Location: Southwestern Colorado, near Mesa Verde National Park

A Dolores River rafting trip begins in the deeply forested Rocky Mountains and flows down into steep canyons of flame-red rock. The river measures 250 miles from its headwaters in the San Miguel Mountains to its confluence with the Colorado River but typically only ninety-eight miles of this is rafted. Water levels are dependent on the releases from McPhee Dam and usually only last until early June during a normal water year. Still, the two most popular canyons-Dolores and Slickrock-contain numerous rapids, some rated at Class IV.

Dolores Canyon / Ponderosa Gorge: Class III-IV / Intermediate

The contrast of colors in Dolores Canyon is stunning. The deep green of the Ponderosa Pines grows beneath sheer sandstone cliffs of burnt orange hue. Pinion pine, juniper and Douglas fir populate the canyon. A side hike to an Anasazi granary reveals secrets of a civilization long since extinguished. The whitewater in the beginning of this section is mild-mannered with mellow Class II rapids. Downstream the rapids get decidedly more rowdy, climaxing with the quarter-mile long Snaggletooth rapid-a steep, boulder-strewn cascade rated as a Class IV.

Slickrock Canyon: Class II-III / Beginner

Slickrock Canyon is the deepest canyon on the Dolores River. The sandstone canyon walls measure an immense 1,200 feet above the river. The water here is swift but only moderately difficult with just a few rapids impeding its calm flow. Side hikes to Indian rock art sites and fossilized dinosaur prints are second only to the twelve geological formations revealed in the canyon layers. While floating the fifty-one miles through the canyon, wild turkey, bighorn sheep and peregrine falcon sightings are common.

Season: May – June

Dolores River rafting trips are available in the springtime when the snow melts and the river is at high enough flows for rafting.

Location: South Central Colorado near Colorado Springs and Denver

Bighorn Sheep Canyon: Class III / Beginner

No matter what your experience level, Bighorn Sheep Canyon on the Arkansas River will provide everyone with a solid dose of whitewater fun and excitement. Ancient granite outcroppings provide a brilliant backdrop to the Colorado mountain scenery. Be sure to keep your eyes out for Bighorn Sheep that are frequently spotted on this trip. With numerous Class II-III rapids, the Bighorn Sheep Canyon run is perfect for families and beginners.

The Royal Gorge: Class IV-V / Advanced

The Royal Gorge section boasts some of the most exciting and heart-pounding whitewater in the west. This run takes you under the famous Royal Gorge Bridge, suspended over 1000 feet above the river. Ideal for experienced boaters who love big hits at high water and tight technical maneuvers at lower flows, the Royal Gorge is sure to please the more advanced paddlers.

Season: May – September

Arkansas River rafting trips are available daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

From the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the red sandstone canyons of the Colorado Plateau, Colorado is a whitewater rafting Mecca. Colorado whitewater rafting trips on the Arkansas and Dolores rivers range from half-day excursions to 6-day expeditions. Colorado rafting adventures are generally within a few hours drive from Denver.

Arkansas River Rafting Trips (Class III-V):
The Arkansas River provides technical, Class III-V whitewater rafting typical of the mountain peaks from which it drains.

Dolores River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
The Dolores River drains from the southwestern mountains of Colorado and finds its way through the canyons of the Colorado Plateau until it joins the Mighty Colorado River in Utah.

Connecticut is home to many State Parks, hiking trails, and, like other New England states, hosts many visitors who come to see its dramatic fall colors. In addition to outdoor activities like hiking the famous Appalachian Trail, Connecticut has an excellent—though brief—springtime rafting season on the Houstonic River. An exciting Class IV+ Connecticut whitewater rafting trip is a great way to enjoy the state’s beauty.

Housatonic River Rafting Trips (Class IV+): Adventurous first-timers and experienced whitewater rafters alike will enjoy the powerful Class IV+ rapids on the Houstonic River’s springtime season. This Northwestern Connecticut river is just two hours from New York.

Massachusetts whitewater rafting trips offer beginner to advanced rapids, ranging from Class II-Class IV. Many of the rivers of New England originate in the lush canyons of the Berkshire Mountains. Whitewater rafting trips are available on the West River in Vermont and on two sections of the Deerfield River in Massachusetts.

Concord River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
Located only a short 30 minute drive or train ride from Boston, the Concord River is a popular urban rafting trip. Class III and IV rapids make Concord River rafting trips an exciting escape from the city!

Deerfield River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
The Zoar Gap and Dryway runs on the Deerfield River are located in Northwestern Massachusetts, about two hours west of Boston. Both sections are controlled by upstream reservoirs.

Millers River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
Flowing through a mixture of old mining towns and beautiful forests, the Millers River gradually builds from easy class II rapids to thrilling class III and IV rapids. Located in western Massachusetts, the Millers River is about 2 1/2 hours from Boston.

Maine white water rafting trips offer challenging rapids amidst the beautiful scenery of the Northeast. Maine’s Kennebec, Penobscot and Dead Rivers are known throughout the world for their amazing combination of thrilling white water and spectacular scenery. All three rivers offer exciting Maine white water rafting with Class III-V rapids to challenge beginners and appease experienced rafters.

Kennebec River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
Kennebec River trips combine Class IV white water rafting with ample opportunities to observe scenery and wildlife. Trips run from late May to early October at an average level of 5000 cfs.

Penobscot River Rafting Trips (Class V):
Dropping up to 70 feet per mile, Penobscot River trips satisfy rafters looking for Class V white water. Trips run from late May to early October.

Dead River Rafting trips (Class IV):
Dead River rafting trips offer high-water Class IV rapids. The Dead River is dam controlled resulting in reliable flows from May through September.

More About Rafting in Maine

Maine has wonderful warm weather in the summer, perfect for white water rafting on its three most popular rivers. Famous for its fall foliage, September and October are also a great time to go rafting and see the beautiful colors. The Kennebec River and the Dead River come together in a remote and quiet town, The Forks, just five hours from Boston. The Penobscot is located near Mt. Katahdin, the highest peak in the state and the dominant centerpiece of Baxter State Park.

Known for its blazing fall colors, artisanal maple syrup, and boutique cheeses, Vermont also offers an exciting—though brief—whitewater rafting season. Rafters looking for rafting trips outside Vermont’s limited season will find other convenient options in the New England region.

West River Rafting Trips (Class III):
The West River flows through Jamaica State Park in southern Vermont. The West River is considered beginner to  intermediate with the majority of the rapids ranking Class III and only one being Class IV.

Idaho whitewater rafting trips offer scenery unlike any other region. The sheer magnitude of the canyons is breathtaking. It is often said that the rapids are second to the awe-inspiring feeling of being deep in a canyon with steep walls resembling those found in the Grand Canyon. If you are looking for the complete rafting experience, then explore the many Idaho whitewater rafting trips.

Salmon River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
There a several multi-day trips offered on both the Main Salmon River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Flowing through the remote Frank Church Wilderness, the Salmon is known for excellent fishing, wildlife, and hotsprings.

Bruneau River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
The turquoise waters of the Bruneau River run for 40 miles through a tall canyon of red rock reminiscent of Bryce and Zion National Parks. River trips last four days with beginner – intermediate Class III-IV rapids.

Clearwater River Rafting Trips – Middle Fork (Class I-II):
A relaxing scenic float through the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The Clearwater River offers great wildlife viewing and mild whitewater.

Hells Canyon Rafting Trips – Snake River (Class III):
The Hells Canyon rafting on the Snake River consists of beginner – intermediate Class III-IV rapids. River trip options include rafting 34 miles in three days or 82 miles in six days.

Lochsa River Rafting Trips (Class IV):
Over 40 rapids in 20 miles makes the Lochsa River one of the best options for adventure-seekers anywhere in the United States. This free-flowing, springtime run is one of America’s first Wild and Scenic rivers.

Moyie River Rafting Trips (Class II-III):
Just a short distance from the charming town of Sandpoint, Idaho, the Moyie River is a delightful and fun one-day rafting trip. Bouncy waves are a good introduction to whitewater and the scenery is stellar.

Selway River Rafting Trips – Lower Section (Class I-II):
A free-flowing mellow springtime run, the Lower Selway is a spectacular scenic rafting trip with a few mild rapids. Wildlife viewing, birding, and fishing are excellent on the Lower Selway River.

St. Joe River Rafting Trips (Class II-III):
The St. Joe River is located in the panhandle region and runs through one of Idaho’s most lush and spectacular forests. The whitewater on the St. Joe is fun and exciting and is great for beginners or experienced rafters.

More About Rafting in Idaho

Idaho whitewater rafting trips vary from one to seventeen day adventures, due to the remoteness of the rivers. Many trips are designed for families looking to expose their children to the wonders of the Great Outdoors. It is not uncommon to see eagles, bighorn sheep and other wildlife. There is also great fishing available.

Location: Lowell, Idaho, in the Clearwater National Forest, 2 hours from Spokane, WA

In the heart of the Clearwater National Forest, the Lochsa River (pronounced Lock-Saw) flows wild and free through North Central Idaho. One of America’s first designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Lochsa is one of Idaho’s best kept secrets. Lochsa River rafting trips are often likened to California’s Tuolumne River and West Virginia’s Gauley River because of its perfect combination of thrilling whitewater and astounding scenery. The Lochsa River begins high in the Bitterroot Mountains and flows freely for its entire length. The area was once inhabited by the Nez Perce Indians and Lewis and Clark spent part of their journey traveling alongside the Lochsa River on what is now Idaho’s Route 12.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Intermediate

The Lochsa (pronounced “Lock-Saw”) means “rough water” in the Nez Perce language. With over 40 rapids in 20 miles, a rafting trip on the Lochsa River is most definitely an adrenaline seekers dream vacation. Some people compare a rafting trip on the Lochsa River to running all the rapids on the Grand Canyon in a day. While much of the whitewater is unnamed, rapids such as Grim Reaper, Bloody Mary, House Wave, Termination, and the famous Lochsa Falls require paddlers to “dig-in” and work as a team to get through.  At higher flows, the Lochsa River provides non-stop action. The rapids are not necessarily more challenging with big water, but they are continuous, the water is cold (from snowmelt), and avoiding house-sized holes becomes imperative. In June and early July, the flows taper off and the rapids become more technical requiring a great deal of maneuvering. Regardless of the water levels, Lochsa River rafting trips leave nothing to be desired in the way of whitewater action.

Scenery: Lush vegetation, dense forests, rugged terrain, abundant wildlife

Beautiful scenery abounds in this part of the world. The Lochsa River flows through an inland temperate rainforest with lush vegetation and dense cedar groves. Quintessential Rocky Mountain scenes are plentiful in every direction. Wildlife sightings are frequent and include osprey, harlequin ducks, heron, eagles, deer, moose, and sometimes bears. Numerous fish species such as cutthroat, chinook salmon, steelhead, and rainbow trout, also call the Lochsa River home, making it an outstanding fishing destination.

Season: May – July

The Lochsa is completely dependent on snowmelt, so the season is typically May – July, sometimes into early August. The water is typically higher in May and early June with bigger waves and holes, and more technical as the water drops in late June and July.

Location: Eastern Cascades, Washington, just a few hours from Seattle

The Wenatchee River is Washington’s most popular whitewater rafting run, ranking within the nation’s top 10 most popular rivers. The popularity of Wenatchee River rafting is attributed to the hot, dry weather thanks to a strong rain shadow on the east side of the Cascades not to mention the big playful rapids.

Level of Difficulty: Class III / Beginner

River lovers come to the Wenatchee for exciting whitewater and reliable weather. Some of the most notorious Class III rapids on the Wenatchee River are Boulder Bend, Rock ‘N Roll, Gorilla Falls, Drunkard’s Drop, and Snowblind.

Scenery: Rural Farmland in the Eastern Cascade Foothills

The view begins with nice upstream land­scapes of nearby mountains but quickly shifts to a semirural setting of small towns and orchards for most of the run. A four-lane highway and a railroad parallel the river as it winds down its broad, semiarid valley.

Season: April – October

The Wenatchee River is one of Washington’s highest-volumne rivers and has flows throughout the spring and summer for rafting.