6 scenic white-water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
Have a rip-roaring time on the water


Not much can rival the thrill of white-water rafting. Every run is an adventure, with the spray hitting your face as you whoosh down the river, the scenery streaking by. All rafters have to start somewhere, and beginners can hit the Class I rapids, which are gentler and have minimal obstacles, while seasoned pros tackle the most challenging Class V rapids. These six rivers are perfect for any rafting escapade.
Rogue River in Oregon
Rafting down the Rogue Wild and Scenic River is a fantastic way to spend a day in southern Oregon
Let the Rogue Wild and Scenic River sweep you through some of southern Oregon's most beautiful landscapes. The trek passes by high cliffs, mountain creeks, wildflowers and Rainie Falls and includes an adrenaline-filled experience at Blossom Bar. This is the only Class IV rapid on this stretch of the Rogue River and gets its name from the flowers that bloom in the area every spring.
Snake River in Wyoming
White-water rafters face the Lunch Counter rapids on the Snake River
Rafting down the Snake River allows you to see parts of Wyoming only visible from the water, with the added excitement of Class II and III rapids. Start your trip near Jackson to go through the Snake River Canyon and hit the famous Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter rapids. If time allows, plan a separate floating trip in Grand Teton National Park. Parts of the Snake River meander through the park, offering stunning scenes of the Tetons and wildlife.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Kennebec River in Maine
White-water rafting is better with friends
This is what people mean when they say "the great outdoors." The Kennebec River winds through pristine wilderness, and it is not unusual to see a bald eagle soaring above the water. Begin your journey below the Harris Station hydroelectric dam, and prepare for mile after exhilarating mile in Class II-IV rapids. Those up for the challenge can plan their excursion around huge water releases from the dam.
Middle Fork Salmon River in Idaho
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River offers some of the best white-water rafting in Idaho
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River offers a classic white-water rafting experience. The river stretches 97 miles, cutting through Idaho's backcountry and providing phenomenal views of untouched wilderness. Consider a multi-day rafting trip so you can stop and camp on the beaches, enjoy the natural hot springs and spend time wildlife watching.
Gauley River in West Virginia
For white-water rafting in West Virginia, nothing beats the Gauley River
Choose your own adventure on the Gauley River. There are two sections: the Lower Gauley with Class II to IV rapids (great for rafters with some experience under their belt) and the Upper Gauley with five Class V rapids (leave this for the experts). No two runs are the same, but you can always expect to have a raucous time tumbling and crashing through the waves. Rafting season at Gauley River National Recreation Area begins Labor Day weekend and continues for the subsequent six weekends.
Gunnison River in Colorado
The Gunnison River flows through beautiful Colorado scenery
For a not-so-wild ride, consider rafting the Gunnison River from Almont down to Gunnison. The rapids are Class I and II and offer a classic experience through lovely mountain scenery. If you also enjoy kayaking, check out the Gunnison Whitewater Park. Rocks and boulders have been placed strategically in the water to create rapids where visitors can fine tune their maneuvering skills.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
America's favorite fast food restaurants
The Explainer There are different ways of thinking about how Americans define how they most like to spend their money on burgers, tacos and fried chicken
-
Law: The battle over birthright citizenship
Feature Trump shifts his focus to nationwide injunctions after federal judges block his attempt to end birthright citizenship
-
The threat to the NIH
Feature The Trump administration plans drastic cuts to medical research. What are the ramifications?
-
America's favorite fast food restaurants
The Explainer There are different ways of thinking about how Americans define how they most like to spend their money on burgers, tacos and fried chicken
-
Beauty is a bed away at these 7 fashionable hotels
The Week Recommends Make these hotels in Macau, Italy and Washington, D.C., your personal runway
-
Your inner romper is going to wild out at these 7 adult summer camps
The Week Recommends You're never too old to go back to camp
-
5 of the best shows currently playing on Broadway
the week recommends It's a very good season for theater in New York City
-
Bring the great outdoors inside with these 8 sublime cabins deep in nature
The Week Recommends Enjoy nature without having to sleep in it
-
The ins and outs of experiencing the best of travel by Amtrak
The Week Recommends The journey is slower, but the scenery is stunning
-
Get a taste of place at these regional US restaurant chains
The Week Recommends Eat where the locals do
-
8 gifts for the host who does the most
The Week Recommends Show your appreciation with a thoughtful present