Camping and White Water Rafting

Whitewater rafting packages vary a great deal from company to company and even on the same river. Each company puts together rafting packages that take into account the river they are on, the staff they have to run the trips and the gear they have. Some companies are better equipped than others with both personnel as well as the gear they use. You might even take the same trip from the same company with two different guides on different days and have a totally different kind of trip.

The water levels may be different and the guides could be having a great day or not so great a day. You could even find that the group you are with may make a difference as well. Some will be gung ho, while others are timid and afraid of the white water rapids.

White Water Rafting Packages are put together by these companies to maximize the experience of their customers, while keeping them safe and still making a profit for the company. This is a tough business for them and they are still dependent on the weather during the winter, the spring melt and the summer flows. All of these conditions impact the overall water flow and can make the difference between a class 2 rapids and a class 4 rapids. White water rafting companies cannot control these elements, however they do the best they can to give you a memorable experience.

White Water Rafting is for Families as well as experts.

If you are new to white water rafting and really wondering what is white water rafting and what the sport is all about, you may want to start with one of the relatively calm white water rafting packages and then progress as you find these trips interesting and exciting. Beginners can choose from camping packages and hotel packages. Most beginners will take a short half day trip to get a feel for rafting to see if they really will enjoy it. Some trips are suitable for elderly people and small children accompanied by an adult.

Discuss your trip with the local guide or representative of the rafting company. Ask all of the questions that you may have and focus on making sure that you are compatible with the trip being offered. If you cannot swim, make sure that the company is aware of this. They will not send you on a trip that is dangerous and requires that you may be able to swim out of a rapids should your raft capsize.

Typically white water rafting trips will include the following, however they do vary by location and company so be sure to review the list in detail and ask questions if you do not see what you are expecting. Some items on the list will apply to full day or over night trips and are not offered with half day trips. If in doubt always ask the organizer of the representative of the white water rafting company:

Buffet Breakfast before your trip.

A great riverside lunch complete with all the trimmings (usually applies to full day trips)

One or Two Day full day rafting trip

Complementary beverage after your trip

Delicious Gourmet Dinner. (Usually applies to overnight trips)

One or 2 nights Camping Include camping and meals or

One or 2 Nights Lodging for hotel trips

All gear is provided including life preservers, rafts, tents and food

Customers may want to bring there own sleeping bag rather than use one provided by the rafting company.

Always ask for a full list of the items provided by the company and for a recommended list of items that each person should bring along.

You should ask for a list of those things that should be left behind such as your non water proof watches and cameras, jewelry, wallets and any other items of value which might not do well in a wet environment.

Choose a white water rafting trip that makes sense for you, your family and friends and your budget. If you want the exhilarating ride of a fast rapids and the comfort of a hotel room at night, book the hotel package with meals and you will have a very exciting and comfortable vacation.

If you like to rough it, then an overnight camping trip might be the best trip for you. Camping under the stars can be a lot of fun, however the weather may not always cooperate, so be prepared for wet , cold conditions. Bring several changes of clothes that can be kept dry and ready for you after a days rafting down the river.

Finally, any trip should be fun for everyone involved. This includes white water rafting. Being prepared for your trip and making the most of it will contribute to wonderful memories that you can share with friends and family for years to come.

From half day trips for beginner rafters to multi-day trips for experts, there are lots to choose from. White water rafting in North and South America offers you the ultimate choice of whitewater rafting travel fun on over 75 rivers across the U.S., Canada and South America. We have listed some of the areas and rivers that you might consider for white water rafting trips. All offer various levels of trips from family to challenging class 4 rapids. Check with each local site for details, prices and packages.

If we have missed a river that should be on the list please add a comment to our blog with the correct information and we will be happy to add it. Note that we have not been able to verify the accuracy of each site and the rivers that provide these rapids. Please take the time to verify the skill level and the training level of the guides and the quality of the equipment used by each provider to ensure you have the best and safest trip that you can.

West Coast rafting trips:

Grand Canyon rafting

American River rafting and Kern River rafting in California

Rogue River in Oregon

Salt River rafting in Arizona

British Columbia Rafting, Canada

Rocky Mountain Region rafting trips:

Colorado River rafting in Utah

Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho

Arkansas River rafting in Colorado

Flathead River rafting (Glacier national Park) in Montana

Mid-West rafting trips:

Peshtigo and Minominee River rafting in Wisconsin

East Coast rafting trips:

Rafting West Virginia’s Gauley River

Rafting the Kennebec River in Maine

Nantahala River rafting in North Carolina’

Chatooga River rafting in Georgia and South Carolina

Rafting the Deerfield and Millers Rivers (Massachusetts),

West River (Vermont) or Housatonic River (Connecticut)

Lehigh River rafting in Pennsylvania

Rafting the Delaware River in New York and Pennsylvania

Northern Canada (multi-day expeditions)

Yukon Territory Rafting- Yukon, Wind, Snake and Firth Rivers

Northwest Territory Rafting – Nahanni, Mountain, Horton and Thelon Rivers

Nunavut Territory Rafting – Copper Mine and Burnside Rivers

Northern British Columbia Rafting – Taku and Stikine Rivers

Southern Canada (day trips, resorts and multi-day packages)

British Columbia Rafting – Thompson, Nahatlatch, Fraser and Stein Rivers

Quebec and Ontario Rafting- Ottawa River

South American White Water River Rafting

Futaleufu River Rafting (Chile)

Rio Upano River Rafting (Ecuador)

All Rivers that qualify for white water rafting are rated using roman numerals I to VI according to the International Scale of River Difficulty. Note also that a river’s level of challenge changes with fluctuations in water levels; a river rated Class IV at medium water levels might resemble a Class III river at lower water levels, while at higher levels, it might look more like a Class IV+. The rating system used in the Grand Canyon, which rates rapids 1 to 10, pre-dates the modern Class I-VI system of rating rapids. A “10″ in the Grand Canyon is comparable to a Class V rapid elsewhere.

The time of year and the seasonal snow load can have a dramatic effect on the flow of water in the river and hence the class of rapid that you may be traversing. Check for local conditions prior to booking any rafting trip. Spring water flow levels can be very different than summer flows, so it is always important to confirm the level of difficulty before you book.

Note that multi-day expeditions can have a wide variety of rapids on a single trip, from class I to class V, so check with your outfitter to get details. Most companies will require evidence of previous experience if you are planning to run Class IV rapids.

First-time and veteran rafters alike thrive on class II, III and some class IV rivers and rapids. Class V river trips–especially for paddlers–usually require two or more previous trips and previous Class IV experience. When booking your rafting trip with a Rafting America company, make sure you let the outfitter know your comfort and experience level so they can recommend the right trip for you. You may also need to be able to demonstrate that you have the stamina and the skill level to swim out of a class IV rapids in the event that the raft capsizes in one of these rapids.

CLASS I

Easy – Waves small, passages clear; no serious obstacles, perfect for all ages and abilities. No guide needed.

CLASS II

Medium – Rapids of low difficulty with passages clear. Suitable for everyone, no experience necessary. A guide is preferable for these rapids, but not required.

CLASS III

Moderate – Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies; rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring experience in maneuvering. No previous experience is necessary.

CLASS IV

Difficult – Long rapids; waves powerful, irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required. Have an experienced guide. Previous experience is helpful, but not necessary.

CLASS V

Extremely Difficult – Exceedingly difficult, long and violent rapids, following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent currents; very steep gradient. Paddlers should have prior Class IV or better whitewater experience with experienced guides who know the river.

CLASS VI

Unrunnable! Just like it says – Don’t even think about it! These constitute waterfalls and other death-traps that should not be attempted.

White water companies all over America offer paddlers – from beginners to experts – top quality half to multi-day whitewater rafting trips on the most popular rivers in North America and South America. Go with companies that have at least 15 years of professional guiding experience, and have a safely record that they proudly advertise. Check out their record before going on any trip. You can verify the level of experience and their safety record to make your own decision regarding whether you want to use one company or another.

If you are planning a trip that is a class 3 or 4 rapids, then you will want to seriously verify that the whitewater rafting company has the credentials to offer a safe environment for the rafters and have taken all of the precautions they can to ensure your safety. What is the experience level of the guides? How many times have they gone down the river and on these particular rapids? How many times have they had to bail out of the rafts to rescue someone? Has anyone had any serious injuries? What equipment do they have and in what condition is it.

If you are planning a class 3 or 4 rapid adventure, then you have already gone on several trips and know what questions to ask and what the answers should be. The bottom line is if you are uncomfortable about a specific river or rafting company then go to another. After all it is your life you are dealing with and you looking for a fun trip!

There are lots of other trips that less experienced people can go on and have a great time. We will review a few of these trip types to help you decide on what is right for you. Most rafting companies over the Americas offer all types of trips and you will need to check with them for schedules as well as fee’s etc. Not all white water trips are the same, so always ask lots of questions and make sure you fully understand what you are getting into before you sign up. Often the best approach to follow is to ask someone who has recently gone on a trip you are considering. Word of mouth and a report from a fellow traveler can be sometimes much better than a sales pitch you get from a rafting company that is trying to sell a ticket.

Where do you want to go rafting?

If you are lucky enough to live in an area were white water rafting is offered then start with a local company. It is much easier to obtain comments from other customers and you do not need to make extensive travel arrangements. If there are no white water rafting trips offered near you, do some research online and then build your trip into a mini vacation that you and the family or friends can go on.

There are whitewater adventure tours offered in most mountainous states, provinces and in various countries in both North and South America. Always go with a reputable company!

First time white water rafting?

If this is a first time for rafting you probably want to consider a class 2 white water rapids. Some companies may try to sell you a class 3 trip and you will probably be ok on one of these trips, however if you’re the timid type definitely stay with a class 2 trip. The rapids are less challenging and the probability of being thrown out of the raft is much less. You may not get the excitement you are looking for, but that is ok for a first time. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and learn.

For those athletic types who want to try the most challenging rapids, you need to gain experience before trying anything really difficult. Don’t let ego and excitement get in the way of safety. Build up your experience and then take on the more challenging rapids. This is definitely true for class 4 rapids were you need to be able to show experience, you need to be able to swim and you need to be able to show that you are fit.

Family Rafting

Family rafting trips can be the most fun of all. There is nothing better than having the kids and even the grandparents on a white water trip. Of course you will stick to class 1 or 2 rapids. You will learn to paddle and there will be time to enjoy the scenery along the trip. These white water trips are designed with the family in mind.

For Groups: Whitewater Rafting Trips

Most white water rafting companies will offer group rates for those people who can get a large group together either from the office or from your local community.  Check with your local company for rates and stick with a class 1 or 2 rapids since you may have a collection of experienced and 1^st timers on the trip.

For White Water Aficionados

There are a group of people who have set the challenge for themselves to try all of the most challenging rapids across the country. Most companies offer class 4 white water rapids trips and you will need to satisfy them that you have the experience as well that you are fit enough to go on the trip. They may ask you to demonstrate that you can swim out of a set of rapids and that you have the stamina to deal with any emergency that might come up. Remember they are guides and are trained to navigate these waters, but at the same time they do not want to put themselves into needless jeopardy by taking someone along who cannot look after themselves in the first few minutes when a raft over turns.

There are trips for everyone at all levels of experience and also fitness. Make sure you select a white water rafting trip that matches your skill level, your stamina level and also the level of challenge you wish to endure. No need to waste a trip on something that literally scares you out of your wits. This is supposed to be challenging and fun!

If you are considering a first time white water rafting experience and wondering if it is right for you, we may be able to address some of your questions. Most rafting companies show pictures of extreme white water with lots of waves and foam, rafts careening down rivers which for non rafters it is an experience that looks quite challenging and perhaps scary at the same time.

This type of advertising appeals to many people looking for excitement, but may scare others away. If you are a concerned about the safety issues or perhaps cannot swim, then you may be initially afraid to try one of these white water rafting trips based on the pictures alone. Sometimes the white water rafting companies might be better served by showing less challenging pictures that might not appeal to more experienced rafters, but that may be attractive to people who are considering rafting for the first time.

A list of frequently asked questions follows. We have tried to answer them as carefully as possible, however as always, before trying something yourself, always verify safety claims and verify the type of trip with the operator prior to paying for your white water rafting trips.

Is rafting dangerous?

Like any sport, white water rafting can be dangerous if you do not follow proper procedures, match your sport to your skill level and do not wear proper safety gear. If you wear flotation jackets, helmets , go with skilled white water rafting guides who use the latest and well maintained equipment, then it is perfectly safe. Additionally you will want to match your first trip with your skill level. If you have not gone white water rafting before, then going on a class 1 or 2 river is probably a good idea to give you a feel for what to expect. Generally these are very safe, yet will provide a level of enjoyment to most people that they will remember for a life time.

I can’t swim. Can I still go rafting?

All rapids are graded in terms of complexity. Some of the higher level rapids will require you to pass a physical and also swimming test. Lower grade rapids do not need or require rafters to swim. All rafting participants must wear a life preserver to protect them, and help them float if the raft should capsize.  These lower level rapids are not overly dangerous and even if you cannot swim, your life preserver will help you float until you can get to shore or are picked up.

How fit should I be to go rafting? Is it strenuous?

Again, higher rated rapids will require a level of fitness that is above the normal person’s fitness level. The lower level rapids do not require a great deal of physical activity. Your guide will do most of the work steering the raft through the rapids that you encounter.

What should I wear on the river?

It really depends on the time of the year. Since the best rapids are usually in the spring, the water is cold and the weather can also be quite variable as you run down the river. Obviously you should leave anything valuable behind and have a set of warm dry clothing waiting for you at the end of the white water rafting ride.

I’ve never been before. Which trips are best for me?

Most rafting companies will claim that rapids rated from one to three can be handled by just about everyone. However if you are a first timer, a bit older or quite young you may want to try one of the easier trips before moving onto a more challenging set of rapids. Your guide and the rafting company can also help you with selecting the right trip.

I have a family with young children. Can they go rafting?

Young children can go on rafting trips provided that they are accompanied by a responsible adult and they are limited to trips that are less challenging. Again your guides and rafting company can tell you if the rapids they offer are calm enough for small children.

Some additional information which may help you make a decision regarding who you go rafting with and who you take along with you.

Rafting trips often create lifelong memories for our guests and offer you a unique rafting vacation experience. When you choose a rafting trip for your vacation, you will discover a unique sense of “escape”, removing you from civilization for a bit. Absorb amazing scenery as you float through each rapid amidst rushing whitewater – learn new paddle commands in a “no worries” environment – discover how to paddle together as a team forming new bonds between family and friends and completely relax to the soft sounds of the river lapping at the side of your raft.

It Is important that you go with another person that you can share the memories with. Yes the trip will be exciting and yes you will be able to describe what it is like to those who have not gone on any of these trips. But if you have not experienced it yourself, then you really cannot fully appreciate the white water trip you went on. Only those you share the experience with can actually appreciate the experience. You will many conversations about various aspects that each of you saw and felt. In fact it is impossible to take it all in by yourself. Your friends will see things that you do not and vice versa. Share your experience with a friend.

In southern Nevada the only white water rafting you are going to be able to do is in one of the theme parks located in Las Vegas. The middle of the desert does not provide many opportunities for white water enthusiasts to pursue one of their favorite sports.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the largest major city in the state of Nevada and can be found near the southern end of the state. There are no rivers in the area. White water rafting enthusiasts will have to look to other locations and venues to get their thrills. Neighboring Utah and Arizona offer significant and exciting white water opportunities down the Colorado river and a number of other rivers that can be found in the area.

In the city of Las Vegas there are several water parks for the kids to try out high slides and make believe white water rapids, but that is about it. Adults will have to resolve themselves to enjoying some of the top line entertainment and fine food in many of the 5 star restaurants. Take in some of the best casinos in the country and relax and enjoy yourself around the pool.

Laughlin

Laughlin is at the southern tip of Nevada and also is in the middle of the desert with no discernible white water rafting in the area. However the city of Laughlin is actually on the border of Nevada and Arizona and is separated by the fast running Colorado river. The picture to the left is taken from the banks of the Colorado on the Arizona side looking towards the Colorado Belle, one of the Casinos located along the river  in Laughlin, Nevada.

In this area, the river is not really suitable for white water rafting. The Colorado runs deep, wide and fast on its way towards the Pacific Ocean. Across the river from Lauglin is the city of Bullhead  in Arizona with many housing and condo developments along the river and further in land from the river. This section of the river is down stream from the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.

Recreational activities include boating and fishing as well as tour boat operators plying the river. Lake Havasu is further up river were the London bridge is and another recreational area.

Reno

Reno offers a small white water park  that many tourists can try out.  The Truckee River Whitewater Park is located in the heart of Reno’s bustling downtown hotel-casino and booming arts district. With 11 drop water pools and 2600 feet in length it is ideal for kayaks  who can enter the river at many different locations. Over 7000 tons of smooth rocks have been added along the river and there are may deep pools that are populated with trout. Suitable for kayaks, canoes and inner tubes, this smaller white water rafting location is  considered a class 2 or 3 course.

Lake Mead

Lake Mead was created by the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930′s. Since that time, the dam has also been the main route south from Las Vegas towards Kingman and Flagstaff , Arizona. This is an aerial view of the lake from plane flying into Las Vegas.

The road ran along the top of the dam and only recently has there been concern about security. Since 911, the state has decided to build abridge across the Colorado, just south of the dam and block all traffic from crossing the dam.

They are so concerned and so dependent on electricity as well as water generated by the dam that they are spending many millions of dollars building a new road and bridge across the river.

Lake Mead offers a great deal of recreational activity , however again this is in the middle of the desert with no white water rafting in the area.

Grand Canyon

The Grand canyon is about 5 hours drive to the south rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. You cannot gain access to the Colorado river at this point unless you are prepared to hike all day down to the river and then spend the night camping along the river before you hike back up the next day. This is a one mile elevation hike, so you need to be ready and in good shape if you plan to do this hike.

There are white water rafting trips available in Arizona and Utah with access to the Grand Canyon, however they are quite a long way from Las Vegas, Nevada or from the Hoover Dam in Nevada. Still visiting the Grand Canyon as a hiker is a fantastic experience which everyone should experience.

White water river safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind whether your taking a ride on a canoe through a small set of rapids that is labeled as a beginner set of rapids to the much more dangerous class 4 type rapids that only an expert should consider. Accidents happen and if you are well prepared, then you can deal with them easily and avoid anything serious. We will try to cover some of the essentials that you need to know before you go on your first white water rafting trip.

Always check with your guide and also use your own common sense as well to make sure that you can easily get out of any situation that might occur. Matching skill levels to the rapids is probably one of the most important areas to pay attention to. Some agencies will even have you conduct swimming tests to verify that you can swim and that you have the stamina to deal with a whitewater situation that goes bad. Pay attention , they know what they are doing.

Some Guidelines

Research - Regardless of your skill level and the river advertisement, do some research about the water you will be on and assess based on the time of year as well as current conditions if it is something you can handle. Rivers change all the time based on local storms, time of year and even water release schedules from upstream dams.

Safety Gear - Either bring a safety jacket or make sure you are given one by the tour operator. Also wear a helmet to protect your head from rocks in case you are thrown out of the raft.

Water Tight Package - Especially required for overnight trips and even some half day trips, a water tight package with dry clothes, duct tape for sealing your package, rubbing alcohol for disinfecting wounds and a fire starter in case you are stranded and need to make a fire. The water tight package should be of strong plastic material and sealed so that water cannot get in even if it is submerged for some time.

Other Items - these items need to be kept together and it does not matter if they get wet. A camp stove, a small pot for cooking and boiling water, some thin rope that can be used for many things, and a signaling mirror.

Features of a White Water River

Eddies – form just behind large rocks or obstructions in the river. The water is moving slowly in these eddies or may even move backwards. If you need a rest they can be good places to get into in the middle of a rapid.

Humps and Holes

A hump in the river is were the water is flowing over a large rock at a very fast rate of speed. Depending on the overall flow the water over this rock can also be shallow which can scrape the bottom of a canoe or raft. The water flowing over this rock or hump then drops into a deep hole in the river taking everything with it including your raft. If you do get stuck in one of these , keep paddling until you get out and do not panic.  Most times you will pop up after being sucked in a few yards downstream. Keep paddling.  Always try to avoid holes and go around them. Occasionally you will get stuck in one or you will be tossed out of your raft and will need to swim out of them.

Chutes

Chutes are a set of V pointed waves pointing downstream and the best way is to ride the tops of the V shaped rapids . Sometimes you may not see the V’s of the chute until you are on top of them or even down stream from them. Your guide will have navigated these many times and will steer you in the right direction.

Standing waves

Usually are indicated by deeper water although if there are rocks they will interrupt the flow of water so you need to watch for them.

White Water Rafting Tour guides

Most people will sign up with a white water rafting company for their first ride through the rapids . The tour company should have experts on staff and well maintained equipment. You can evaluate the quality of the company, by assessing the equipment, how it is maintained and the training the guides are required to take.

Have them explain how they will handle emergencies, can they do CPR, what rescue equipment do they have and how often has each guide run this particular stretch of river? Use your common sense to assess whether you feel safe with the company you are signing onto.

If you are wondering about white water rafting, how safe is it and what services you are provided with, you have arrived at the right web site. We will be adding a great deal of information and links to various sites that provide white water rafting across the country.

Whitewater Rafting trips can be great fun and provide lots of excitement, however it is always a good idea to practice safe rafting and to choose wisely when you are about to go on a whitewater rafting trip for the first time. Always confirm the experience of the guide that will take you down the river. They should be well trained and have completed many trips successfully. The best way to know is through referrals to ensure that you go with a whitewater rafting company that you know or has been recommended.

Always wear life jackets and pay attention to your guide. They have the experience and will tell you when to paddle when to hold on etc. Never drink alcohol prior to going on a rafting whitewater trip. Reaction time and judgment are never as good as they are once you have had a drink or two.

Almost every state in the nation offers whitewater rafting trips through many rapids. Usually they offer half day trips as well as full day trips that include lunch cooked over a fire for you to enjoy in the great outdoors. A few whitewater rafting trips also have overnight excursions. You will need to inquire what equipment you need to bring with you. Above all bring several changes of clothes, because you will get wet!

The spring whitewater rafting trips usually bring fast high water for great whitewater rafting, summer months are slower and the fall often has more rain which means again fast rolling water. Some locations are below dams which  regulate the water outflow ensuring a steady water flow all year round.

White Water Rafting Packages

If you are new to white water rafting and really wondering what is white water rafting and what the sport is all about, you may want to start with one of the relatively calm white water rafting packages and then progress as you find these trips interesting and exciting. Beginners can choose from camping packages and hotel packages.

Typically white water rafting trips will include, (however they do vary by location and company) :

Select the Right White Water Rafting Package

Choose a white water rafting trip that makes sense for you, your family and friends and your budget. If you want the exhilarating ride of a fast rapids and the comfort of a hotel room at night, book the hotel package with meals and you will have a very exciting and comfortable vacation.