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Rivers & Oceans

Rafting and Adventure Travel

Best Whitewater Rafting and Camping Trips in the United States

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.

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.  

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

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 .)

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 .)

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 .)

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 .)

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 .)

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 .)

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.

Start Planning Your Best Adventure

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

Alaska Rafting Interactive Map

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

Keep Reading > Alaska Rafting Interactive Map

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

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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USA TODAY 10Best

Ride the rapids: 10 best white water rafting tours in the US

Best White Water Rafting Tour (2023) June 9, 2023

The rivers of the United States offer some of the world’s best whitewater rafting opportunities, with thrills for experienced rafters and newbies alike. From white-knuckle rapids to more relaxed family floats, rafting is a great way to add a dash of adventure to a trip. 

These 10 companies – voted by readers as the best for white water rafting tours in the United States – get top marks for their exciting itineraries, variety of options and well-trained guides.

No. 10: Hells Canyon Raft - McCall, Idaho

This Idaho-based raft company believes every turn of the river has a story to tell, and their Hells Canyon rafting trips are “journeys through a land rich in myth and geologic wonder.” Enjoy a three-, four-, five-, or six-day trip on the Snake River, where boulders and rockslides have created the biggest rapids in the Pacific Northwest. Between the rapids, watch for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk and deer. For family fun, take a four- or five-day trip along the Salmon River, where the rapids are still exciting but family-friendly.

No. 9: Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours - Durango, Colorado

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours leads trips in Colorado, Utah and Arizona, with a river for just about any thrill level and trips lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days.

No. 8: Wilderness Voyageurs - Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

With Wilderness Voyageurs, guests can enjoy several different whitewater rafting adventures on rivers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. They offer trips for all skill levels and ages, with some suitable for young children.

No. 7: ACE Adventure Resort - Oak Hill, West Virginia

Hoping to conquer the surging rapids of New River Gorge National Park during your next trip to West Virginia? Look no further than ACE Adventure Resort, a tour operator that specializes in day excursions ranging from beginner level jaunts to master-class expeditions.

No. 6: Rivers & Oceans - Flagstaff, Arizona

With Rivers & Oceans, adventurous travelers can explore the rivers of the western United States. Choose between one-day trips through the Grand Canyon or multi-day rafting itineraries in Utah, Oregon, Arizona or Idaho.

No. 5: Wildwater Rafting - Multiple locations

Wildwater, the southeast's "original professional outfitter," has been leading whitewater rafting trips since 1971. With outposts on three rivers throughout the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, Wildwater offers a variety of rafting trips ranging from family-friendly to wildly epic.

No. 4: Glacier Guides and Montana Raft - West Glacier, Montana

This Montana-based tour company can’t wait to take you rafting down the stunning Flathead River in Glacier National Park. Enjoy thrilling Class II-III whitewater rafting adventures with various rafting experiences for a half-day or fully day. Also available are overnight/multi-day trips for rafters of all levels.

No. 3: Pocono Whitewater Rafting - Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Pocono Whitewater has whitewater rafting adventures for everyone in the family, with no experience required. Paddle through 17 sets of rapids on a 12-mile trip with Class II-III rapids and astonishing scenery. Or take a guided, more relaxed family-style adventure with Class I-II rapids. There’s even a moonlight rafting experience where you leave at sundown and navigate through rapids by moonlight.

No. 2: Western River Expeditions - Salt Lake City, Utah

Western River Expeditions has more than 60 years of experience guiding trips along the rivers and canyons of the American West. Today, the company offers itineraries in Arizona (Grand Canyon), Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Costa Rica.

No. 1: Northwest Rafting Company - Hood River, Oregon

Northwest Rafting Company specializes in rafting trips on Oregon’s Rogue River and Idaho’s Salmon River, though guests can also choose multi-day trips along the Owyhee, Illinois or Chetco rivers. Specialty itineraries add in gourmet food, yoga sessions or live bluegrass music. Trips last four to six days.

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The Experts

Chez chesak.

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer...   Read More

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand , which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe. 

Molly O'Brien

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance...   Read More

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home.  Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations.  She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling.  Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!).  You can connect with Molly here:  Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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The river, of course, was the star, but the trip was made excellent due to the company organization and the three guides that knocked it out of the canyons when it came to professionalism, work ethic and great attitude. Would recommend a trip like this to all who were interested in a river adventure. Leave your cell phones in the car and get connected to family, friends and nature. Well done, OARS and our guide team – thank you. Chris W. Green River Rafting through the Gates of Lodore Guest View Trip Details

The perfect balance between feeling like you were on an adventure and being taken care of, particularly by the guides during the trip. Gabrielle Stevenson Main Salmon River Rafting Guest View Trip Details

Where do I even begin – everything was amazing. The food was incredible. The guides were very knowledgeable and we always felt super safe in their hands. They always went above and beyond expectations in every regard. Eric Allan Rogue River Rafting Guest View Trip Details

Featured Adventures

Our Most Popular Trips

South Fork American River Rafting Gorge 1-Day

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

Green River Rafting through the Gates of Lodore

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

Utah Whitewater Rafting through Split Mountain Canyon

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

Cataract Canyon Whitewater Rafting

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

Rogue River Rafting

Location: Oregon Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 7

Tuolumne River Rafting Near Yosemite National Park

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

Main Salmon River Rafting on the River of No Return

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

Snake River Rafting through Hells Canyon

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

Grand Canyon Rafting: Whitmore Wash to Pearce Ferry

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

Middle Fork of the Salmon River Rafting

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

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There’s a reason that more than 70% of OARS travelers each year are repeat guests or were referred by a past OARS traveler.

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White Water Rafting Trips

Rogue river rafting.

Rogue River whitewater rafting is unlike any other whitewater 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!

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

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The 11 Best Wild and Scenic River Trips in America

Some of the best wilderness in the country has no trail at all. grab a paddle and get ready for the ultimate summer on the water with these 11 trips down national wild and scenic rivers..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Congress established National Wild and Scenic Rivers in 1968. The designation applies to waterways that “possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values,” and stipulates that they “be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.” Today, there are 12,347 protected miles on 208 rivers in 40 states. Explore your aquatic heritage, starting with these 11 floats, which range from easy paddles to whitewater.

Klamath River, California

Length 286 miles Designated 1981

The ingredients for a perfect family river trip: warm water, exciting rapids, bald eagles, and waterfront camps where the fire’s sparks mingle with the stars. While the upper section of the 286-mile Klamath roils out of Oregon with Class IV power, the Lower K has a mellower pace that’s fit for an introductory rafting trip. From the put-in at Happy Camp, dip paddles into the 70°F water (average August temperature) and head west, keeping an eye on the sky for raptors, the water for otters, and the banks for black bears. One thing you won’t find: boredom. The 20-mile trip has jumping rocks and riffles aplenty, and Class II/III Savage Rapid offers up a kid-size portion of whitewater. And should you need some ideas for campfire stories, the Bigfoot Trail runs through these same Klamath mountains.

Klamath River Trip Planner 

Permit None Season April to August Put-in Sluice Box Take-out Happy Creek Outfitter   oars.com

Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Maine

Length 92.5 miles Designated 1970

The 92.5 miles of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in the blueberry- and bear-filled North Maine Woods are as iconic a canoe setting as you’ll find in the U.S. Tackle a six-day, 62-mile trip from Churchill Dam to Allagash Village , which includes lakes, Class II rapids, and a .3-mile, mandatory portage around 40-foot Allagash Falls. By day, look for moose, eagles, and common terns beyond your gunwales, as well as Katahdin poking out above the mixed-forest canopy. By night, camp at any of the 40 named sites while loon calls serenade you to sleep. Best bet: Hit the water in September, when the fall colors from red maple and quaking aspen stand out against the deep greens of mixed firs.

Allagash Wilderness Waterway Trip Planner

Permit Required ($13 for nonresidents)  Season May to September Put-in Churchill Dam Take-out Allagash Village Outfitter 

Middle Fork of the Salmon, Idaho

Length 104 miles Designated 1968

With rapids as big as the wilderness they pass through, the 104 miles of the Middle Fork of the Salmon through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness top just about every thrill-seeking rafter’s bucket list. That makes permits a tough get during the lottery window. Better bet: Wait until late summer, when crowds subside and trout are chunking up for the winter. Best part? Hot springs at camp all eight nights. Don’t miss Hospital Bar (mile 53), where a 115°F spring bubbles up into a pool so close to the river you can cast a fly while you soak.

Middle Fork of the Salmon Trip Planner

Permit Required ($10 + $4/person per day); lottery for May 23 to Sept. 3 Season May to September Put-in Boundary Creek Take-out Cache Bar Outfitter blackadarboating.com

John Day River, Oregon

Length 147.5 miles Designated 1988

This is as close as it gets to a relaxed cruise through big Western terrain. The John Day , the third-longest undammed river in the Lower 48, passes through a volcanic wonderland of black, basalt gorges and colorful, fossil-filled ash deposits. For the most part, the lower section ambles along leisurely, letting you relax, take in the scenery, and birdwatch as you drift downstream. The 70 miles from Clarno to Cottonwood are mostly Class I /II, but Class III/IV Clarno Rapids lurks around mile 5 (scout from river left; portage if you need to). Below that is smooth sailing through 1,200-foot-deep canyons and rolling, grassy hillsides at a soporific pace. Target stands of junipers to camp in the shade and look for mule deer, river otters, golden eagles, and red-tailed hawks.

John Day River Trip Planner 

Permit Required ($20/group); reserve ahead May 20 to July 10; Season April to June Put-in Clarno Take-out Cottonwood Bridge Outfitter servicecreek.com

Missouri River, Montana

Length 149 miles Designated 1976

When Lewis and Clark floated the Missouri on their westward journey, they saw a landscape unmarred by human industry. The river left its mark on the party: “As we passed on, it seemed those [scenes] of visionary [enchantment] would never have an end,” Lewis wrote in 1805. You won’t regret the 10 days it takes to run the entire 149 miles, but if you don’t have an expedition-length vacation, hit the three-day, 47-mile stretch from Coal Banks to Judith Landing. There, the water courses through an 800-foot-deep canyon of white eagle sandstone, flows across the plains, and threads through layer-cake badlands within Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Camping is plentiful in designated sites, including three Lewis and Clark campsites and historic Blackfeet and Flathead tribal sites with petroglyphs.

Missouri River Trip Planner

Permit Required ($4/adult per day) Season May to September Put-in Coal Banks Take-out Judith Landing Outfitter adventureboundcanoe.com

Rio Grande, Texas

Length 191.2 miles Designated 1978

Desert dwellers like others to think their stomping grounds are too arid and desolate for the rest of us to enjoy. Don’t be fooled. From open, cactus-filled Chihuahuan landscapes to tight, twisty canyons and shady arroyo side hikes, this 20-mile overnight through Santa Elena Canyon offers a sampler of the Rio Grande ’s best scenery. It’s also pretty picante: At mile 15, you’ll run Rockslide Rapid, which can reach Class IV in flows approaching 1,200 cfs (scout river right; there’s no portage option). When your heart rate settles, scan the skies for nose-diving peregrine falcons and the riverbanks for coyotes and wild burros. As you travel, look for grinding holes and petroglyphs from former Native American encampments. Camp on sandbars.

Rio Grande Trip Planner

Permits Required ($12); obtain in person at visitor centers. Season Year-round, but flows peak in August Put-in Lajitas Take-out Santa Elena Canyon Outfitter bigbendrivertours.com

Chattooga River, Georgia

Length 58.7 miles Designated 1974

Fans of Deliverance will be disappointed to learn that the Chattooga River, where the film was set, is not nearly as dangerous as the 1972 classic suggests. Fans of world-class river trips will not. While the rain-fed Chattooga serves up rapids from Class I to Class V, the best intermediate-friendly, two-day trip combines Sections 2 and 3 for a 20 miler that gets sportier the farther you go. The crux is Bull Sluice, a Class IV+ rapid toward the end (beware flows above 2.5 feet on the Clayton gauge). You’ll be immersed in Southeast scenery as you pass through Sumter National Forest’s mountainous woodland of red and white oak, birch magnolia, and mountain laurel—the latter reaches its peak kaleidoscope bloom in June.

Chattooga River Trip Planner

Permit Self-register at put-in. Season Year-round, but best April to September Put-in GA 28 Take-out US 76 Outfitter chattoogawhitewatershop.com

Loxahatchee River, Florida

Length 7.6 miles Designated 1985

The 8.5-mile day trip down this waterway will have you J-stroking in Jurassic Park as it meanders through a primordial swamp filled with centuries-old cypress, ferns, orchids, palms, and mangroves. While you won’t see any velociraptors, you’ll find plenty of their contemporaries: Sunning alligators often line the shores and slip into the water as you paddle by. (Encounters between boaters and alligators are rare, but keep your feet and hands in the boat, and never feed or harass them.) Head downstream from Riverbend Park to Jonathan Dickinson State Park with a prearranged shuttle, or paddle out and back from either of the two (the current is gentle enough to paddle against). The serpentine upper stretch is beginner-friendly, but involves two short portages around dams (or slide over them if going west to east). In Jonathan Dickinson State Park, the river widens into a mangrove-gnarled estuary.

Loxahatchee River Trip Planner

Permit None Season Year-round Put-in/take-out Riverbend Park or Jonathan Dickinson State Park Outfitter canoeoutfittersofflorida.com

Noatak River, Alaska

Length 330 miles Designated 1980

No, it’s not easy to pull off an epic paddle trip in Alaska. Yes, it’s worth it. In June, way up in the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve , the 259,000 members of the Western Arctic caribou herd make their northward journey to their calving grounds, following the river for a portion of it. The best section of the gentle, 400-mile Noatak carves a 45-mile swath through the Brooks Range from Twelve Mile Slough to Lake Matcharak. Load crafts (inflatables are easiest to transport) into a floatplane in Bettles and fly over the granite spires of the Endicott Mountains to the slough near 8,510-foot Mt. Igikpak, where a 200-yard trail leads to the river. The waterway’s gentle gradient affords time to take in the surrounding Endicott and Schwatka Mountains and to scan the tundra benches for Alaska’s A-listers: wolves, Dall sheep, and grizzlies. Run it in June for your best shot at seeing the caribou migration, or in September for fall colors, ripe blueberries, and the aurora borealis.

Noatak River Trip Planner

Permit None Season June to September Put-in Twelve Mile Slough Take-out Lake Matcharak Outfitter arcticwild.com

Tuolumne River, California

Length 83 miles Designated 1984

For paddlers with solid whitewater chops, the Tuolumne offers thrills aplenty. The 18-mile canyon teems with Class III to V pool-drop rapids, interspersed with just enough moments of calm to let you catch your breath. Take two or three days to camp on sandy beaches, fish clear pools, and hike up side creeks. Put-in below Hetch Hetchy, and negotiate Class IV Rock Garden and Nemesis rapids in the first .5 mile. At mile 5.4, land your craft at Clavey River and grab your fishing rod to try for native coastal rainbow trout or take a dip. Just below lies Class V Clavey Falls, which requires punching through two giant hydraulic holes (or portage on river right). From here, the river calms down, with jumping rocks, swimming pools, and easier rapids before ramping back up to a Class IV per mile in the final 5 to the take-out.

Tuolumne River Trip Planner 

Permit Required ($15) May 1 to Oct. 1; Season May to September Put-in Meral’s Pool Take-out Ward’s Ferry Outfitter californiawhitewater.com

Buffalo River, Arkansas 

Length 15.8 miles Designated 1992

Arkansas’s paddling options are outnumbered only by its crawfish, and the Buffalo River is the state’s heart and soul. The undammed waterway sinks hundreds of feet below the rim of limestone bluffs as it flows through the Ozarks’ forested hills. Plan a mellow weekend in the 24 miles from Ponca to Pruitt, where calm waters encourage swim stops, beaches and gravel bars invite picnics, and the waterway passes beneath 550-foot-tall Big Bluff, the tallest cliff between the Rockies and Appalachians. Beach your boat for the side hike to Indian Rockhouse, a massive but shallow cave where Native Americans once sheltered. If you catch rain on your trip, add the 20-minute walk to Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls, which cascades 209 feet—the tallest waterfall in the Midwest.

Buffalo River Trip Planner 

Permit None Season April to September Put-in AR 74 Take-out AR 7 Outfitter buffaloriver.com

Master Paddling a Canoe

Learn these basic canoe techniques to move well on the river.

Forward stroke WHAT: Conserve energy so you can paddle all day. HOW: Keep your paddle close to the boat (about 6 inches away). Dip the full blade of the paddle straight in and draw it straight back. Use your back and core, rather than just your shoulders. Swivel your torso slightly toward the paddle to further reduce fatigue.

J-stroke WHAT: Add a twist of the paddle to keep your canoe tracking straight. HOW: Start like a forward stroke, but twist the paddle gradually to turn your blade away from the canoe at the end of the stroke.

Sweep stroke WHAT: Change directions at speed. HOW: Pull the paddle in a C-shaped motion (the paddle head is farthest from you in the middle of the stroke) to propel yourself forward while turning. Do it in reverse to slow down while turning. ~Spencer Cox

How to Pack a Canoe

Stow gear right to maximize space and stability.

1. Balance the load. Put lighter items in the front and back of the boat, reserving the middle for heavier gear (which boosts stability) and ensuring items are balanced left to right. Use small drybags: It’s easier to fit them snugly around each other to fill empty space.

2. Keep air in your drybags. Maintain a little dead space in your bags and lash them below the inside edges of your boat. That way, they’ll lend some extra buoyancy in a capsize and will be easier to salvage if they break loose.

3. Bring a bail bucket. Cut the bottom off of a gallon-size plastic jug (keep the cap) so you can hold the handle and use it as a scoop. When possible, do this between rapids to hit the next set without water weight sloshing around and hindering balance. ~Ryan Wichelns

How to Read a River

Follow these signs for safe passage.

Downstream V: This feature generally denotes a good path through rough water. Look for lines in the river that form a “V” shape with the wider part closer to you and narrowing downriver.

Upstream V: These are the exact opposite, with the point of the V shape closer to you. An upstream V usually indicates water flowing around a rock or other hazard. Steer clear.

Holes: Water flowing rapidly over a submerged rock results in a frothy area of rough water just behind the obstacle. The force can flip canoes and drag swimmers under. Paddle hard and keep your boat straight if one grabs you; if in the water, swim to the side. Last resort: Ball up and hope the current flushes you out.

Color bands: Areas of water with slightly different colors parallel to each other indicate variable flows. Straight rivers tend to flow fastest in the center, while curving rivers flow fastest along the outside of a bend. Look downstream, and avoid entering faster bands that could force you into obstacles. Follow these signs for safe passage. ~Spencer Cox

Buy the Right Paddling Gear First

A great trip starts with great gear. Find boats, paddles, PFDs, and other water gear for any trip in our collection of paddling gear reviews .

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The Top White Water Rafting Destinations in North and South America

Find the best white water rafting destinations in the U.S. and beyond! You want to know you are in good hands with the best professional whitewater river rafting guides and outfitters. It is with that in mind that the various members of Rafting America have joined forces to make sure you get the absolutely best white water rafting experience possible. The destinations are set in astounding landscapes across North America, and even extending into Latin America just a bit. On this site you will find day and half day white water trips, overnight and multi-day whitewater rafting expeditions, and all the help you will need to choosing the best one for you. If you're planning a white water rafting vacation to look forward to, and you want those memories to last a lifetime, then you found the right website! Welcome aboard!

• Top 20 states for white water rafting in the U.S. - and a few international destinations too!
• Rafting trips (with or without white water rapids) in National Parks
• America's most popular white water rafting day trips
• Want kid-friendly white water? Here's your list!
• Need help deciding which kind of white water rafting trip is best for you?

Best Places for White Water Rafting How to Choose the Best Trip for You!

Northeastern U. S. New England & More

Southeastern U.S. Gauley, Ocoee, Nantahala...

Midwest Adventure Resorts Keep it Fun

Latin America Costa Rica to Patagonia Chile

What Does a White Water Rafting Trip Cost? And What to Expect from it!

West Coast Washington, Oregon & California

Desert Southwest Utah, Arizona, New Mexico...

Rocky Mountains Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Wyo...

Alaska & Canada B.C., Yukon, & Beyond

The Best White Water Rafting Destinations

From mild to wild white water rapids, to easy scenic floats, or rugged wilderness expeditions contrasted with lodging along the river each night, you'll probably find just what you are looking for. We've compiled a list of the top 25+ locations in which to find that perfect white water rafting vacation near you, or perhaps far, far away from it all!

Where to go rafting?

River Classifications

Single-Day Trips

Multi-Day Trips

How to Decide the Best Trip for You

What is the Cost of White Water Rafting?

What is White Water Rafting?

What to Wear for a White Water Trip

There's nothing quite like a white water rafting trip.

There is nothing quite like white water river rafting - and you sense it as soon as the boat is adrift. The sensation of being on a river is far wilder than most get the chance to experience. It's an individual thrill, and a teamwork triumph that few other activities can provide today. You look at the water curving downstream, around the bend. You look at your paddling partner sitting across from you who is not sure what to think yet either.... a smile breaks across your face... this is going to be fun!

When new friends have been forged for life, new memories to last a lifetime, and brand new bragging rights claimed, it is difficult to go back to "comfort zones" for very long. Restlessness stirs when self-imposed limitations have eroded away and rivers course through in your veins. It's a liberating addiction. What's around the next bend for you? Find the best places to go white water rafting on the rivers of North and South America with the best collection of river rafting trips in the industry!

Join Rafting America in search of the best rivers, the best tours, trips and multi-day expeditions. Every page, every newsletter, every post is designed to help you prepare, explore, dream. We can't wait to see you on the river!

Why Rafting America?

Rafting America began In early 2006 when half a dozen of the premier white water rafting industry leaders and adventure travel companies (pioneering commercial river rafting as early as the 1960’s), decided that lifting the industry works better when everyone paddles together. The common goal: getting more folks to discover and experience the joys and thrills of white water rafting. These industry-leading rafting tour operators have taken over 4.1 million rafters downriver since they began operating and have close to 400 years of combined experience professionally guiding white water rafters downriver. The outfitters listed with Rafting America are committed to maintaining the highest standards for both guest service and white water safety. Rafting America guides are professionally trained and are some of the most experienced white water guides in the US, Canada and South America. Rafting America companies currently provide trips on more than 50 domestic US rivers (covering 22 states), 6 territories in Canada, and international locations on the Rio Upano in Ecuador and the Futaleufu River in Chile. Our members have won awards from Forbes “Best of the Web for Adventure Travel” to National Parks Service Awards for Excellence in EcoTourism to “Best of State” for Travel/Tourism.

Find a river rafting trip near you!

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Best Overnight Rafting Trips in the US

Written by Ben Sack , 08.12.2019

We’ve put together a list of our five favorite overnight rafting trips found within the continental United States. Some are over one week while others are just one night and two days away from civilization. Each of these trips allows you to experience some of the greatest natural parks found in the US while having tasty food prepared by fun and caring raft guides along the way.

1. Salmon River, Idaho

Join Holiday River Expeditions   for a   5 to 6 day adventure along the Salmon River. This river is the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states that makes its way through one of the largest wilderness reserves in the US. You’ll experience pristine alpine forests and quiet desert canyons as you paddle through one ecosystem after another.

Their Middle Fork trip is best for groups where everyone is 12 years or older and has an adventurous spirit, or opt for their Main Salmon trip where the rapids are a bit calmer and the excitement less extreme. They customize the trip based on your needs, so tell them ahead of time if you’re vegan or gluten-free so they can prep your meals accordingly.

2. Rogue River, Oregon

Oregon is a lush, green, gorgeous state full of Northwest adventures. Northwest Rafting offers 4  day trips down the Rogue River that are full of class III rapids and gentle stretches, offering an idyllic combination of fun and relaxation. You start near the headwaters of the Rogue river in the Cascades and then travel through the Rogue River National Forest as you make your way towards the coast. 

Campers get to enjoy hiking, rafting, waterfalls, and beach time, making this a well-rounded rafting adventure. They even offer adult-only trips that include alcohol and gourmet food options.

3. Chattooga River, South Carolina & Georgia

One of the best rivers in the Southeastern United States is the Chattooga River which snakes its way through North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. This river is a popular destination for rafting and kayaking for people from the outdoor adventure city of Asheville, North Carolina. It’s known for its beauty and rugged wilderness, great for overnight adventures. 

Wildwater offers an overnight rafting trip that’s jam-packed with challenging rapids. You’re guaranteed to get wet and tired as you paddle from one rapid to the next. At night, you can dine on campfire-grilled steaks as you enjoy the peace and quiet of nature before you get up and enjoy one more day of thrilling white water.

4. Colorado River, Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the top rafting destinations in the world. Exploring the Grand Canyon by raft allows you to experience its unique canyon formations, waterfalls, and more. With very little light pollution, your nights are often be met by a canopy of twinkling starlight. 

Outdoors Unlimited leads 5 to 15 day rafting trips where you can explore hidden waterfalls, bask in the sunlight, and enjoy the rush of rapids as you carve through canyons of all shapes and sizes. Allow yourself to become immersed in the joy, beauty, and thrill that this unique region of the US offers on a multi-day rafting trip where the planning is done for you.

5. Arkansas River, Colorado

Colorado is famous for its beautiful wilderness and exciting outdoor adventures. Where the Arkansas River rushes through the Royal Gorge is an adventurer’s dream, with thrilling class IV-V rapids and amazing views. On a 24-hour rafting trip with Echo Canyon , you can either do ½ day rafting gentler rapids as a warm up and your second ½ day rafting the adrenaline-pumping section, or opt for a double-dose of adrenaline. 

At night, enjoy a private river landing camp spot with a hot, tasty meal prepared by your raft guide. Embrace total relaxation while you swing on hammocks as you listen to the river rushing by and campfire crackling. And if you have time to make this a long weekend, explore the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park after, where there are more adventures and wilderness experiences to be had.

Choosing the Best Overnight Whitewater Trip for You

There are a few factors you want to consider when choosing your overnight rafting trip.

What level of adventure are you looking for?

How long do you want to travel?

There are short, 24-hour overnight rafting excursions and ones that last for weeks. Decide how much time and money you want to spend to find the best trip for you.

Where do you want to go?

From there, find an outfitter with great reviews on TripAdvisor and allow them to plan your trip for you! Venturing out on an organized group rafting trip is a fun way to explore without having to plan the whole trip yourself. You are left to soak in nature and enjoy the physical challenge of multi-day rafting.

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About the Author

Ben Sack is the General Manager of Echo Canyon River Expeditions, Colorado's largest white water rafting outfitter. He's also a raft guide, a photographer, and he loves exploring Colorado and beyond with his wife and two boys. View Ben's Full Bio »

Echo Canyon River Expeditions

45000 W US Highway 50 Cañon City, CO 81212 800-755-3246 [email protected]

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American Whitewater Expeditions is the premier whitewater rafting company in California on the American River . We offer fun, relaxing, and thrilling white water rafting trips on the three Forks of the American River for individuals, families, friends, and groups of all sizes. With three different rivers and three levels of adventure to choose from, we can give anyone from ages 6 to 106 an experience that will last a lifetime.

Try something new, step out of your comfort zone and get ready for an absolutely exhilarating experience rafting on the American River.

The joy of life comes when we encounter new experiences , especially those that are filled with fun and excitement . Go to bed under a million stars and wake up to the smell of crisp fresh mountain air. Spend the day in the sun laughing with friends and family as you paddle down sensational rapids and experience all the delights and thrills of whitewater rafting.

If you’ve been rafting before and are looking for a safety conscious, friendly, high quality rafting company overflowing with personality and fun, then join us for an experience of a lifetime.

Our knowledge, expertise and understanding, accumulated over 40 years of rafting on the American River, will give you the most rewarding and fun rafting experience you will ever have.

Our guides are diverse and come from all over the world bringing a level of professionalism and experience that clearly sets us apart. Our guides are serious about safety, serious about good times and serious about fun!

The American River has become a popular vacation destination for rafting enthusiasts in California. An easy driving distance from Sacramento , San Francisco , Lake Tahoe and Reno , our deluxe campground is located on the American River, right in the middle of historic James Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. Our facilities include luxury riverside cabins, in-ground swimming pool, grass-covered shaded campsites, delicious gourmet meals, hot showers and new modern restrooms. Rafting on any one of our guided trips makes for a fun and relaxing vacation option.

If you have been on a river with us before, we cannot wait to have you back. If you have never been white water rafting, we guarantee you’ll have the time of your life!

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Whitewater Rafting Guide to River Trips

United states.

Alaska Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Georgia Idaho Kentucky Maine Massachusettes Montana New Mexico    

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The Most Extreme Whitewater Rafting in the US

By Mild to Wild    •    September 12, 2016

Looking for a whitewater rafting adventure that you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve peeled off the wetsuit? Perhaps ones that come with drops that suspend you in an adrenaline-induced euphoria? Holes the size of your car? Waves so imposing that they crash in slow motion?

Enough with the rhetorical questions, we already know that that’s what you’re looking for. Because you’re a whitewater hound who treats a paddle like a carbon-fibre septor, ready to skewer the frothing beasts of an unstoppable force of nature! Whitewater will be served as the main course my friend— here are the top 5 gnarliest, sudsiest, and toughest river runs in United States.

Gore Canyon, Upper Colorado River – Kremmling, Colorado

Length : 9.3 miles

Average Gradient: 40 feet per mile

CFS Range: 800 – 1,300

Season:  May – October

Whitewater rafting in Gore Canyon starts with 4 miles of flat water into the chasm— because every storm needs a little calm beforehand. Once the gradient begins, the next 5 miles become a ribbon of white with class IV and V rapids.

Be ready to swim on this trip, as the drops at Tunnel Falls and maneuvers at boulder-strewn Kirshbaum adamantly put rafting’s #1 rule to the test. This roaring gorge is highly rambunctious, and participants are required to be athletic and hold previous experience with whitewater rafting. If you can easily run a mile and swim 10 laps in a pool, you just might be ready to take on the Gore!

Upper Animas River – Silverton, Colorado

Length : 26 miles

Average Gradient:  85 feet per mile

CFS Range:  350 – 1,800

Season: May – July

The Upper Animas River is the most difficult commercially run river in the United States, no big deal… Just kidding, you’ll have to take a swim test to be eligible for this one! Fed straight from the snow-capped fourteeners that line this thundering waterway, the Upper Animas is well-known for its ferocious, nonstop Class III, IV and V waves that will put anyone’s endurance to the test.

To add to this river’s wild personality, most put-in and all take-out spots can only be reached via the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge. There are 3 sections to choose from to raft the Upper Animas, including Silverton, Needleton, and Rockwood. Or you can raft all three on a multi-day trip! Check out our Upper Animas adventures here!

Loscha River – Idaho

Length : 12 miles

Average Gradient:  35 feet per mile

CFS Range:  1,500 – 25,000

Season: May – June

Out of Idaho’s many beloveds, the Loscha River is certainly at the top of the list for boaters. The Loscha, meaning “rough water,” is famous for having 30 rapids in 30 miles, most being class III’s with IV’s interspersed. As an un-dammed river, the unpredictability adds to the excitement and adventure of this snow-fed waterway— including its short season!

At high water there is little respite between rapids often creating a continuous trail of whitewater that leaves your arms burning and heart racing. Certain sections are simultaneously technical and move incredibly fast, so be prepared for quite the swim if you end up getting flushed!

Cherry Creek / Upper Tuolumne River – Near Yosemite, California

Length : 9 miles

Average Gradient:  110 feet per mile

CFS Range:  700 – 2,000

Season: May – October

Think of how a river might look if it was fashioned like an obstacle course— you might imagine something that looks like this boulder-strewn stretch of the Tuolumne. The Cherry Creek section of the Tuolumne River contains 15 technical class V rapids in under 9 miles. On top of that, most of the run is highly technical and require A LOT of participation with the guide.

Be prepared to skirt, squeeze and bounce of rubbled, staircase drops of one after the other. As one of the most difficult commercially run rivers in the country, the swim test is through a Class IV rapid, understandably.

Upper Gauley River – Summersville, West Virginia

Length : 9.2 miles

Average Gradient:  36 feet per mile

CFS Range:  400 – 5,000

Also known as “the Beast of the East” the Upper Gauley is one of the most popular Class V sections in the U.S. This rambunctious nature of this wide river certainly brings it out of those who raft it, as many people attend the annual Gauley Fest in September.

This section of river has many notoriously dangerous moves and rapids, but the guides who run it every day have found and perfected their favorite lines. The flows on the Gauley are fairly consistent due to its dam releases, so anytime you find yourself on this Virginian tributary is sure to leave a lasting memory.

The above listed whitewater adventures are an absolute blast and can be a wonderful fun vacation for you and your friends or family! But it is important to remember that rivers are unpredictable and can be dangerous, these sections of river are not recommended for folks who have no rafting experience or do not meet the physical requirements asked for by the respective companies. Go out, raft hard, and have fun!

More Reading 

The Origins of Rafting the Notorious Upper Animas 

Early Spring Rafting Gear — Where to Go and What to Wear 

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Glacier Guides Montana Raft - a Beautiful Adventure Vacation in Montana

W e’ve been to Glacier National Park many times and always love it. For this trip, we took a different approach and actually did our Glacier Country vacation all through Glacier Guides Montana Raft and it was awesome! From our hotel to our activities and recreation rentals, all of it was centrally booked, organized and executed. This is the most relaxing way to set up an adventure vacation!

As you’re planning your trip to Glacier Country, I highly recommend an approach like this. Working with Glacier Guides Montana Raft to coordinate our days was so easy and we had a great time. If you have any questions about planning a trip to Montana or Glacier National Park , whitewater rafting with kids, or anything else please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re always happy to help plan awesome adventures!

This is our third time working with Glacier Guides Montana Raft for a Glacier Country vacation. They are amazing hosts and we will happily continue to partner with them and share our fun.

Glacier Guides Activities

Having worked in travel and tourism for 25+ years I’ve interacted and partnered with all sorts of outdoor companies. Glacier Guides has been one of my favorites for years. The people are so nice, they are very safety-forward, and the things to do with their different guide services are just perfect for a wonderful Montana trip. We’ve been in spring, summer and enjoyed fall colors in Glacier Country with Glacier Guides, and each trip has been great!

Biking in Glacier Country

We do a lot of beach biking but mountain biking isn’t a usual activity for us. Luckily, West Glacier is actually a very bike-friendly town, including entering Glacier National Park. We got our reserved bikes at the Glacier Guides headquarters right off Highway 2, which was a great location to get some practice time on the neighborhood street to get used to using mountain bikes. They were very well maintained and we got the full tutorial on them before we were set loose.

So where can you bike from here? There are tours available through Glacier Guides or you can go out on your own. We did the most simple route on the Highway 2 bike path located safely away from the road. This leads down into the village of West Glacier and into the Apgar area of the park. The bike path in Glacier National Park goes to the west near lake McDonald and into the woods. It’s an easy ride and is really beautiful. There are more route options, but for us beach bikers this was perfect. As you’re planning a Glacier National Park trip , do try to make time for biking!

Whitewater Rafting the Flathead River with Glacier Guides

We’ve been on the Flathead River with Glacier Guides several times, both for whitewater rafting and doing a scenic float. What’s the difference? When you’re rafting the Middle Fork of the Flathead River , there are different stretches that are more wild with rapids than others. On a scenic float, you don’t have to paddle and your guide takes you through the calmest waters, watching for wildlife along the way. For a whitewater rafting trip, you’re actively paddling and navigating rapids, getting wet along the way. The Flathead River follows along the Amtrak Empire Builder train route , so you might get to wave to everyone as you paddle along.

Whitewater Rafting with Kids

We get the question often: “Can kids go whitewater rafting?” The answer is yes, but not every river or every run is right for every kid. If you’re considering adding whitewater rafting to your Glacier National Park trip (or anywhere), you need to check with the guides to see what the age recommendations are. Some rivers are great with kids, like rafting the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in Montana, and then others not so much, such as the Little Salmon River into Hells Canyon in Idaho .

Here’s how I would recommend going about adding whitewater rafting with kids:

• check the river recommendations for your visit (water level, age requirements)
• confirm that your kids are interested and NOT scared
• watch a video together of similar whitewater rafting ( this is a good one showing the difference in trips )
• decide on the trip type: float, half day raft, full day raft, overnight (with camping)

For our family, we prefer doing a half day whitewater rafting trip. It’s not too long, there’s just enough adventure and between the splashing, wildlife and changing scenery the kids are fully engaged throughout the trip. Our adventure on the Flathead River was so much fun and we got soaked, both from the river and from the rain.

Tip: keep in mind that the weather doesn’t have an impact on rafting trips unless it’s creating unsafe conditions. We had wind, rain, sun and intense hail on our rafting day, but it was all fun and we felt safe and well-guided.

Scenic Float on the Flathead River

If you feel like you or your family isn’t ready or up for whitewater rafting, there are other options for getting on the river to experience the southern border of Glacier National Park: book a scenic float on the Flathead. In fact, this is how we worked our kids up to rafting, and after floating a few different rivers, they got familiar with being in a raft and now are pros.

Scenic floats are nice because you don’t have to do any of the work and you still get to enjoy the water and sights. I really like them, and I’m somebody who’s down for Class IV and V rapids, because I get to just observe, which I don’t often allow myself that privilege. Available all season long, a scenic float on the Flathead is a great addition to a trip to Glacier National Park.

Tip: if you’re nervous about being on the river because it’s moving, I get it. There are places to rent kayaks and lots of wonderful places for kayaking in Glacier National Park , but the mellow scenic float really is more chill than you might expect.

Guided Hiking in Glacier National Park

I always recommended guided hiking when you can find it. It might not seem like the most exciting option when you’re planning a trip, but doing at least one guided hike really opens your eyes to the world you’re hiking through. We did two guided hikes with Glacier Guides Montana Raft on this trip (part of the same activity, two trails) and each taught us new things about a park we’ve been to many times before.

On our first hike we learned all about forest fires and how they’re actually a part of responsible forest management, as well as about lots of different plants along the trails. On our second hike we learned about how the water flows from Glacier National Park, about the geology of area, and about more of the plant life in Montana.

More Glacier Guides Activities

We only had so much time, but we could have easily just done activity after activity with Glacier Guides. We did biking, hiking and rafting, but in addition to these, you can also book fishing trips and portered Glacier National Park chalet trips. While fishing is pretty self-explanatory, a portered chalet trip needs some more info.

Within Glacier National Park there are several overnight chalets built up in the mountains, only accessible via hiking trail. If you want to do this and stay up there, you can set it up through Glacier Guides and not have to carry your own stuff up the hiking trails for your stay, but they’ll do it with you and help you have a more relaxing (while still challenging) trip.

Staying with Glacier Guides Montana Raft

I loved having our activities and hotel reservation all stacked together in one place, making it easy to both manage our time and know that everything was set. Some people don’t need to travel in an organized manner, but I do. Coordinating lodging with activities makes things so simple.

Glacier Guides Lodge

When we come to Glacier National Park, we’re looking for warm, cozy, family friendly accommodations. We don’t want to rough it, but we also don’t need to be over the top fancy. The Glacier Guides Lodge was ideal for us, being very nice and well maintained, with all the right touches of the modern world. Our room was perfect with two queen beds, plenty of space and a private patio opening to the woods. The Wi-Fi was just fine for basic needs (didn’t try to do any big work).

In the morning there’s a nice breakfast in the lobby with breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, fruit and more. There’s plenty of coffee in the lobby and room, so you’re set any time of day. The staff was great, and we had a wonderful stay.

Glacier Guides Guest House

This will always be my favorite place to stay in West Glacier with the whole family. The Glacier Guides Guest House is a full home that can sleep up to 10 people, with a wonderful kitchen and sunroom, games and plenty of outdoor space to relax. We stayed here in the Guest House once when we did a Glacier Country trip and still had to work, so we were able to enjoy the West Glacier area and National Park AND still have a solid, quiet workspace for the rest of the time.

Multiple bedrooms, two bathrooms and comfortable furnishings make staying at the Glacier Guides Guest House the most relaxing West Glacier trip you can plan. Someday we’d like to come back and stay here during the winter so it can be our own little snow lodge. One of these days…

Overnight Glacier Country Trips

We haven’t gotten to do one yet, but sometime in the next few years we would like to do an overnight trip with Glacier Guides Montana Raft. Combining rafting, hiking, biking and backcountry experiences, you can plan anything from two to eight days that include all kinds of activities and sights. Some of the places you get to go inside Glacier National Park are so cool and remote. Even going farther north than Many Glacier , you can plan some of the coolest, most unique multi-day adventures.

Overnight rafting trips or epic hiking adventures are available from June to August, so if you’re planning this sort of experience you’ll be in Glacier National Park for the best possible weather. What a cool way to travel!

More Glacier National Park Trip Ideas

Because we get to visit so often, we have lots of great, easy way to experience Glacier National Park. I think most people plan to have 5 or so days for exploring the park and surrounding area, and if that’s you, we have a great plan for you! Check out our 5 Day Glacier National Park itinerary .

For places to stay, we’ve enjoyed camping, National Park lodges and small independent stays. Depending on what you want out of your trip and how much time you want to stay are your lodging, you can plan your visit on a budget. I’ve liked both of our stays with Glacier Guides, both at the lodge and Guest House, but if they’re booked up, you’ll need to find other accommodations. From Lake Five to East Glacier, there are lots of options that are all an easy drive into the park.

Here are all of our articles about Glacier National Park:

• Glacier with Small Kids – Podcast and Tips
• Things to Do in Glacier National Park
• Glacier National Park Planning
• Kayaking in Glacier National Park
• Things to Do in Missoula MT (start of a Glacier trip)
• Rafting the Flathead River at Glacier NP
• Boat Tours in Glacier NP
• Review of the Belton Chalet in West Glacier
• Review of the Glacier Park Lodge in Easy Glacier

I hope this helps and you’re excited to plan an adventurous Glacier National Park trip. Whether you’re taking our approach of planning through a company or doing it all on your own, this is one of the best places to be in the wilderness and enjoy the nature and beauty of Montana. If you have any questions or want to share your own tips, please leave a comment or send us a note !