Experiences.com » Water

White Water Rafting with Canadian Rockies Rafting and Adventure Centre

Kelsey_L — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:41:30 +0000

Special thanks to Erica from Canadian Rockies Rafting & Adventure Centre for this informative interview on white water rafting in Canada

Experiences.com: Many people may not know enough to judge or care about the quality of your equipment. Tell us about your equipment and why it matters.

Equipment is the foundation of any rafting trip. As white water rafting does have a risk element to it, using quality and up to date equipment is of utmost importance. Each guide is equipped with safety gear that they take with them in the raft, and each client is attired in a wet suit, life jacket, river boots, spray jacket and helmet.

Experiences.com: What are the project dates for Canadian Rockies Rafting & Adventure Centre white water rafting season?

Our rafting season runs from April to October on the Kananaskis River, and the Kicking Horse River and Bow River Horse Shoe Canyon run mid-May to beginning of September.

Experiences.com: What class rapids does your company run?

Kananaskis River: Class 2 and 3
Bow River Horseshoe Canyon: Class 3 and 4
Kicking Horse River: Class 3 and 4
Bow River Nature Float: Class 1

Describe your most popular family rafting experience.

Families with younger children love the Kananaskis River, as we can take ages 5 and up on that river. It gives kids a great introduction to adventure sport, and is a fun family bonding experience.

Experiences.com: Describe your most challenging rafting experience.

The Kicking Horse River is a legend in itself. Our guides who work on the Kicking Horse travel from all over the world for a chance to get on this river. With the longest class 4 section of rapids of any river in the area, the Kicking Horse is a thrill seekers dream. Departures from Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise every day.

Photo credit: Canadian Rockies Rafting and Adventure Centre

Experiences.com: What water sports or outdoor activities do you offer?

Beyond white water rafting, we also have our Nature Float to enjoy the wildlife and scenery of the Canadian Rockies. For those looking for white water adventure outside of the raft, we offer river boarding trips which gets you right into the meat of the rapid! We also book for all other adventures in the area including caving, horse back riding, heli-tours, quad tours and ice walks.

Experiences.com: Do you offer any unique adventures, or package deals?

We offer package deals with hotels, and as well deals with rafting and other adventure sports, for example we have a package with a helicopter ride, a quad tour and rafting on the Kananaskis River.

Experiences.com: Describe a particular memorable rafting experience.

Having people come back for bigger white water after going rafting for the first time is always great, because you know that you have helped to introduce them to something that they will continue to strive to experience for years to come.

Experiences.com: What are some favorite vistas or views on your routes?

The Horseshoe Canyon has been the filming site of many famous movies including ‘Legends of the Fall’ and ‘Brokeback Mountain’. Beyond the naturally beautiful scenery along this river, people can also identify certain locations with scenes from these films.

Experiences.com: I’m anxious or hesitant to experience rafting rapids. What can you say to help calm my fears or concerns?

All of our raft guides are highly trained to deal with any situation that could possibly occur while rafting, and before you start on your trip we go over all the safety guidelines and deal with any concerns that clients may have.

Experiences.com: Please describe your view on the experience of White Water Rafting.

White Water Rafting opens the door to the world of adventure sport for those who have never tried it, and gives experienced thrill seekers a great ride and a chance to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Gauley River West Virginia White Water Rafting with ACE Adventure Resort

Kelsey_L — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:14:24 +0000

Special thanks to Scott Perdue from ACE Adventure Resort for completing this informative interview

Experiences.com: Many people may not know enough to judge or care about the quality of your equipment. Tell us about your equipment and why it matters.

At ACE Adventure Resort, our equipment is top of the line. Our whitewater rafting trips have three raft sizes available. A 16-foot eight person raft. A 14-foot six person raft. And a 12-foot four-man raft. Different rafts sizes are more appropriate on certain trips and our guides and adventure consultants make sure you are on the right trip for your skill level. ACE pioneered the 14-foot raft self-bailing raft. It is our most popular choice and maximizes the fun and gives the guides an ease of control.

Experiences.com: What are the project dates for ACE Adventure Resort white water rafting season?

Gauley Season Opening Day is Friday September 10, 2010. Rafting days coincide with the Army Corps of Engineer’s release dates. The last day of Gauley Season is Sunday October 18, 2010.

Experiences.com: What class rapids does your company run?

Gauley Season has the best whitewater all year. Rapids range from Class III – V+ on the 23-miles of churning Gauley hydraulics.

Experiences.com: Describe your most popular family rafting experience.

During fall Gauley season, the perfect trip from beginners and families would be on the Lower Gauley River. Often considered a stepping stone to the Upper Gauley, it is by no means tame. This trip combines spectacular scenery with amazing whitewater excitement. This is our most challenging trip recommended for first-timers and has a minimum age of 12 to give our younger enthusiasts a crack at that Gauley adrenaline.

Photo credit: ACE Adventure Resort

Experiences.com: Describe your most challenging rafting experience.

The Upper Gauley River is legendary. It is not nicknamed “The Beast of the East” for nothing. As the Summersville Dam releases thousands of gallons of fresh whitewater, the Upper Gauley delivers the trip of a lifetime. Non-stop action and Class V rapids make this trip truly world class. High intensity levels with over 60 rapids ranging from Class III-V+ make this a must for the serious adventure junkie.

Experiences.com: What water sports or outdoor activities do you offer?

ACE Adventure Resort is West Virginia’s largest adventure resort featuring whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers, rock climbing and kayak instruction, on-site stables, mountain bike rentals and tours, zip-line canopy tour, paintball deluxe lodging, a trail system throughout our 1500-acres connecting with the New River Gorge National River, southern West Virginia’s largest campground, an Outfitter’s Shop, and a full complement of corporate training/leadership development programs utilizing an Alpine Tower, high and low initiatives, and mud obstacle course.

Experiences.com: Do you offer any unique adventures, or package deals?

Triple Play Whitewater Weekend: This package is for the gung-ho adventurer in all of us. Three trips in three days gives you a comprehensive view of what makes ACE Adventure Resort tick. Start out on the Lower New River, the “Grand Canyon of the East,” for great rapids and amazing scenery. On day two, the Lower Gauley guarantees dozens of rapids and continuous whitewater. We save the best for last on day three with the Upper Gauley “Beast of the East.” Big water and Class V+ rapids bring your adventure to an unforgettable crescendo.

Reverse Riverside Overnight: ACE’s Reverse Riverside Overnight is the perfect way to experience the Gauley River and get away from it all. Begin your adventure on the giant wave-trains on the Lower Gauley. You will camp that night at ACE’s private camp site and enjoy a delicious campfire dinner – grilled nachos, steaks and s’mores . Wake up the next morning to a great breakfast and hit the water to conquer the Upper Gauley.

Experiences.com: Describe a particular memorable rafting experience.

Every guest at ACE Adventure Resort would have a different answer. A family might want a more leisurely trip for their photo album while Gauley guests crave the non-stop action of the Class V+ rapids. At ACE, we are in the business of making memories and work to make sure every guest gets their ideal vacation.

Experiences.com: What are some favorite vistas or views on your routes?

By far, it would be Sweet’s Falls, ACE’s private lunch site. All of our guests enjoy a hot-grilled lunch while watching other rafts go over the 14-foot waterfall. Take a front row seat for some true Gauley theatre.

Experiences.com: I’m anxious or hesitant to experience rafting rapids. What can you say to help calm my fears or concerns?

Honestly, we have the best guides in the business. They really take an interest in their guests to determine the type of trip they want.

Experiences.com: Please describe your view on the experience of White Water Rafting.

ACE’s whitewater rafting is an experiential activity for everyone. For young and old, extreme to serene, ACE has a trip for every guest. From the quiet water on the Upper New River to the pulse pounding Upper Gauley River, ACE ‘s central location makes it convenient for everyone to get back to nature and have the experience of a lifetime.

Poconos Rafting with Pocono Whitewater

Kelsey_L — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:41:18 +0000

Special thanks to Niki Hurley from Pocono Whitewater for providing us with this interview

Experiences.com: Many people may not know enough to judge or care about the quality of your equipment. Tell us about your equipment and why it matters.

We use commercial grade whitewater rafts and coast-guard approved life jackets. For the safety & enjoyment of our guests, it is important that our equipment is checked before and after each trip that leaves our whitewater rafting center. We are also one of the few company’s in the outdoor recreation industry that employs a full-time maintenance crew for raft inspection and repair. Guest safety is our top priority therefore we have top of the line equipment and experienced staff to ensure a great day on the river!

Experiences.com:What are the project dates for Pocono Whitewater white water rafting season?

Our whitewater rafting season here at Pocono Whitewater runs daily from the last weekend in March through October.

Experiences.com: What class rapids does your company run?

We run the Lehigh River in the Pocono Mountains of Jim Thorpe, PA which is a class II, III river and the Hudson River in the Adirondack State Park of North Creek, NY which is a class IV+ river.

Experiences.com: Describe your most popular family rafting experience?

poOur most popular family rafting experience is the “Family-Style Section of the Lehigh River” in Jim Thorpe, PA. This is an eight mile section of the river that is simply perfect for beginners, church groups, school groups, scouts, and kids ages 4 and older. Three to four hours long, the plentiful riffles and mild water of the Lehigh River are occasionally interspersed with a touch of Class II whitewater. This is just a great adventure for enjoying the passing scenery, kicking your feet over the edge of the raft, or taking a swim in the river! One of the most unique things about our summer family-style rafting trips is our FREE RIVERSIDE BARBECUE* – cooked and served in our very own riverside meadow. Here you will find hotdogs, potato salad, watermelon, etc…the classic family picnic! *BBQ is served daily from June 1st thru Labor Day. Bring your family and friends. It’s so easy and everything you need for a fun day is provided.

Photo credit: Pocono Whitewater

Experiences.com: Describe your most challenging rafting experience?

Well our most challenging rafting experience on the Lehigh River in Jim Thorpe, PA would be our Dam Release Whitewater Rafting Adventure. Surrounded by state park protected woodlands and mountains, you will enjoy 12 miles and 5 hours of Class III whitewater rafting and outstanding scenery. This is a fun, thrilling, and pristine trip that everyone from ages 8 and up can do…no experience necessary! While paddling over 17 rapids you’ll scream, laugh, swim, and have an excellent day.

The Hudson River would be the adventure we recommend after you have tried out the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania. Our most exciting wilderness trip, the Hudson River Gorge runs through the “forever wild” Adirondack State Park. No macadam roads here…just the magnificent Adirondack Mountains and premier whitewater rafting. This region is so beautiful, even the nearby New York Thruway is known as one of America’s most scenic highways. Launching from the Inn at Gore Mountain, this excursion offers magnificent scenery and virtual isolation from the civilized world. The majestic Adirondack Mountains rise from the riverbanks, commanding an audience with all who enter the jagged domain. The most adventurous rafting enthusiast will be put to the test as the fierce Class IV+ whitewater rapids vie for control of your raft.

Experiences.com: What water sports or outdoor activities do you offer?

We offer mild-to-wild whitewater rafting on both the Lehigh and Hudson Rivers, Rail-Trail Biking (rentals & shuttles) through the Lehigh Gorge State Park, and also Skirmish – the largest paintball facility in the world!

Experiences.com: Do you offer any unique adventures, or package deals?

Absolutely. We offer a variety of specialty trips such as Moonlight Rafting, Sunset Biking, Big Day Out (raft, bike, & hike in one day), Bike, Wine & Dine, Battles & Paddles (paintball & rafting), etc. We also have several lodging packages available with the local hotels, b & b’s, campgrounds, & rental home agents.

Experiences.com: Describe a particular memorable rafting experience?

All of our rafting guest have wonderful memories from spending a day on the river with their family and friends but one of my favorites was helping organize a trip for a group of wounded veterans – The Wounded Warrior Project. These men and women had sustained severe injuries in Afghanistan and it was a wonderful feeling to support the organization, show them that they can still enjoy an active lifestyle and feel empowered as they paddled through the rapids of the Lehigh. There isn’t a better feeling than giving back to those that serve our country.

Experiences.com: I’m anxious or hesitant to experience rafting rapids. What can you say to help calm my fears or concerns?

It is natural to be a bit anxious prior to your whitewater rafting adventure, especially if you have never participated in the sport before. Pocono Whitewater is family-owned and operated for over 30 years. From your first phone call to your arrival on the river, our staff will guide you every step of the way and be there if you need them. We have maintained an excellent safety record, have top of the line equipment, and provide professional river guides that accompany each trip. We have a variety of river trip options and will help you choose what trip best fits your lifestyle…mild to wild – ages four and up – and no experience necessary.

Experiences.com: Please describe your view on the experience of White Water Rafting.

Whitewater Rafting is an excellent adventure that anyone can do. It is an exciting way to spend the day with family and friends, enjoy your beautiful surroundings, and get a bit of exercise too. Pocono Whitewater – We’re Fun, Healthy, Green, & Close to Home!!

Rafting Vancouver Island Canada with Destiny River Adventures

Kelsey_L — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:08:12 +0000

Thanks to Jim from Destiny River Adventures for providing us with this informative interview on rafting the Campbell River in Vancouver Island , Canada.

Experiences.com: Many people may not know enough to judge or care about the quality of your equipment. Tell us about your equipment and why
it matters.

We believe that the personal equipment we provide has to be both good quality and condition. We provide wetsuits, wetsuit booties, helmets, gloves, and PFD’s that are in excellent condition for your tour. All of our boats and buses are maintained to a high standard so we can offer a quality experience from arrival at the rafting centre, return transport to the river and your river tour itself.

Experiences.com: What are the project dates for Destiny River Adventures white water rafting season?

Our whitewater rafting season is May 1 to July 31. Our float tour season is May 1 to early October. Our “raft & snorkel with the salmon” tour season is late July to early October. Multi-day expeditions available May/June and again in August/September.

Experiences.com: What class rapids does your company run?

A variety, from easy float Class I, novice paddle Class II, intermediate family whitewater Class II/III, and adult whitewater Class III/IV.

Experiences.com: Describe your most popular family rafting experience.

Our Nimpkish River Wilderness Adventure. A great full day tour with the best combination of whitewater and river scenery on Vancouver Island. It has it all, including running the rapids through The Slot, Iron Mine, Nun’s Rock, Surf’n Play, Pink Ledge, Carnage Canyon and others. Rafters have seen elk, cougar, black bear, deer and eagles on this adventure. We paddle through spectacular limestone canyons and swim alongside in crystal clear water. A riverside lunch on a sandy beach will fuel you up for the rest of the trip. Suitable for families with quiet floats and exciting splashes that includes all the extras – swimming, cliff jumping, caving and river kayaking.

Experiences.com: Describe your most challenging rafting experience.

Nimpkish River Whitewater. This tour has the biggest whitewater on the Nimpkish – trading off colder early season water for bigger thrills. We start with a pour-over at Duncan Pool to get everyone used to the water temperature and paddling skills required. Then we run the Ledge, Upper Grotto, Lower Grotto, Little Rock Garden, Rock Garden and Twisted Sisters before we have lunch at the Davie Creek confluence. More rapids ahead, including Champagne Rock, the Toilet Bowl and Woss Falls. You must be a minimum of 14 years of age and 90 lbs. to participate in this tour.

Photo credit: Destiny River Adventures

Experiences.com: What water sports or outdoor activities do you offer?

A variety of rafting tours, from easy floats to adult whitewater.

Experiences.com: Do you offer any unique adventures, or package deals?

Raft & Snorkel with the Salmon. A unique opportunity to raft the Campbell River and snorkel in the eddies with thousands of returning salmon.

Experiences.com: Describe a particular memorable rafting experience.

Last year on the Nimpkish River Wilderness Adventure. 15 minutes from the river put-in we had a herd of 7 bull elk walk across the river in front of a 4 raft tour that had many guests from Europe and the U.S. The elk took their time crossing so everyone had a great opportunity to view and take pictures. To top it off, after lunch we had a black bear playing on the riverside near the limestone canyon that we watched for 20 minutes before completing our river journey.

Experiences.com: What are some favorite vistas or views on your routes?

The limestone canyons on the Nimpkish are very cool. At the right water levels we have a cave that we can go through and come out the other side before we get back in the raft or swim to the eddy on the other side of the river.

Experiences.com: I�m anxious or hesitant to experience rafting rapids. What can you
say to help calm my fears or concerns?

We are members of the BC River Outfitters Association and operate above the requirements of government regulation and the association. Our standards for guides are amongst the best in the world – and a well trained and qualified guide is able to provide you with a great trip. We also will offer tours using different rafts so if you are very concerned you are in a bigger raft with very little chance of an “involuntary” swim!

Experiences.com: Please describe your view on the experience of White Water Rafting.

It is addictive. A natural way to explore the wilderness while at the same time getting an adrenaline thrill if you are on a whitewater tour. I have been guiding for 26 years and still get a kick out of our guests reactions to the river.

Kicking Horse River Rafting with Alpine Rafting Company

Kelsey_L — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:18:24 +0000

Special thanks to Alpine Rafting Company for granting us this in depth interview on whitewater river rafting in Canada

Experiences.com: Many people may not know enough to judge or care about the quality of your equipment. Tell us about your equipment and why it matters.

Since 1984, we’ve guided over 1000,000 people down the Kicking Horse River. With this many years in operation comes experience. From our fleet of rafts to our selection of trips: we’ve spent the last 25 years honing the experience we provide.

FIVE Reasons to Raft with Alpine…

Best Gear on the Water! We outfit our clients from head to toe. From our Gore Tex SprayJackets, to Neoprene Boots, Gloves, and Canadian made wetsuits, we’ve put a lot of thought into our client’s comfort. Our fleet of rafts are cutting edge. Our eye popping candy red rafts and splash jackets make for amazing rafting shots!

Experiences.com: What are the project dates for Alpine Rafting Co. white water rafting season?

2011- May 14th – September 12th 2011
2012- May 17th – September 15th 2012
2013 – May 12th – September 11th 2013
2014 – May 15th- September 14th 2014

Experiences.com: What class rapids does your company run?

Class 1 – Class 4+ . Class 5 is not commercially raftable in British Columbia.

Experiences.com: Describe your most popular family rafting experience.

Our Family Whitewater is suitable for ages 4 & up. In includes 10 kilometres of rafting as well as a Riverside BBQ
Lunch. The cost is $30 for Children 12 & under and $65 for 13 & up. It is very popular because we offer
the only Whitewater Rafting experience in Yoho National Park.

Experiences.com: Describe your most challenging rafting experience.

The Kicking Horse River Challenge – 35 Kilometres of Rafting. Our Most Complete River Experience.

Photo credit: Alpine Rafting Company

Experiences.com: What water sports or outdoor activities do you offer?

Whitewater Rafting & Riverside Camping

Experiences.com: Do you offer any unique adventures, or package deals?

Yes! We offer a Whitewater Discovery Package with one night of Accommodation, it is very popular.

Experiences.com: Describe a particular memorable rafting experience.

Alpine Rafting creates memories on the river every day! We get so much positive feedback from our trips. From the 6 year old getting small splashes at the bow of the raft in Yoho National Park, to our seasoned rafters that come back year after year after year, great memories are not hard to create on the Kicking Horse River.

Experiences.com: What are some favorite vistas or views on your routes?

Wow! Glad you asked. Well, at our put-in in Yoho National Park there are sweeping views of the Yoho Valley and Chancellor Peak ( the first peak on the western flank of the rockies over 10,000 feet) As we pass through Yoho National Park we raft beside Mount Hunter, with it’s 27 waterfalls in total. Our Riverside BBQ Lunch area is exclusive to Alpine with more sweeping views of both the waterfalls on Mount Hunter and Mt. Chancellor. As we progress down the river, the river narrows and we enter a beautiful deep canyon. The rock is stunning, beige in color contrasting beautifully with the emerald water.

Experiences.com: I’m anxious or hesitant to experience rafting rapids. What can you say to help calm my fears or concerns?

We understand this concern at Alpine Rafting. That is why at the end of the safety briefing, we let people know that if they have heard the safety briefing and do not want to continue, we will gladly have them return to our office for a full refund (this doesn’t happen very often) Keep in mind that the guide is in control at all times. Prior to getting into any rapids, the guide will go over all the rafting commands that are easy to learn. The rapids of the Kicking Horse are gradual in nature, meaning they progressively get bigger, which is nice for those that have never been rafting.

Experiences.com: Please describe your view on the experience of White Water Rafting.

People raft for a lot of different reasons. Some are rafting to have their kids experience something special and in nature, others are rafting for team building reasons, and other for no reason at all other than to have fun! It is nice to see people from all walks of life and with all different motives get out together and have a wonderful day on the river.

Maine White Water Rafting with Magic Falls

Kelsey_L — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:43:27 +0000

Special thanks to Wendy Grey of Magic Falls Rafting Company for granting us this interview.

Experiences.com: Many people may not know enough to judge or care about the quality of your equipment. Tell us about your equipment and why it matters.

Magic purchased custom designed, self-bailing Aire rafts with safety handles along with 120 new Personal Floatation Devices with the maximum floatation rating in 2008. Safety is Magic’s number one priority and Dave Neddeau, the owner, is either leading or guiding trips to oversee his staff nearly every day of the season. Rafting is a risk sport and guests who take the risk deserve to have the safest possible trip.

Experiences.com: What are the project dates for Magic Falls Rafting Co. white water rafting season?

May 1 to Columbus Day.

Experiences.com: What class rapids does your company run?
Class 2-5.

Experiences.com: Describe your

a) most popular family rafting experience

See the “Outback Adventure” below

b)most challenging rafting experience

Our Multi-Magic Upper Gorge Trip. This is two runs of the Kennebec River’s 5 mile Upper Gorge section with Class 3-5 whitewater. Rapids include Bib Mama, The Three Sisters, Taster and the big one-Magic Falls (after which the company is named.)

Experiences.com: What water sports or outdoor activities do you offer?

Rock climbing (We are the only outfitter in the area with an outdoor climbing wall and we provide climbing instruction on local rock faces, inflatable kayaking, tubing on the Dead river (free use of tubes for groups), guided hikes in the Longfellow Mountains surrounding West Forks, Maine

Photo credit: Magic Falls Rafting Company

Experiences.com: Do you offer any unique adventures, or package deals?

Overnight “Out-Back” Camping Adventure available June through August Day one raft the Kennebec followed by a hearty BBQ, then take a short hike to Moxie Falls-Maine’s highest at 90 ft, swim in the pools above the falls, then embark on a wildlife safari to search for moose, deer, eagles, osprey, bob cat. Return to base camp, set up tents, build a campfire, dinner with a choice of steak , chicken fish and of course Maine lobster, home made dessert and smores over the camp fire. In the morning have a campfire breakfast followed by an inflatable kayak paddle on the lower stretch of the Kennebec. Minimum age 10 and no alcohol permitted for families. This adventure was cited by AirTran’s in-flight magazine “Go: as one of the top 20 family adventures in the USA.

Experiences.com: Describe a particular memorable rafting experience.

Personally-It was a rafting experience with 10 of my classmates from college. What made this trip so unique was that it was a group of women who were celebrating their 60th birthday in 2008. We proved that you don’t’ have to be a macho male aged 18-35 to go rafting. We had a blast and proved our women power.

Experiences.com: What are some favorite vistas or views on your routes?
The Kennebec Gorge with the variety of evergreen foliage and the osprey nest high in a decayed tree. The nesting pair have had nestlings for the past 20 years.

Experiences.com: I’m anxious or hesitant to experience rafting rapids. What can you say to help calm my fears or concerns?

The Kennebec is a popular family river and we often describe it as a “natural Disneyland ride”. It flows at a consistent grade so no big Class 5 rapids and no major boulders. You are safer in a raft with a guide and all the safety equipment than you ever would be in a canoe. And how many people who can’t swim will get in a canoe compared to a raft? Too many. Canoes are where the true tragedies usually
happen.

Experiences.com: Please describe your view on the experience of White Water Rafting.

The thrill of a lifetime and everyone should definitely put it on their bucket list!

Kern River White Water Rafting

Kelsey_L — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:22:36 +0000

The Kern River is one of California’s favorite white water rafting destinations. This Southern California River blends the natural beauty of the Sequoia National Forest with the raging rapids of the river, providing you with a spectacular day of sightseeing and adrenaline pumping white water rafting. Located in the heart of Sequoia National Forest, the Kern River offers a prime location that is just a few hours north of Los Angeles.

The Kern River boasts over 60 miles of commercially-run whitewater. With such an expansive stretch, this river offers a range of class II to class V rapids. California rafting trips take place along the Lower Kern River (below Lake Isabella), the Upper Kern (above the lake), and the renowned Forks of the Kern run.

The white water rafting season for Kern River begins in April, as the snow from Mt. Whitney begins to melt. Once the water is released from the Lake Isabella dam, the Kern river fills with raging waters which creates over 21-miles of raging white water rapids.

The Kern River is a perfect destination for all white water enthusiasts. The expansive stretch of the river provides rapids for all ages and experience levels, along with breathtaking views of the Sequoia National Forest. Whether you’re looking for a day of fun on the rapids, or a weekend packed adventure, the Kern River is your place to start.

photo by Full On Adventure

American River White Water Rafting

Kelsey_L — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:37:17 +0000

The American River in California has become one of the most popular white water rafting runs in the west. Located just 40 minutes from Sacramento and two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, The American River is easily accessible to all white water enthusiasts. The river runs through three separate forks, offering you a variety of relaxing class II rapids in addition to the more challenging runs.

The South Fork of the American River is the best choice for family white water rafting trips. This portion of the river features a mix of class II rapids along with class III rapids that fun for both families and experienced rafters. Trips on the South For of the American River range from half day to two day white water rafting adventures.

The Middle Fork of the American River is known for its class IV rapids which offer a more challenging course for the more experienced white water rafter. Enjoy spectacular views of the wilderness scenery as you take on the raging rapids.

The North Fork is the most challenging course on the American River. If you’re an experienced or expert white water rafting, then this run is for you. The North Fork is packed with Class IV rapids for the majority of the run. Be prepared to have your adrenaline pumping over every rock, rapid, and roar of the water.

During the summer months the flows become too low for boating, and the North Fork is transformed into a spectacular hiking region. Instead of taking on the rapids you will have the opportunity to hike the challenging canyon trails and beautiful Sierra foothills. Cool off in the refreshing swimming holes that spot the river and provide a great rest stop.

photo by razvan.orendovici

Chattooga River White Water Rafting

Kelsey_L — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:51:47 +0000

The Chattooga River is one of the premier white water destinations in the southeast. Chattooga River flows through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and provides you with fascinating views and raging white water rapids. In1974 congress designated the Chattooga as a “Wild and Scenic River,” and since then has protected the natural beauty of this picturesque river.
The Chattooga watershed is spread over SC, GA, and NC and covers over 180,000 acres. Throughout your white water rafting adventure you will come across sparkling waterfalls, rare wildflowers, and an abundance of wildlife. While the waters are raging by, you will pass banks that are full of colors from Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, and ferns. When the raging waters calm, and the river flows smoothly, watch the banks where you can spot local bears, beavers, and songbirds, amongst the other wildlife that calls this lush mountainside home.

Since Chattooga is a protected area, all white water rafting trips require that guests hike into and out of the 1/4 mile protected corridor. This is an added bonus that allows you to get inside the forests and view more of the spectacular landscape and wildlife that Chattooga has to offer.

Chattooga River provides you with an expansive stretch of raging rapids and calm flowing waters. If you’re traveling with children consider taking the mini-trip which is perfect for families with younger children and older guests. Take off on the calmer waters, and stop for lunch and a dip in the refreshing river. As you continue down the River the rapids will gradually increase in difficulty. About mid-way through you will experience class II-III rapids, which are mid difficulty and best for adults or children over 10. In the last leg of Chattooga you will experience the famous Five Falls: Entrance, Corkscrew, Crack-In-the-Rock, Jawbone, and Sock-Em Dog. During this leg the river drops more than 75 feet within one quarter mile, providing you with extreme white water rafting fun.

Rogue River White Water Rafting

Kelsey_L — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:53:54 +0000

Rogue River Canyon boasts some of the most spectacular views that one could enjoy while white water rafting. Over 35 years ago, the Federal Government placed 44 miles of Rogue River under the protection of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. This law limits the amount of visitors to Rogue River and helps to preserve the natural beauty of this historic landscape.

Today, Rogue River ranks as one of the top ten destinations for White Water Rafting in the United State. With sparkling rapids, lively wildlife, narrow canyons, and flourishing forests, your eyes will awe at every turn. Local wildlife sightings include deer, black bear, river otters, mallard ducks, turtles, bald eagles, and osprey.

Rogue River stretches over 45 miles and encompasses an array of raging rapids and calm stretches of river. The white water rapids here range from class I to class III, perfect for beginner to experienced rafters. Prepare to embark on a beautiful and invigorating journey as you step into the refreshing waters of Rouge River. Your white water rafting adventure will take anywhere from two to four hours depending on swimming breaks and lunch stops.

If you’re planning a white water rafting vacation, be sure to visit Rouge River during Peak season, whish runs from early July through late September.