WHITEWATER RAFTING
.......Across the U.S., spring is the time of snowmelt and high river levels. There’s whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canoeing from Vermont to California, from Washington to West Virginia.
Photo © Kenneth & Francesca Hulick
.......For the serious enthusiast who doesn’t have the time or inclination to master a demanding and sometimes dangerous sport, guided rafting is the only way to go. Reputable whitewater rafting outfitters across the country offer trips from mild to wild. The water may be cold, but the fun is hot.
.......In general, the rivers of the west are bigger but with fewer obstacles – the challenges are mostly the large-volume river flows, cold water, and sometimes long shuttle drives (but the outfitter will take care of most of that). The west is also the place for multi-day trips (although day trips are also offered). In the east, the rivers are smaller and more “technical” – river speak for rockier and with more maneuvering necessary – and one-day trips are the most common.
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.......The river running season typically begins in April and runs through July (depending on location). High water, and high season, is May and June. By summer, river levels begin to drop, and although the “challenge” of big rapids may diminish, the fun remains – and the surrounding countryside is greener and more inviting for off-river activities.
.......Whitewater rafting can be found wherever there are rivers flowing from the mountains. In the west, the top states are California, Idaho, and Colorado. There are also wonderful rivers in Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon. In the east, all of New England is prime, from Maine to New York. Farther south, look for whitewater outfitters in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, and other states which have rivers draining off the Appalachian Mountains.
.......The true “big guns” of multi-day whitewater rafting trips are out west – the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho, and the Green River in Utah.
.......If we were to list our favorite one-day river trips, we’d run out of space in this article. Our suggestion is to consider a day trip on a whitewater river if there is such an option when you’re visiting a region. The outfitter will give you details, but wear swimsuits, old running shoes (no socks) and synthetic or fleece clothing. Outfitters will provide all the safety equipment (life jackets, etc.) and usually lunch or a snack and drinks. Most popular rivers have several outfitters, offering a variety of trips in length and difficulty. If you just want a ride, opt for an “oar boat.” If you’d like to get a feel for what’s really going on with the river, select a “paddle boat” trip. Whatever you do, enjoy the journey.
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