As the temperatures begin to rise and summer heats up, it’s time to cool off with a trip down the river. Rafting is a great way to break up your summer, and whitewater rafting, in particular, can keep you cool while also adding a splash of excitement into your regular routine. But if you’ve never planned your own whitewater rafting trip, it can feel a little overwhelming at first.
But don’t panic. The expert river outfitters at Idaho’s favorite adventure company, Killgore Adventures, have put together this quick-hitting guide to planning your first whitewater trip.
There are incredible whitewater rafting opportunities all over the world. The United States, in particular, has some truly spectacular river systems that make for some amazing trips. When looking for a destination, think about more than just the river. Consider which states you want to travel to, and what other recreational opportunities you’ll have nearby. For instance, here in Idaho, we’re lucky to be near amazing national parks and forests, as well as great cultural sites.
This might sound a little vague, after all, which trip is ever “right” for you? Well, this question isn’t as mystic as it might sound. Indeed, finding the right trip is easy when you gauge a few key factors:
In the era of the internet, it’s easier than ever to do all of your research online. You should look for info on river volume, regulations of group sizes and usage, as well as permitting and passes. If you’re still stumped, visit a local river outfitter and ask them. They’ll have all of the information you could need and then some.
While the most hardcore of river runners might disagree, rafting isn’t a year-round activity. Realistically, you can raft in Idaho during the late spring through early fall seasons. AS you dip toward winter, the river gets to be too cold to comfortably travel down. Make sure you choose the right time of year.
Rafting is hard work, and you’ll burn more calories than you realize. One of the luxuries of river travel is that you can bring coolers full of food with you on the raft. Make sure you pack calorie-dense and nutritious foods with you for major meals like breakfast and dinner, and energizing snacks to enjoy at mid-day. This is especially important if you’re on a multi-day trip.
Make sure you pack plenty of fuel for your camp stove too.
The right gear can make or break any river adventure. We’ve already covered what you should and shouldn’t bring with you on your river outings, but in case you missed those blogs, here’s a quick recap for you:
As always, make sure you pack out everything you brought with you on your trip, especially your trash. Also, consider how you’re going to dispose of your waste. You may need to bring a portable toilet with you and pack all of your solid waste out. Check the regulations for the particular river you’re floating down.
Once your trip is planned, the only thing left to do is enjoy it! Want to explore the Salmon and Snake Rivers of Hells Canyon, but don’t want the hassle of planning it all out? Let us do it for you! Killgore Adventures runs hundreds of whitewater rafting trips in Idaho every year, offering half- and full-day trips, as well as multi-day whitewater excursions. Find out more about our trips and then book yours today!