Before you decide to experience one of the best rivers for whitewater rafting, try and match your destination with your budget, interests, and skill-level. Don’t let your enthusiasm put you at risk for an extreme rafting experience that you really aren’t ready for and that might sour you on this exciting sport. Here’s DCH Freehold Toyota‘s guide to some of the best North and South American rivers for whitewater rafting for different skill levels, both in the United States and abroad.
Whitewater rafting in the United States
- Alaska: Where the borders of Alaska and Canada meet on the Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers, glaciers and icebergs add an added thrill to this superb whitewater rafting adventure. Rafters often spot an abundance of wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and wild salmon in this untouched world of the great outdoors.
- Colorado: The Arkansas River Valley area, from Pine Creek down through Royal Gorge, offers renowned whitewater rafting opportunities. While a variety of rafting tour activities are available, it’s the Upper Animas out of Silverton where serious whitewater rafters seek out miles of nonstop Class IV and V rapids.
- Idaho: The Middle Fork and Salmon Rivers in Idaho are some of the most popular whitewater rafting expeditions in the lower 48 states. You’ll find Class IV rapids, lush alpine scenery, and all the wildlife surprises one might expect when rafting through a true wilderness area.
- Utah: The Colorado River offers several outstanding whitewater experiences, but one of the best is a 46-mile cluster of rapids called Cataract Canyon Big Drop Falls located in Canyonlands National Park in Southern Utah. When the river is high, the rapids unite to form one massive whitewater rapid.
- West Virginia: There are a variety of whitewater activities to be found in West Virginia, but it’s the Upper Gauley River that is known as one of the most difficult rivers to raft in the world. With narrow chutes and high–speed rapids, the Upper Gauley has earned a legendary reputation because of its “Big Five” individual Class V, hair-raising rapids.
Whitewater rafting in North and South America
- Canada: You’ll need a float plane to access the Magpie River for a whitewater rafting trip you’ll never forget. Winding through deep wilderness forests of Quebec province, the rapids grow increasingly difficult until you reach a Class V challenge downriver from the amazing Magpie Falls. Expect to camp on river islands and maybe even spot the Northern Lights.
- Chile: The Futaleufú River in Chile is formed by glacier-fed lakes high in the Andes of Patagonia. Alpine grandeur and outstanding whitewater rafting in Chile offers something for everyone. Parts of the river are appropriate for novice rafters, while experts seek the challenges of Class V rapids for an exhilarating challenge.
- Ecuador: Visualize a rain forest, colorful toucan birds, and palm-thatched roofs of the Shuar people’s village. All share space along the Rio Upano River. Whitewater adventures begin on the far western fringe of the Amazon Basin. Rafters meander along gentle rapids that culminate into turbulent rides through areas like the Namangosa Gorge, which features Class IV rapids and countless waterfalls.
