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Whitewater Rafting Guide To River Trips

Middle Fork Flathead

Middle Fork Flathead River

Location: Northwestern Montana, near Glacier National Park

Middle Fork Flathead River rafting trips float several different sections of the river due to easy access from US Hwy 2. The highway follows the river from Bear Creek all the way to West Glacier at the confluence of the North and Middle Forks, however the road is hardly noticed. From Bear Creek down through John Stevens Canyon, the Middle Fork of the Flathead forms the southwestern border of Glacier National Park.

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Level of Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner

Middle Fork Flathead River rafting trips are Class II-III. Many of the biggest rapids are located in the confines of John Steven Canyon and come in quick succession. Some the rapids are Tunnel, Bonecrusher, Jaws, Waterfall Narrows and C.B.T. (Could Be Trouble). On the Middle Fork of the Flathead the River is not the usual “U” shaped canyon typically cut by glaciers. Here, the canyon is actually created by the river as it cuts through the Lewis Overthrust Belt of sedimentary rock, which erodes very easily.

Season: May – September

Middle Fork Flathead River rafting trips are usually available from mid-May all the way through the summer. The river is fed by glacial runoff via the numerous side creeks and streams. Peak flows generally occur during the first half of June while the winter snowpack melts.

South Fork American River

South Fork American River Rafting

Location: Coloma, California

The South Fork American River is the most popular introductory river in California since it is suitable for beginners while still satisfying experienced rafters. It is located halfway between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, and just two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Go Rafting with A Commercial Outfitter on the South Fork of the American River

All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting is one of the most respected rafting outfitters in California, with over 45 years of experience. They were recommended by Lonely Planet in California Trips, 2009. They offer half, one and two day trips on the Gorge and Chili Bar sections of the South Fork American River.

Visit their website for more information about American River Rafting

 

Upper Section/ Chili Bar: Class III / Beginner

The Upper section is approximately 9 miles long and flows through a steep forested canyon. The action starts almost immediately with Meat Grinder (Class III+), a long technical boulder slalom. Class II & III rapids continue one after the other until the grand finale… a wild S-turn ride down a twisted chute called Trouble Maker (Class III+).

Lower Section/ The Gorge: Class III / Beginner

The Lower Run starts off mellow with easy Class II warm up rapids in the first few miles. The walls begin to close in from each side as you enter “The Gorge,” where Class III+ rapids such as Fowlers Rock, Satan’s Cesspool, and Hospital Bar are sure to challenge even the most experienced rafters. The lower section is approximately 12 miles long.

Season: March – October

The South Fork is controlled by upstream reservoirs that provide reliable flows seven days a week all season long with above average flows in the spring months. The South Fork is twenty-one miles in length and is divided into two sections, the Upper and Lower with 1/2, 1 or 2-Day trips available

Rangitikei River

River Location

The Rangitikei River flows through the River Region in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand, off of State Highway 1 halfway between Taupo and Wellington.

Go rafting with a commercial outfitter on the Mohaka River

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Level of Difficulty

The Rangitikei can be broken into several different sections for whitewater rafting. The Gorge is rated Class V, with 10 major Class IV-V rapids dispersed over an exciting 12 kilometer run. The Mokai Gorge is mainly a Class II run, and is meant mostly as a fun scenic float and the only way to explore an 80 meter-deep canyon of incredible beauty. The two sections can be combined into an overnight adventure as well.

The Canyon

Home to several of the chosen film locations for the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Rangitikei is a wild, free-flowing river whose currents have molded an incredible landscape. It twists through towering white cliffs, deep sandstone and papa gorges, and past secret waterfalls. An abundant trout population swims in the clear turquoise waters. The Class V Gorge section provides plenty of exciting whitewater with rapids like Max’s Drop, Fulcrum, and Foamy.

The Season

The best time for rafting the Rangitikei is during New Zealand’s summer months, November through April.

Regions and Rivers

United States & Canada

International

Rivers

a complete list of rivers will be listed here

Level Of Difficulty

EASY BEGINNER CLASS I-II
Rivers with Class I flat water interspersed with occasional Class II rapids: waves 1-2 feet high. Using a self-guided watercraft is an option.

*Best for young children and tentative adults.

BEGINNER – INTERMEDIATE CLASS III+
Rivers with Class I – II water interspersed with Class III rapids: waves usually 2-3 feet high, passageways contain some obstacles. Rapids are challenging but not overwhelming.

* Best introduction to rafting for the widest range of people.

INTERMEDIATE CLASS III-IV
Rivers with Class I – III water interspersed with occasional Class IV rapids: waves and drops 4 feet high and sometimes higher, difficult passageways containing some obstacles. Unintentionally falling out of the raft may mean an uncomfortable “swim”.

* Best for those with previous Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV whitewater, and for athletic, adventurous first-timers.

INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED CLASS IV+
Rivers with Class I – IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering. Falling out of the raft and “swimming” in a rapid will be difficult.

* Best for those with previous Class III or Class IV experience wanting a more difficult whitewater challenge.

ADVANCED CLASS V
Rivers with Class I – IV+ water interspersed with long, tumultuous Class V rapids: 5-8 foot drops and obstacles that must be avoided. Falling out of the raft means an extremely difficult and potentially hazardous “swim”.

* Best for those with previous Class IV & IV+ experience seeking the ultimate whitewater challenge.

UNRUNNABLE CLASS VI
Rivers containing rapids that are so difficult that safe passage is doubtful and chances of serious incident, injury and death are almost certain. If attempted and successful, luck deserves the largest portion of credit.

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References & Resources


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Ayung River

Location: Bali

Ayung River rafting trips are easily accessed from popular destinations like Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua. Many commercial outfitters provide shuttle services from hotels in these areas to their put-in location. The Ayung River is 5km from Ubud, the town widely regarded as the artistic center of Balinese arts — many of the island’s most respected dancers, musicians, and fine artists live there.

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Rafting.com is currently seeking qualified outfitters for Featured Listings in this region. If you are a local rafting outfitter and would like to see your company listed here, please contact us for more information.


Level of Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner

The class II-III rapids on the Ayung river—like Ya-Hoo Wall, Banger-Big Hole, and Drop-Bull Ride—add whitewater fun to this very accessible and family-friendly river.

Scenery ad Wildlife: Jungle, Rice Fields, and Kingfisher

The Balinese rainforest and carefully-tended rice paddies provide an exotic back-drop on Ayung whitewater rafting trips. Rafters might also encounter jungle wildlife in the Ayung River canyon — perhaps a glimpse of the beautiful Blue Javan Kingfisher, whose red beak and legs contrast strikingly with its brilliant turquoise and azure feathers. Some trips include the opportunity to explore a riverside cave.

Season: Year-round

Short, half-day river trips on the Ayung are available all year.

Telaga Waja River

Location: Bali

The Telaga Waja River flows below Bali’s highest peak, Mt. Agung, an active volcano that last erupted in the 1960s. Many Balinese regard the mountain as sacred—which lends a unique touch to Telaga Waja River rafting trips—and you might even see ash or smoke rising from Agung!

Go Rafting with A Commercial Outfitter

Rafting.com is currently seeking qualified outfitters for Featured Listings in this region. If you are a local rafting outfitter and would like to see your company listed here, please contact us for more information.


Level of Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner

People new to whitewater rafting will appreciate the Telaga Waja’s mix of class  II and III rapids because they create some excitement but aren’t overly challenging. Families can also consider Telaga Waja rafting trips.

Scenery: Tropical Riparian Environment

Although river rafting trips in Bali tend to be rather short affairs they create the opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty from a new vantage point, bringing rafters into intimate contact with the tropical riparian environment, as well as village life off the beaten path. Waterfalls spill into the Telaga Waja, creating a dramatic addition to jungle and rice paddy scenery.

Season: Year-round

River trips on the Telaga Waja are available throughout the year and last for a few hours.