As an outdoors fanatic, I feel there is nothing comparable to rafting down whitewater rapids. Floating on a clam river is one thing, but raging through rapids is another ballpark. Luckily, there are so many rivers across our beautiful nation with exquisite whitewater sections for all to enjoy. With this article, I would like to give you my opinion on what the 10 best rivers are in the United States to raft. If you can only raft down one or two of these gorgeous watercourses, you can visit the best of the best.
10. Snake River/Jackson Hole
The Snake River is Wyoming’s finest river. Lasting 1,078 miles, it offers a wonderful opportunity for the family to raft, as it offers calm runs and Class Four rapids in and around the Jackson Hole area. You will be able to see wildlife at its finest, from bald eagles to buffalos. Also, you will see the beautiful Rocky Mountains throughout the day.
9. Rio Grande
Much like the Colorado River, the Rio Grande flows from Colorado to Mexico, and spans 1,400 miles. The best part to raft starts in Los Rios and ends in Racecourse. The total trip is three days, and offers panoramic views of the Wild West.
8. Nenana River
If you are ever in Alaska, you will love the Nenana River. Flowing for 140 miles, the Nenana borders the beautiful Denali National Park. The Upper Nenana is much calmer than the Lower Nenana, which is mostly Class Four rapids.
7. New River
The New River is a 360-mile favorite amongst West Virginians. The physical river course lasts 53 miles, and flows through the “Grand Canyon of the East.” It includes great rapids ranging from Class Three to Five. The perfect time to raft down this river is in October.
6. Tuolumne River
Starting from Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne runs for 27 miles. The Tuolumne is fantastic for its scenery alone, but also includes Class Four and Five rapids along the river. If you would like to learn more about Yosemite, please read “Yosemite National Park: The Greatest of the Great." It includes many day-filling activities for you and your family.
5. Chattooga River
Being South Carolina’s most famous river, Chattooga is 57 miles long. The infamous river scenes from the movie “Deliverance” were filmed on this river. If you would like to truly experience the rafting experience, you should raft down sections three and four, which is 14 miles long together. Section three contains class rapids of two, three, and four. Picking up the pace, section four has five separate, difficult seven-foot drops one after another.
4. Salmon River
The Salmon River is simply stunning. The majority of the river lies in Idaho. Known as the River of No Return, the Salmon River is hairy. The best part of the river is the Middle Fork, in Idaho, and it runs 104 miles. There are over a hundred rapids, primarily Classes Three and Four. On the river, you will see beautiful grasslands and granite canyons.
3. Colorado River
Most famous for forming the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River runs from northern Colorado to California and Mexico. The best part to raft is through the Grand Canyon from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek, a total of 226 river miles. Typically, the full trip lasts 18 days. The most spectacular sights can be seen within the canyon. The tour involves camping every night, and does not include difficult rapids. As a result, this river is perfect for the family.
2. Ocoee River
The first river I ever rafted was the Ocoee, and I hold it close to my heart. It is most famous for serving as the river for canoe shalom racing in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. The river is found in Tennessee, and is divided into two parts: the Upper Ocoee and Lower Ocoee. If you are more experienced in rafting, you should raft down both the Upper and Lower Ocoee. The Upper Ocoee is six miles long, and offers Class Five rapids, large drops and strong hydraulics. This part of the river was used for the Olympics, and is very dangerous. The Lower Ocoee contains Class Two through Four rapids on a five-mile stretch. My favorite part of the river is Hell’s Hole on the Lower Ocoee. It is the biggest wave and hydraulic on the whole river. Now, if you are not an experienced rafter, the Lower Ocoee is perfect for you.
1. Gauley River
Located in West Virginia, the Gauley is one of the most challenging rivers in the U.S. The course is a little over 35 miles in length, and offers dozens of Class Five and Six rapids. In fact, there are hundreds of rapids on the way. The most notable rapids are Insignificant, Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, Iron Ring and Sweet’s Falls, all of which are Class Five. On the river, you will pass through stunning gorges and valleys. Be warned, this is one of the most, if not the most, dangerous and technical rivers in the nation.
