for your paddling to move ahead.

teen-kayak-camp-rolling

RiverBent

14 Tips for Choosing an Inflatable Kayak for Whitewater River Trips

Michele Crockett

Updated on: April 4, 2023

Inflatable kayaking Middle Fork Salmon

When inflatable kayaks first came on the whitewater river-running scene, they were often derided by hard-core paddlers as toy boats or duckies (but not play boats, which are cool) for beginners who couldn’t hit a roll. But those days are now gone. Inflatable kayaks (IKs) have proven exceptionally useful and versatile for paddling nearly all levels of whitewater. Current designs excel on advanced whitewater and—with thigh straps—can even be rolled.

Here’s a guide to choosing an inflatable kayak for whitewater that works best for your primary type of river-running, whether you’re mainly focused on multi-day trips, a mix of flatwater and whitewater, or Class III+ whitewater. (Plus, check out our guide to essential accessories for inflatable kayaks .)

Inflatable kayak Westwater Canyon

Inflatable kayaks: Versatile fun for river-running

Inflatable kayaks are hands-down my favorite whitewater craft. They are versatile, forgiving for beginner/intermediate paddlers, accommodate some gear, handle whitewater well, and take up relatively little space.

Although inflatable kayaks are available for a variety of paddling scenarios (for example, fishing on a lake or using it as a diving platform), a whitewater IK—like its hardshell predecessor—is designed to navigate a flowing river. 

Unlike a boat meant for lake paddling, the river current provides much of the forward movement for whitewater kayaks. The longer the kayak, the better it tracks in calm water. The shorter the kayak, the better maneuverability through whitewater and rock gardens. Hardshell kayaks got dramatically shorter a couple of decades ago with the introduction of playboats (for doing tricks in waves) and creek boats (which have rounded ends to reduce the likelihood of pinning the boat under rocks when navigating steep drops). In the early days, inflatable kayaks tended to be longer and stabler than hard kayaks—but less maneuverable. But current IKs offer nearly as many combinations of maneuverability, stability, and good tracking as hardshell kayaks. 

Inflatable kayaks designed for whitewater keep getting better, as manufacturers are improving the materials, the construction, and the designs to accommodate a range of paddling scenarios. Here’s what to look for when you’re evaluating IKs.

Inflatable kayaking Middle Fork Salmon

1. Think about the type of whitewater you’ll be paddling

Are you more likely to paddle your inflatable kayak on multi-day trips with plenty of flat stretches interspersed with a few fun haystack waves? Or will you primarily be doing day trips on Class-IV whitewater? It’s not necessarily an either-or question. You can find an IK that works well for multi-day trips, holds a decent amount of gear, and navigates Class III-IV rapids just fine. For example, I paddled a Tributary Tomcat on the Middle Fork of the Salmon at low water (about 2.4 feet) and it took the rapids like a champ. But my primary scenario is paddling multi-day trips on western rivers, which have plenty of slow miles, so I prioritized that use case when I went shopping for my IK. If you want an IK that performs well in Class III-IV whitewater and you can roll, choose a boat like the Star Viper .

2. Consider how much gear you’ll carry in your IK

Even if you paddle a lot of multi-day trips, you don’t necessarily need to carry a bunch of gear in your boat. (That’s what the rafts are for, right?) If you need room for just a small dry bag and a water bottle, the amount of room behind the rear seat doesn’t matter much, which expands your options. But if you have some self-supported IK trips in mind, room for gear becomes a priority. 

NRS Star Viper inflatable kayak on Clear Creek in Colorado

3. Think about whether you’ll be paddling solo or tandem

Choosing a tandem over a single IK is a tough choice: Tandem IKs are versatile (most tandem IKs can be rigged for one person), handy for accommodating more people in fewer boats, and super fun for beginning paddling teams, especially kids. If you plan to paddle mostly multi-day trips on calmer water, you’ll likely get more use out of a tandem boat in the long run. I find that a tandem IK quickly becomes the most popular boat on many multi-day trips as they give raft passengers something different to do and they are kid magnets. If you find a paddling buddy who you truly click with on the water, you’re in for some unmatched whitewater thrills and camaraderie. However, paddling solo is also exhilarating, especially if you like to control your own destiny. A solo boat is also the most maneuverable and portable option. Here’s a brief snippet of Audrey (RiverBent co-founder) and me paddling Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River in a tandem Tomcat:

Paddling a tandem Tributary Tomcat on the Colorado River through Westwater Canyon

4. Look for IKs made with durable materials

Inflatable kayaks are typically made of PVC or a variant of Hypalon, DuPont’s name for chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CP), which is now discontinued. PVC is less expensive than Hypalon variants and easy to patch, but more susceptible to UV damage. Hypalon is more expensive but more durable—my family’s Avon raft (made of Hypalon) has been going strong for several multi-day trips a year since 1984. But since Hypalon is no longer available, raft and IK manufacturers have turned to newer forms of CP that have similar qualities. As an example, NRS now uses a version of CP called NRS Pennel Orca. The difference in durability between PVC and CP is negligible for recreational whitewater kayakers. As long as you follow common-sense maintenance guidelines (store it out of the sun, patch abrasions promptly), a PVC inflatable kayak will last for years. 

Avon raft on Middle Fork of Salmon River

5. Look for IKs with good construction

Although not a deal-breaker, if it comes down to a boat with glued seams and one with welded seams, go with welded seams as they hold up better over time to general river trip abuse, including being dragged on concrete, encounters with rocks, periods of overheating (which leads to over-inflation), and other travesties. 

6. Look for a laced-in floor with a separate valve

Most IKs you evaluate these days will have laced-in floors with a separate valve so you can adjust the level of inflation to accommodate the type of whitewater you’ll be doing that day. For more intense whitewater, inflate the floor more so it will ride higher. For slow-water days, you can use less air to improve tracking. 

7. Make sure the inflatable kayak can accommodate thigh straps

Thigh straps for inflatable kayaks are a game-changer, allowing you to paddle much more aggressively by holding you firmly in the boat as you lean into a wave. You can buy thigh steps from NRS or Aire, or you’ll find them part of the rigging in some boats, such as the NRS Star Viper. Your IK should have loops in the floor lacing at regular intervals so you can thread the thigh straps in at the perfect position for your legs. Be sure to experiment with thigh straps in any IK you’re evaluating to make sure it will accommodate setting the straps at the right position for you. Getting your thigh strap placement right is essential for comfortable, assertive, and safe inflatable kayak paddling. My obsession with thigh straps for inflatable kayaks led me to create this little snippet about how to rig them so they can easily slide off your legs if the IK flips:

8. Choose an inflatable kayak with common valves

Nothing is more irritating than having an inflatable with weird valves, for which you need a special pump. Inevitably, that special pump won’t be around when you need it most. Get an IK with C7 valves (also called military valves or raft valves) that accommodate a typical raft pump, as you’ll find many of those pumps among your river trip crew. Nearly every whitewater inflatable boat now uses these one-way valves, so if you’re contemplating an IK that doesn’t have them, you’re on the wrong track. As a side note, my hands-down favorite pump for inflatable kayaks (and for topping off rafts) is the K-Pump. The K-100 can be strapped lengthwise into many IKs, so you’ll always have it handy. 

kayaking whitewater trips

9. Test the comfort factor of the kayak handles

The positioning and style of the handles at the bow and stern of an IK are surprisingly important. For anyone who has had to lug a rigged tandem IK over rocks at a portage, poorly placed handles that don’t have a comfortable grip are annoying. (Pro tip: Don’t use the handle to tie off the IK in camp, as strong wind or rising water will put too much pressure on the handle, which wasn’t made for that use, and you’ll end up with no handle at all.)

10. Check for a loop or ring for the bowline

Make sure the IK has either a loop, or—preferably—a welded D-ring for your bowline.

11. Test out the inflatable kayak seat (or backrest)

Most whitewater IKs don’t have seats but instead have an inflatable thwart that also serves as a backrest. The thwart approach gives you additional flotation and provides side-to-side stability for the boat. The shape of these thwarts/backrests can make a big difference in how upright you sit, which influences how aggressively you can paddle. For example, the Tributary Tomcat has a very round backrest, which I seem to naturally lean back on. The Star Viper—an IK intended for serious whitewater paddling—has a flat front side to the inflated backrest, which held me in a more aggressive (but still comfortable) posture. If you decide that you’ll primarily be paddling on calm water, you’ll have IK options with more traditional seats. For example, the Star Raven—intended for calm-water paddling—has padded, folding seats. Experiment with a few different seat styles before you commit.

12. Check for anchor points to strap in gear

Especially for multi-day trips, having various anchor points to strap in gear such as a dry bag, pump, throw ropes, water bottle, etc. is handy. Small, whitewater-oriented IKs might not have much room at all, which is the tradeoff you make when prioritizing high performance over multi-use. 

kayaking whitewater trips

13. Choose the right inflatable kayak paddle

Using a paddle that’s the right length for you will make a huge difference in your efficiency and confidence on the water. The more whitewater you paddle, the shorter your paddle should be. A shorter paddle facilitates a higher stroke rate, whereas a longer paddle accommodates the more relaxed paddling that you would do on calm river stretches. In general, IK paddles are quite a bit longer than hardshell kayak paddles—about 230cm is a good average length to try. Paddles are usually inexpensive to rent, so experiment with various lengths on some local water before you buy. 

14. See if the IK fits in your car

One of the greatest advantages of inflatable kayaks is their packability: You can stick one or sometimes two in the back of any Subaru hatchback. But make sure the boat you’re evaluating will fit with all the other gear (or dogs) that you also need to transport.

Inflatable kayaks are sheer joy in whitewater

In my experience, nothing (except maybe being part of a crack paddle raft crew) brings as much joy as paddling an inflatable kayak in some lively whitewater—with or without a buddy. The available options for whitewater inflatable kayaks are now nearly limitless. Plus, they’re easy to evaluate because you can try boats at demo days or rent a model you’re considering.

Don’t overlook opportunities to buy IKs used: I bought one of my Tomcats used at a terrific price, and it had barely been on the water. Always check GearTrade (affiliate link) before buying any gear new, as you might find exactly what you seek at a huge discount.

Whichever IK you choose, you might find that this boat sees more river-running action than any of your others.

Scone and Yeti coffee mug on red tea towel near river

2 thoughts on “14 Tips for Choosing an Inflatable Kayak for Whitewater River Trips”

This article was super helpful, thank you! Was only able to finally pull the trigger on an IK after reading. Ended up going with the Aquaglide McKenzie 125, which checks most of the boxes you laid out. Can’t wait to get it on the river!

Sounds like a great choice! Let us know how you like it when you get on the river!

Comments are closed.

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Main Salmon River Idaho Kayak Trip

6-day kayak adventure on the country's premier wilderness river.

Starting at $2,295

Difficulty: Class III

Includes trip overview, packing list, and travel logistics

kayaking whitewater trips

Kayak Down Idaho’s River of No Return

This incredible wilderness stretch of river is a great place for intermediate kayakers to develop both river running and play-boating skills. Over the course of six days and 80 miles, Wet Planet instructors will work with you to improve your skills and provide constant support. Rafts will assist the trip by carrying all personal gear, food, and camping equipment, allowing you to focus on the incredible experience of an Idaho multi-day kayaking course.

We invite you to join us for a 6-day kayaking adventure on the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. We like to think of it as a “ Full Immersion   Kayak Instruction Vacation .”

Thrilling Whitewater, Hot Springs, and a Perfect Kayaking Adventure

Transport yourself into the mountains and true wilderness of Idaho’s Main Salmon River, where big water splashes, warm sandy beaches, and rugged scenery fill your multi-day kayaking expedition. The Main Salmon River weaves a story of early explorers, deep wilderness, and a free-flowing river for an amazing six days of paddling. Flowing through Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return wilderness area, the largest tract of protected wild landscape in the lower 48 states, the Main Salmon’s Class III big-water rapids and sandy beaches provide an escape for any kind of adventure seeker.

Protected as a Wild and Scenic River since 1980, the Salmon River watershed is one of the last great free-flowing rivers in the West. Even Lewis and Clark could not penetrate the deep canyon on their river expeditions to the Pacific Ocean. Today, our six-day kayaking trips will journey into this same canyon with luxuries that Lewis and Clark couldn’t have even imagined.

A multi-day kayaking trip on the Main Salmon River combines big and friendly whitewater rapids, warm water, rugged wilderness scenery, natural hot springs, and Wet Planet’s characteristic exceptional instructors and service.

Wildlife and Historical Tales on the Main Salmon River

The Main Salmon River multi-day river trip explores 80 miles of central Idaho’s rough and remote terrain. Bighorn sheep, black bears, moose, eagles, river otters, and more call these canyon walls their home.

This Eden has also lured intrepid explorers for centuries. Instructors and guides will tell tales of the travelers who sought fortune and solitude along the river. Hiking to the scattered historic cabins and ranches hints at the collection of characters who were determined to live out their days along this grand river corridor.

Difficulty Level

Class III; Intermediate – Please refer to our Skill Level Overview to determine if your skills meet the difficulty of the trip, and give us a call if you have any questions prior to signing up. This trip is specifically for hardshell whitewater kayakers. If you have never kayaked before, consider joining the 6-day rafting trip , where you can paddle an inflatable kayak!

Make your next vacation a multi-day kayaking trip on Idaho’s famed Main Salmon River for exciting whitewater rapids, six days of paddling instruction, white sandy beaches, delicious food, and plenty of stories to take home.

Main salmon river kayaking: a typical day.

Kayaking on Idaho’s Main Salmon River is all about maximizing paddling time in the warm river. Warm summer days combine with fantastic Class III whitewater rapids and stretches of meandering calm water, allowing your instructors plenty of opportunities to help fine-tune your technique. By building upon skills every day, students find this kayak course to increase comfort levels on the river astronomically. Whitewater rapids, such as Rainier, Black Creek, and Chittam, put on a big show with large waves and boulders, while calm pools between rapids provide plenty of time for recovery.

This kayak adventure is supported by rafts, allowing us to travel with all of the camp luxuries and food found on a typical rafting trip. A lunch buffet, prepared by your five-star guides, restores your energy for more river play and enjoyment in the afternoon. Ready for a moment out of your kayak? Grab a stand-up paddleboard for one of the gentle river meanders, or take some time to relax in a raft.

Landing on a white sandy beach, your guides and instructors will provide camp comforts and exquisite meals while you relax by the river’s edge. There is always time for games of frisbee or bocce ball as you nibble on appetizers. Eagles soar in the skies while you enjoy your warm and tasty dinner prepared by your guides. The sun sets among the ponderosa pine tree groves and jagged mountain peaks as you sink deeper into the wilderness and the gentle lull of the river’s flow.

General Itinerary

Arrival day in salmon.

Arrive in Salmon, Idaho, the day before your scheduled launch date and check in to your hotel. We will have a pre-trip meeting at 7:30 PM at the Stagecoach Inn the evening before your scheduled start date. See “Getting There” for detailed information on getting to Salmon. During the meeting, we will discuss the trip, check out gear, help with packing, cover any last-minute details, and answer any questions you may have.

OUR JOURNEY BEGINS

Our shuttle vehicle will meet us in the morning at the Stagecoach Inn for our scenic drive to Corn Creek, our launch point on the Main Salmon River. From here, we’ll begin our journey into Idaho’s canyon landscape. We’ll hit exciting rapids our first afternoon, including Rainier Rapid and Alder Creek Rapid, washing away any weary travel vibes you may still be carrying. Pulling into the evening campsite, you’ll have the opportunity for short hikes, games, or just pure relaxation with a camp chair, a book, and your toes in the cool water. With beach games, a hearty dinner, stories by the fire, and a starry sky, we’ll all rest peacefully to await another great day on the water.

Each day will bring new sights and adventures, but our routine will be relaxed and predictable. Coffee and hot beverages will be served as you rise from the comfort of your tent, or from your sleeping spot beneath the stars. Rise and shine surrounded by pristine mountain scenery and the faint lull of the river’s flow. After a hot breakfast, the Wet Planet team will pack the rafts and prepare to launch for another day’s explorations. We’ll navigate through classic whitewater rapids, float and swim in serene stretches of meandering river, and even stop at hot springs. Days could include hikes through mountain meadows to see historic cabins from early settlers and rock drawings from ancient cultures . We’ll choose a cozy, shady spot for lunch to recharge our adventurous spirits. As the sun dips lower, we’ll pick our home for the night, balancing the need for shade during the hottest summer afternoons and more time playing in the river’s warmer water.

RIVER AND TAKE-OUT DAY

After a final tasty breakfast and a relaxing morning packing our bags at camp, we’ll push off for one more float through the Salmon River wilderness. Our final day brings the famous Chittam and Vinegar rapids — your last chance to demonstrate your improved paddling skills or take that front seat in the raft for a wet and wild ride. At the Spring Bar take-out, your guides and instructors will unload rafts while you change into dry clothes and prepare for your shuttle ride to McCall, Idaho. We’ll enjoy a final lunch together before saying goodbyes to each other and the magnificent Salmon River. A two-hour shuttle drive will take you out of the canyon to McCall, Idaho, where you will arrive in the late afternoon.

*Exact camp locations and daily river mileage will vary with water levels and river conditions

Dates & Pricing

Please note: Some dates may be available as private charter launches for you and your family, friends, or work group. Please call the office to inquire! 

Kayakers Standard: $2,295 With Kayak Rental: $2,495

Rafters (friends/family of kayakers) Adult: $2,195 Youth (7-17): $1,895

What’s Provided

  • Transportation to the river from Salmon on the first morning of the trip
  • All meals on the river, from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day
  • Rafts, guides, and kayak instructors
  • River equipment for rafters: personal floatation devices (PFDs), helmets, paddles
  • All camping gear not listed in the personal packing list: group gear, kitchen equipment, tents, sleeping pads, camp chairs
  • Dry Bags for your clothes (1 large bag and 1 small bag)
  • Beverages including water, OJ, lemonade/Gatorade, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, hot cider (you can BYOB, too!)
  • Transportation from the river to McCall on the last day of the trip

What You’re Responsible For

  • Transportation to Salmon, ID, before the trip and from McCall, ID, after your trip
  • Lodging in Salmon the night before the trip and in McCall the night after your trip
  • Personal clothing and miscellaneous gear (see the Packing Guide for suggestions)
  • Personal beverages: Feel free to bring canned versions of your favorite drinks. No glass, please. If you would like to bring wine, please make sure it is in a box or bag. Liquor can be transferred into plastic or aluminum bottles for safe transport
  • Personal kayaking gear (helmet, PFD, skirt, paddle, kayak (unless renting), and outerwear appropriate for the weather).

Food Allergies

Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for medically necessary allergy-restricted diets for a supplemental menu fee of $100/person. However, we cannot always offer the same diversity or sophistication for restricted diets as our regular menu. Similarly, certain allergen-free snack foods are difficult or impossible to source in rural locations, so feel free to bring your favorite snacks to supplement our provisions. Due to the constraints of cooking for a large group in a wilderness setting, the availability of ingredients or specialty items in remote locations, and limited packing space, we are unable to cater to dietary preferences (likes or dislikes). Please keep in mind that by selecting a restricted diet, you are committing to eating specially-made meals for the duration of the trip. We only bring enough of our standard meals for those without restricted diets, so changing diets mid-trip will not be accommodated.

We cannot guarantee that cross-contamination from allergens will not occur during meal prep. If this is a consideration, please get in touch with us to discuss the potential for a medical emergency caused by a severe food allergy.

Available to Rent

Where to stay before and after your trip, salmon lodging.

The  Visit Salmon website  is a great spot for information.

We recommend:

  • Stagecoach Inn: (208) 756-2919,  stagecoachinnmotel.com
  • Sacajawea Inn: (208) 756-2294,  hotelsalmon.com

McCall Lodging

You will need to make reservations for a hotel in McCall the night after your trip. You can find options for lodging in McCall at  www.allmccalllodging.com .

  • Hotel McCall: (208) 634-8105,  hotelmccall.com
  • Best Western Plus McCall Lodge & Suites: (208) 634-2230,  bestwesternidaho.com

Location and Directions

kayaking whitewater trips

Getting to Salmon

  • Leg 1: Fly to Boise, ID
  • Leg 2: Reserve air-taxi to Salmon no later than 5:00pm

Air Taxi: Gem Air: (208) 756-7382, gemairflights.com

Drive times to Salmon, ID: Portland: 11 hours Seattle: 10 hours, 15 minutes Missoula: 2 hours, 45 minutes Boise: 5 hours Idaho Falls: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Flying and Renting a Car

If you rent a vehicle at the airport and drive to Salmon, you will need to have your vehicle shuttled to McCall.

If you are renting a vehicle at the airport, make sure you request an “Additional Driver’s Form” from the rental agency. You will need to fax this to River Shuttles.

Vehicle Shuttle

Shuttle from Salmon to McCall: River Shuttles: (208) 756-4188,  rivershuttles.com

Getting Home from McCall

Reserve air-taxi to Boise from McCall (we recommend the morning after your trip)

Air Taxi: Gem Air: (208) 756-7382,  gemairflights.com

Driving & Vehicle Shuttle

Drive Times from McCall, ID:

  • Portland – 7 hrs 30 mins
  • Seattle – 8 hrs
  • Missoula – 5 hrs 15 mins
  • Boise – 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Idaho Falls – 6 hrs 15 mins

*don’t forget to schedule your car shuttle River Shuttles: (208) 756-4188,  rivershuttles.com

Travel Insurance

Sometimes stuff happens. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to guard against life’s surprises (unexpected late cancellations, travel delays, medical emergencies, etc.).

Past Wet Planet guests have reported good experiences using Travel Guard  and Travel Insurance Services ( select.travelinsure.com ).

Packing Guide

What to bring on your main salmon adventure.

Weather on the Main Salmon River can vary from hot sun to cool evenings and occasional rain showers. Here’s your guide to come prepared for your multi-day outdoor adventure.

All river gear, group camping equipment, and meals are provided!

Everyone will receive dry bags for their belongings to keep them dry while on the river. What you put in your dry bags is all you will have for your trip, so here are our tips:

Mornings and evenings can be cool and are hot during the day (until the sun hides behind a cloud, and you’ll want to reach for a layer to throw on to keep warm). Whether on a raft or a beach, be prepared for changes in weather by always thinking in “layers.”

Synthetic and Wool Fibers

Your warm layers should be made from wool or synthetic fibers like Capilene or polypropylene. These will dry fast and keep you warmer when you get wet. Cotton is not recommended as it’s a negative insulator.

PFD & Helmets

Rafters will be provided with gear for on the water. This gear will include a helmet and PFD (personal flotation device).

Essential Gear

  • Sleeping bag (available for rent for $25)
  • Rain jacket and pants (available for rent for $25)
  • One pair of shorts for camp and hiking
  • One or two T-shirts
  • One set of comfortable long-sleeved light clothes (for sun and camp)
  • Pants for camp (can be same as above)
  • Synthetic thermal underwear layers (top and bottom)
  • Fleece or pile top for camp (top can be pullover or jacket)
  • River shoes: sandals with a heel strap (Chaco, Teva, etc.) or old running shoes. No flip-flops or slip-ons
  • One pair of lightweight hiking shoes (for off-river in good weather)
  • Toilet articles (soap must be biodegradable)
  • Wool or polypro/Capilene/fleece socks (stay away from cotton)
  • Shade hat/visor (baseball cap)
  • Warm hat and gloves for camp
  • Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
  • Sunblock/moisturizing lotion
  • Chapstick with SPF
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunglasses with securing strap
  • Water bottle with securing strap (1 liter minimum, more if hiking)
  • Flashlight/small headlamp & extra batteries
  • Personal medications
  • Toiletries/small towel, etc.

Optional Items:

  • Diary or sketchbook
  • A good paperback book
  • Small daypack or fanny pack for hikes
  • Paddling jacket & pants
  • Small travel pillow
  • Musical instrument
  • Liquor, beer, and/or wine: you will need to provide your own alcoholic beverages!

Optional Rental – Wet Planet Comfort Kit: Sleeping bag, rain jacket, rain pants, small camp pillow, and groundsheet ($40)

Wet Planet will have coffee and tea ready for you every morning. Water and lemonade/punch/Gatorade will be available throughout the day. At dinner, hot drinks will be available (hot cocoa, hot cider, tea), and a bottle of wine for the group.

If you would like additional personal beverages at camp, such as soda, beer, wine, liquor, etc., you’re welcome to bring your own. We will have a cooler with us to put beverages in. No glass bottles; broken glass and rafts don’t mix! Wine should be in bags/boxes, and other adult beverages can be transferred from glass bottles to plastic or aluminum containers before taking them on the river. Personal drinks can be purchased in Salmon before the trip if needed.

Your guide team will work hard to ensure your river experience exceeds your expectations. If you had a fantastic trip and feel your guides did an incredible job, post-trip gratuities are an appreciated way of saying “thank you.” Tips commonly range from 5 to 15 percent of the trip cost but should always be based on your satisfaction, financial comfort, and personal attitudes about gratuities. It is common to leave gratuities with the lead guide at the end of the trip, and they will distribute them among the team.

TRIP REVIEW

A kayaker runs a rapid on the Main Salmon River kayak trip in Idaho.

“We had a fantastic time on the 6 day/5 night Main Salmon River trip. I can’t say enough good things about our guides: Todd, Deanna, Britt, Jake and Nicole. Each brought energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism. They worked incredibly hard to ensure that we all had a good experience. Safety was always at the forefront. The food was wonderful. I loved that fresh fruit and vegetables were incorporated into every meal. Every day included interesting side trips that focused on local homesteading history. I liked that we had opportunities to raft, kayak and paddle board. The trip definitely exceeded my expectations.”

Read Full Review:

kayaking whitewater trips

What Others Are Saying

A smashing success.

“The rafting activity was a ‘smashing’ success. Staff are still raving about how much fun they had, and that they would do it again…

“The rafting activity was a ‘smashing’ success. Staff are still raving about how much fun they had, and that they would do it again. In fact, several who did not participate were so caught up in the excitement, that they have decided to participate next time. You and your staff have been an absolute pleasure and delight to work with. And we will be using you again. Again, thank you so much for a wonderful experience for all the rafters.”

– Francine A.

An Amazing Outfitter

“Such an amazing outfit run by amazing people. It is very obvious that they take a lot of pride in their work…

Such an amazing outfit run by amazing people. It is very obvious that they take a lot of pride in their work and have a deep love for whitewater that they are eager to share. I can’t recommend them enough!”

– Jordan K.

Online reviews:

Wildwater Rafting & Zipline Canopy Tours

Chattooga Adventures

Chattooga adventures - lake tugaloo sc & ga, chattooga white water kayaking, ropes courses, sup tours.

There’s more to Wildwater’s Chattooga Adventure Center than just rafting and zipping.  Take advantage of the pristine beauty of nearby Lake Tugaloo by joining us on a SUP or Kayak Tour.  The Chattooga River ends into Lake Tugaloo, and the lake stretches north-south across the Georgia and South Carolina state border. With little motorboat traffic, and no tides or currents, Lake Tugaloo is the perfect spot to try out SUP, or stand up paddle boarding, and our fully-guided trip will have you up and paddling in no time.  Or, if you prefer, Lake Tugaloo is also the ideal spot for a relaxing kayaking tour.  Our guides will teach you all the safety and paddling skills you need, while educating you on the natural history of this unique area.  Chattooga Adventure prices start at $59.95.

Learn to White Water Kayak on calmer sections of the Chattooga River

For boaters looking to improve their whitewater paddling skills, Wildwater offers one- to three-day clinics in whitewater kayaking.  Whether you’re a novice or a more experienced boater, our expert instructors will help you hone your skills, all while having big fun on the famous Chattooga River!

Teambuilding Fun on the Chattooga Ropes Challenge Course

If you’re bringing a group with you to the Chattooga, our Ropes Challenge Course is the perfect bonding experience.  With both high and low ropes challenges including a climbing wall, this is a fun group adventure, with something for everyone!

raft

Share This Trip

There’s more to Wildwater’s Chattooga Adventure Center than just rafting and zipping.  Take advantage of the pristine beauty of nearby Lake Tugaloo by joining us on a SUP or Kayak Tour.  The Chattooga River ends into Lake Tugaloo, and the lake stretches north-south across the Georgia and South Carolina state border. With little motorboat traffic, and no tides or currents, Lake Tugaloo is the perfect spot to try out SUP, or stand up paddle boarding, and our fully-guided trip will have you up and paddling in no time.  Or, if you prefer, Lake Tugaloo is also the ideal spot for a relaxing kayaking tour.  Our guides will teach you all the safety and paddling skills you need, while educating you on the natural history of this unique area. Read more...

NEW! Sit-on-top River Kayak Tour

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This fully-guided sit-on-top kayak trip on the class 1 & 2 Section of the Chattooga River is a fun way to learn the basics whitewater kayaking with the family!

  • Minimum Age: 8 years (anyone under 18 needs an adult escort & should be able to paddle their own kayak)
  • Intensity Level: Mild to moderate. No previous experience needed.
  • Trip Length: Approximately 6 hours
  • Meals: Lunch on water
  • Equipment Furnished: Sit-on-top kayak, paddle, PFD, and paddling jacket
  • Season: March - October
  • Wetsuits available for rent (free during March, April, October)

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This fully-guided stand up paddle boarding tour on peaceful Lake Tugaloo is a fun way to learn this popular activity!

  • Minimum Age: Minimum Age: 5 years (anyone under 18 needs an adult escort)
  • Trip Length: Approximately 4 hours
  • Meals: Snack on water
  • Equipment Furnished: SUP, paddle, PFD, and paddling jacket

stand up paddle board chattooga

Kayak Touring

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Kayak touring is the perfect way to explore the natural beauty of Lake Tugaloo. This fully-guided trip with your expert guide gets you quickly into boats, learning how to paddle and off to seek adventure and wildlife!

  • Minimum Age: 5 years (anyone under 18 needs an adult escort)
  • Equipment Furnished: Kayak, paddle, PFD, and paddling jacket

kayak chattooga

White Water Kayak Instruction

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Learn how to white water kayak with expert instructors on calm sections of the Chattooga River and on Lake Tugaloo.

  • Minimum Age: 12 years (anyone under 18 needs an adult escort)
  • Intensity Level: Moderate. No previous whitewater experience needed.
  • Trip Length: 5-6 hrs.
  • Meals: Lunch on river
  • Equipment Furnished: Kayak, paddle, PFD, helmet and paddling jacket

whitewater kayak chattooga

Chattooga Ropes Challenge Course

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Challenge your group on both high and low ropes, and our climbing tower. Designed for all ages through different course elements. Expert facilitators help your group to achieve your goals. Rates for 10 to 50+ participants.

  • Minimum Age: Climbing tower 8 years, Low Ropes 10 years, High Ropes 12 years
  • Intensity Level: mild to moderate
  • Trip Length: 2-4 hours depending on activity
  • Equipment Furnished: Helmet and harness
  • Clothing: Closed toe shoes required

ropes course chattooga

Turn your trip into .

Turn your trip into a package., raft & zip package.

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What’s Included In This Package

  • Chattooga Ridge Canopy Tour, 3 hours
  • Chattooga Rafting Mini Trip, 3 1/2 hours
  • Meals: Snack on River
  • Available April to October
  • Plus taxes and fees
  • Cannot be combined with other offers
  • All activities can be done in one single day or split over two days, your choice!

zip line chattooga

Chattooga SC Lodging

kayaking whitewater trips

Corporate Team Building

Related adventures.

Check out the other Chattooga River area things to do. .

Chattooga Ropes Course - Wildwater

Eat Sleep Kayak

Kayaking tips, tricks, news and reviews.

9 Great European Whitewater Kayaking Destinations

When: April Why: Rugged mountains, early season sunshine and the promise of classic, steep granite whitewater kayaking runs make Corsica a popular destination for many whitewater kayakers looking for challenging waters. With many steep creeks and its own independent culture, there are lots to do. Rivers like the Travo and Taravo will leave you grinning and the rugged nature of the island give an air of wilderness that is hard to come by in other European destinations. Corsica also offers some truly stunning paddling for those looking for some sun-soaked sea kayaking too! Airport: direct to Ajaccio or flight to Nice followed by a ferry.

When: December through to January Why: Great food, proximity to amazing kayak surfing and granite creeks bursting with top-notch whitewater kayaking action make this an attractive place to celebrate the New Year. This destination is rain dependent but hides some excellent whitewater rivers with some fantastic granite rapids and some impressive loss of gradient. With plenty of other alternative activities when the levels are on the low side, this could be the perfect destination to sneak some whitewater kayaking in under pressure from the family or the other half! Airport: Porto

When: July-Mid-August Why: Big and bouncy, fast and technical, grade 2-6 whitewater, Austria has it all in a relatively small space. Some of the Swiss Inn gorges, along with great little runs like the Risbach and Loisach rivers over the border into Germany are all within striking distance in a day if you base yourself in or around the Landeck area or Ötztal. Airports: Innsbruck is closest, but flights tend to be more regular and cheaper to Munich, just a couple of hours drive away.

When: May-July Why: A stunning, relatively quiet, relaxed and inexpensive whitewater kayaking destination that’s been growing steadily in popularity in recent years. Some of the grade 2 sections of the Socca River, the main destination for whitewater kayakers withing Slovenia, offer panoramic mountain views, as do some of its interesting little grade 2/3 tributaries. There is also the odd gorge section thrown in if you’d like to push yourself. Airport: Ljubljana is only a couple of hours away.

Pyrenees, France

When: Last week of April into May Why: Often neglected, the Pyrenees offer a wide range of rivers away from the crowds with the potential for some excellent wild camping. The whitewater rivers range from grade 2 to grade 6 with high volume runs to steep creeking. You also have the benefit of two cultures and two climates with both the French and Spanish sides offering their own unique experience. Airport: Good rivers can be accessed within an hour and a half from Toulouse airport.

The French Alps

When: Late May- July Why: An incredibly popular whitewater kayaking playground with rivers to suit every level, and a great mix of big volume and steeper and more technical. There are so many whitewater rivers in the vast area that you could return for many years and still find new things. If you really want to push yourself, levels are much higher earlier in the season, and decrease towards the end as the snowpack dwindles. Airports: A few hours drive from either Lyon or Turin.

Italy and Switzerland

When: May into the first two weeks of June Why: Fantastic rapids on smooth granite in close proximity to fine pizza and pasta have attracted whitewater kayakers to the region in ever increasing numbers. Classics such as the Gronda, Sorba, Sermenza and Verzasca will erase any pain that an extended period in duty-free can cause and large quantities of Italian wine will cancel out any regrets on missed whisky offers. Head away from the mountains to the Italian coastline Airports : Milan or Turin

When: April – May Why: Greece’s whitewater kayaking rivers are not widely known about, but the country is home to some stunning and remote rivers that offer both world class whitewater kayaking adventures and, for those who want it, a wilderness kayaking exploration experience. Airport: Athens

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kayaking whitewater trips

Hey, I’m Elliott! An ex-professional international canoe slalom athlete. I’ve spent most of my life on the water – still do – and wanted to share my knowledge and answer your questions on all things paddling. Want to learn a little about my story? Paddle this way >

kayaking whitewater trips

Montgomery Whitewater: What to know before your trip to the park

B efore you and the family suddenly show up for a wet adventure at Montgomery Whitewater this summer, there are some things you really need to know.

Not a water park!

Its grounds are very park like. It has water. But, folks, this is not a "water park" — no waterslides and no swimming if it can be avoided.

"I know that’s a little bit of a misnomer out there," said Dave Hepp, CEO of Montgomery Whitewater.

This is actually two channels of artificial river created to challenge whitewater enthusiasts who love rafting and kayaking, and also riding those inflatable kayaks called "duckies."

No experience required to go rafting

If you're up to it, book a rafting ride — in person or at montgomerywhitewater.com. They have different levels to pick from, including a more family-friendly one for beginners. Don't worry if you haven't gone whitewater rafting before. Your guides will show you how. Hence their title — guides.

You can, and should, wear your bathing suits, along with the required helmets and life jackets they provide. Just bring some dry clothing to change into when you're done. You're gonna get soooooooooaked!

Train up, newbie kayakers

That "no experience required" thing for going on rafts... well, that doesn't apply to kayak users.

If someone bought you a kayak for Christmas and you've never really used it, much less in whitewater conditions, don't dust it off and expect to immediately use it here. That's dangerous. You need some experience in kayaks made for whitewater.

The good news is that you don't have to keep being kayak newbies. Montgomery Whitewater offers several training courses you can pay to enroll in ( see the website ).

Give your Crocs and flip flops the boot

The kind of footwear you're most likely think to wear for a day of water fun is exactly the kind you shouldn't — and can't — while whitewater rafting.

“The deal with Crocs and flip flops is that they fall off,” Hepp said. That's why they're banned for rafters.

Instead, you could wear old shoes you don’t mind getting soaked. The outfitter store also has footwear for sale, plus some you can rent.

Unless you're going on the water, it's free to be there!

“Essentially, you can drive up, park, walk around, walk your dog, ride your bike, without necessarily paying for anything, unless you are doing an activity or going to the restaurant,” Hepp said.

Parking's free also, something else different from most water parks.

Leave your food back home in the fridge

There's no outside food or drink allowed. The only eating on site comes from outfitter store and Eddy's Restaurant and Bar. You can also grab beer and other drinks on tap from the beer garden.

“We don’t want people coming out and setting up camp on the lawn, bringing coolers and setting up picnics,” Hepp said.

Don't smoke 'em if you've got 'em

No smoking, vaping or e-cigarette use is allowed on Montgomery Whitewater grounds.

They haven’t banned smokeless tobacco  — snuff, dip, chewing tobacco and similar stuff. At least not yet. You can bet they don't want rafters spitting 'bacca juice in their pristine water.

“If it becomes an issue where we’re cleaning up spit all over the place, we’ll have to address it for sure,” Hepp said.

Other bits of whitewater wisdom

  • The grand opening is set for July 8: Along with rafting, they'll have a lot to do on dry land. They've got live music planned, and the restaurant and beer garden will be open.
  • You can probably go rafting more than once: Each rafting trip is about 90 minutes, and that's roughly four or five laps. One round of action could wear you out. But maybe not? If you're super energetic and want to keep going, the day passes you purchased allow you to go back out raft multiple times in a day — based on capacity. So go, row, row, row your boat all day long, if you want.
  • Rafting for the disabled: Montgomery Whitewater follows Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, and their staff will offer guidance on if a water activity can be safely accommodated for an individual. It's best to contact them about this well in advance.
  • If you bring it, you might lose it: Don't bring anything on a raft that you don't mind losing forever. That include phones!
  • No, there’s not a weight limit for raft riders: The only caveat to this is that the life vest has to fit. They’ve got a 55 inch chest limit.
  • Yes, there are age requirements: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The youngest a kid can be to go rafting is 8, and that’s on the beginner rafting with a group. For moderate adventure rafting, it's age 10 and up. Ramp it all the way to advanced rodeo rafting, and you’ve got to be at least 16. For those going out on inflatable kayaks (aka duckies), the youngest age is 13 — and that’s in a two-person ducky with an adult.
  • Watch the weather: When you pay to get out on the water, that’s nonrefundable. If severe weather causes Montgomery Whitewater to close, still no refund. So take a moment to check out the forecast before you pay for a ride.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at   [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery Whitewater: What to know before your trip to the park

Training continues, on Saturday June 10, 2023, while Montgomery Whitewater prepares for its July opening in Montgomery, Ala.

kayaking whitewater trips

Behind-the-scenes on an epic whitewater kayaking trip

Video behind-the-scenes on an epic whitewater kayaking trip.

  • 2 months ago
  • Documentaries
  • Duration 1:48

The Magpie River is a powerful force of whitewater and rapids that snakes almost 300 kilometres. To film kayakers paddling down those rapids, we had to brave the rapids ourselves. Watch I Am the Magpie River on CBC Gem.

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IMAGES

  1. Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking in Atlanta, GA

    kayaking whitewater trips

  2. Chattahoochee River Whitewater Kayaking Lessons

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  3. Tandem Whitewater Kayaking Trips

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  4. Whitewater Kayaking : A comprehensive guide

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  5. Kayaking in the mountains of North Carolina with Edge of the World

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  6. Whitewater Kayaking

    kayaking whitewater trips

VIDEO

  1. First 5 Steps to Kayak Like a Pro

  2. River Kayaking

COMMENTS

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  25. Behind-the-scenes on an epic whitewater kayaking trip

    video Behind-the-scenes on an epic whitewater kayaking trip. 2 months ago; Documentaries; Duration 1:48; The Magpie River is a powerful force of whitewater and rapids that snakes almost 300 ...