Kevsmom California Kayaking

California Whitewater

California and Oregon Rafting and Kayaking

Ten Best Rafting Trips in the World

Sunday, September 23, 2007

I'm sure these are up for debate, but I was asked to write this for an online magazine the other day and thought I'd post 'em.

1. The Grand Canyon: this is the ultimate trip. Most trips are 14-18 days through this spectacular canyon that is know to change lives. The rapids are huge due to the large volume of water.
2. The Middle Fork of the Salmon: This trip runs 100 miles through the heart of the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. The trips features hot springs, nearly continuous rapids, and jaw dropping canyon scenery. This is an alpine river.
3. The Futaleufu. The "Fu" runs through a spectacular canyon full of mountain peaks in the northern edge of Patagonia. This is a big water river with classic Class IV and V rapids. This river is best known for it's turquoise blue water.
4. The Tuolumne River. The "T" flows from California's Yosemite National Park and has two distinct sections. One is the most difficult commercial run in the country and the other is an overnight Class IV trip in a magical canyon.
5. The Katun. This is Siberia's gem. It flows through the Altai Mountains and has rapids much like the Grand Canyon. The Katun also has many tributaries that make great whitewater runs.
6. The Karnali. This is in Nepal. I've never done it, but I've done other rivers in Nepal and this is known as the best of the Himalaya.
7. The Rogue. Oregon's Rogue River flows through old growth pine forests and is the perfect family trip due to numerous Class II and III rapids, warm water, and great campsites.
8. The Zambezi. I've never done this one either, but it is known as a very difficult and beautiful river. It begins below the famous Victoria Falls in Africa and is full of big Class IV and V rapids.
9. The Alsek and Tatsenshini. These rivers are next to each other and meet and you raft down to the ocean. the both have insane wildlife and you raft by huge mountains and incredible glaciers. The Alsek is the better of the two, but requires running a helicopter portage.
10. The Colca. I've never done this one either, but it is known as the deepest gorge in the world (although this is always up for debate). It's full of Class IV and V rapids and has near vertical rock walls on both sides.

There are so many other runs that people could say are better, but the logistics or rapids are so difficult that you would only go if you are highly trained expert that enjoys putting yourself in harm's way.