Best Places to Go Whitewater Rafting in the US

Whitewater rafting offers the perfect adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. This outdoor sport allows participants to view breathtaking destinations as they take an exhilarating journey through roaring waters.

If you’re interested in embarking on your own river escapade, consider visiting the best whitewater rafting locations in the U.S. for beginners and experts alike.

Snake River

Snake River in Jackson, Wyoming, is a Class III river, providing the ideal adventure for rafters looking for a challenge. This natural marvel runs through countless miles of beautiful scenery, including mountains, forests and canyons and provides views of wildlife like bison, elk, deer and even majestic bald eagles, offering the sightseeing adventure of a lifetime. 

Colorado River

The Colorado River runs more than 200 miles across northern Arizona and travels directly through the Grand Canyon, making it a two-in-one outdoor adventure destined to thrill and astonish. This famous waterway gives you a dramatic new perspective of the Grand Canyon you can’t experience on land while offering everything from calm waters to Class V rapids.

Gauley River

The Gauley River, located in West Virginia, was the impetus for East Coast whitewater rafting culture and is considered one of the best whitewater rafting adventures in the country. This river features a 25-mile stretch of rapids rated Class V and higher, more than 100 of them considered the most difficult in the United States. In addition to the rip-roaring challenge of the Gauley River, this whitewater rafting excursion also offers stunning scenery. 

Salmon River

Idaho’s Salmon River is known for its rumbling rapids and awe-inspiring scenery. This river passes through tranquil grasslands, towering canyons and mystifying forests, offering the perfect place for individuals to disconnect from civilization and become one with nature. The Salmon River also contains three sections you can choose from based on your desired trip length.

Kennebec River

You can experience raging Class III and IV rapids when you visit the Kennebec River in Maine. This river flows into the Atlantic Ocean and travels across many miles of remote wilderness. It also offers more challenging treks for thrill-seekers, including Magic Falls and the Three Sisters.

Youghiogheny River

Pennsylvania’s Youghiogheny River is considered the mid-Atlantic region’s whitewater rafting capital. This river has something for rafters of all experience levels, ranging from Class I beginner rapids to Class V+ advanced rapids. It is surrounded by vibrant forests and majestic mountains.

Arkansas River

The Arkansas River runs from Colorado to Arkansas’s Mississippi River, passing through Kansas and Oklahoma along the way. When you take the plunge through this exciting body of water, you’ll travel through a remarkable 14,000-foot glacial valley and a breathtaking 1,000-foot-deep canyon.

Rogue River

You can find some of the Pacific Northwest’s most riveting rapids in Oregon’s Rogue River. This river has varying difficulty levels ranging from the Class II Argo rapids to the Class V Blossom Bar, along with beautiful sightseeing opportunities. These include forested canyons and lots of wildlife, such as bears, herons, otters and eagles.

Nenana River

Alaska’s glacial Nenana River flows through Denali National Park, giving rafters a chance to view magnificent canyons and spot wildlife ranging from golden eagles to wild sheep. Many visitors embark on the river’s Canyon Run, an exciting day trip offered by the Denali Outdoor Center, which includes twisting Class IV rapids.

Chattooga River

The Chattooga River creates a border between Georgia and South Carolina, serving as one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the Southeast. Waters are highest when the snow melts in the spring, offering an adrenaline-filled trip across Class V rapids.

Try Whitewater Rafting on the East Coast

Every whitewater rafting adventure must eventually come to an end. When it does, you can safely dock your rafts at a sturdy, low-maintenance floating dock from EZ Dock. Our state-of-the-art docks are barefoot friendly, slip resistant and highly durable, helping them stand the test of time.

Contact us to learn more about our floating docks today!