Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking in Washington and Oregon

By Todd Collins/Wet Planet - the center for whitewater rafting and kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge - Washington and Oregon .

One of the best ways to experience the incredible Northwest Scenery found in the Columbia River Gorge is by taking a whitewater trip through one of the areas spectacular river canyons. Numerous creeks and rivers flow off of Mt. Adams toward the Columbia River, providing a variety of whitewater trips through river canyons that are accessible only by boat. For years, expert whitewater kayakers have traveled from around the world to experience these high quality river runs. However, a guided trip with one of the areas whitewater outfitters allows area visitors of all skill levels and ages, from advanced whitewater rafters to those who have never been on a river before, to enjoy the unique experiences found in these canyons.

The area’s three most popular commercial rivers are the White Salmon, Klickitat, and Wind Rivers, each offering the visitor a unique experience.

The White Salmon River is the area’s most popular and well known river, largely due to its long season. Fed by natural springs flowing from the glaciers on Mt. Adams, the White Salmon provides plenty of water for great rafting Spring, Summer, and Fall. Designated for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the White Salmon is offers a breathtaking combination of whitewater and scenery. Rafters are treated to continuous class III-IV rapids as the river tumbles through a beautiful, cliff-lined basalt gorge. In the late summer, locals and rafters in the know search out one of the two outfitters (Wet Planet Whitewater or River Drifters) that use private launch sites upstream of the Forest Service public launch site. These two outfitters add a two mile section of river containing the most exciting rapids and spectacular scenery to their trips. White Salmon trips are appropriate for rafters 10 years in age and older, and previous experience rafting is not required.

The Klickitat River passes through one of the most remote wilderness canyons commercially rafted in the Pacific Northwest. With virtually no access other than by boat to the steep canyons, towering basalt cliffs, twisted lava formations, and scrub oak forests for the majority of the trip, this is the ideal trip for rafters who want to experience the magic of a pristine wilderness river trip. Packed with exciting class III rapids, this trip is ideal for beginner to advanced rafters 10 years older and up.

The Wind River is one of the most challenging commercial rafting runs in the Pacific Northwest. Set in a deep canyon and surrounded by towering cliffs and spectacular waterfalls, the Wind River cascades through tightly spaced boulder gardens and steep ledges in a non-stop series of class IV to V rapids. This action packed run is perfect for the athletic rafter seeking the next level of adventure. The outfitters on this river require previous whitewater experience, have strict age requirements, and often require physical fitness tests before their trips.

For outdoor enthusiasts interested in exploring and paddling whitewater rivers on their own, whitewater kayaking is a great alternative to guided rafting trips. Whitewater kayaking skills take time to develop, and professional whitewater kayaking instruction and classes will help you get started and teach you how to minimize the risks while you are learning. The Wet Planet Whitewater kayak school is the area’s only kayak school permitted by the Forest Service to offer instruction on both the White Salmon and Klickitat Rivers. Wet Planet kayak courses are typically 2-3 days in length, starting at their on-site private pool at their riverside headquarters on the White Salmon, and culminating in a run down an appropriate stretch of either the White Salmon or Klickitat Rivers.

Regardless of your level of experience, age, or the type of trip you are interested in, a commercial whitewater trip down one of the areas spectacular rivers is sure to provide a memorable experience. From the intimacy of the White Salmon’s basalt canyon, to the towering cliffs of the Klickitat, to the intensity of the Wind’s class V whitewater, you are certain to find a river trip that is perfect for you.

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