Popular Rafting Destinations - Idaho River Rafting
When it comes to Whitewater Rafting, Idaho is probably the biggest name in America. Idaho River Rafting offers exciting whitewater adventures against a backdrop of lush forests, sandy beaches, and alpine forested canyons.
Idaho is famous for its rivers ranging from Class III to Class V, based on the International Scale of River Difficulty. These require rafters to have, at the least, experienced paddling skills and at the most, advanced whitewater experience which includes precise maneuvering in large waves, hazardous rocks and large drops. (Though there are six classes on the scale of river difficulty, the 6th class is considered not navigable, making Class V the most difficult type in any whitewater activity.)
Idaho has three main routes for Whitewater Rafting; the Main Salmon River, Middle Fork Salmon River, and the famous Hells Canyon Snake River.
Main Salmon River is the ultimate favorite during family vacations. Fondly called as “The River of No Return”, it goes through the Frank Church Wilderness - more than 2 million acres of abundant forest. You may need five days to journey the river. Riding the Main Salmon will put you though rapids such as the Salmon Falls, Big Mallard and the Growler and a good 80 miles of raft navigation through sandy beaches and heavily forested canyons.
Middle Fork of the Idaho Salmon River is one of the best in America. It includes 100 miles of over 100 rapids, beginning with a deceiving small mountain stream. Because of these endless rapids, it could take four to six days to ride Middle Fork.
Snake River is considered the most powerful whitewater in the Northwest that has the deepest gorge in North America. It stretches some 32 miles of gushing whitewater with its four well-known major rapids - Wild Sheep, Granite Creek, Waterspout and Rush Creek. The true highlight of Snake River is its famous 7800-feet gorge. The shortest yet most thrill-packed among Idaho’s rivers (it could take at least four days to ride Snake River), this river promises one heart-pumping ride that would satisfy even the most daring rafter’s thirst for adventure.
First time rafters need not be intimidated by these river menaces. Other “milder” routes are also offered, perfect for neophyte and Family Rafting.
River Rafting in Idaho doesn’t end with the river wrestle. Whitewater adventurers could end their day with a swim in the clear river pools or a trek down the rich wilderness. At the end of a Rafting day, you would also enjoy setting up on the riverside which gives you a full view of spectacular canyons and settlers’ homesteads built in the 1800s.
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