Henry David Thoreau called rivers “the constant lure...to distant enterprise and adventure.” But as far as we know, Thoreau never quit Walden Pond for whitewater action—either Classes I–II for newbies or Classes III–V for old hands. River guide and rafting.com editor Tessa Sibbet says warm weather and swift water flows make July the best time of the year to shoot the rapids. Get soaked at one of her favorite spots.
Payette River
Idaho
Less than an hour north of Boise, Idaho, you’ll find both sandy beaches and pine trees framing the whitewater rapids on the Payette River. In between riding the Class II and III rapids, rafters on a Cascade Raft and Kayak half- or full-day trip can even swim in the surprisingly warm water. Before the rafting season ends in September, families should try the Cabarton Run on the North Fork, while thrill-seekers will want to tackle the Class IV sections on the South Fork. Everyone can end the trip with a soak in the South Fork’s natural hot springs.
White Salmon River
Washington
Snowcapped Mount Adams and Mount Hood create a spectacular backdrop for the White Salmon River, about 60 miles east of Portland, Oregon. I recommend Blue Sky Outfitters for a half-day rafting trip through early September. You’ll enjoy the crystal-clear water and evergreen trees lining the banks as you paddle into some of the best Class III and IV whitewater in the Pacific Northwest. Just watch out for Husum Falls; the 14-foot drop challenges even the most experienced rafters.
Youghiogheny River
Pennsylvania
Known as the Yough (pronounced “yock”) to locals, the wide, tree-lined Youghiogheny River winds through the heart of Ohiopyle State Park, about 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Ohiopyle–based outfitters White Water Adventures leads guided one-day trips on all sections of the river through October. First-timers will want to try the Middle Yough, packed with rolling Class II and Class III rapids. Adventurous veterans will love the Upper Yough, where continuous Class V rapids drop more than 100 feet per mile.
American River
California
While the South and Middle Forks of the American River—about an hour east of Sacramento, California—both boast remnants of California Gold Rush miners, the South Fork is a popular place to discover rafting. Through October, rafters can sign up with All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting for one- and two-day trips on both Forks. On the Class IV Middle Fork, look for the Tunnel Chute; the famous rapid plunges down a narrow space that local miners blasted out in the late 1800s.
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Outside magazine recommends a trip on the Upper Kern in California, 150 miles north of Los Angeles. Whitewater Voyages currently offers an adventurous one-day trip on the Class V Thunder Run skirting around boulder gardens and through large rapids like Sock’em Dog and Fender Bender. But if you haven’t worked up to Class V yet, get your hands wet on a more leisurely half- or full-day trip that features Class III and Class IV rapids.
Before you head to the rapids, you’ll need the right equipment. This site offers extensive gear reviews.
If you’re looking to take a trip through some of America’s most breathtaking scenery, try a multi-day outing with O.A.R.S., best in spring or fall.
