Just the FAQs

How do I find a good rafting river?
How do I find an outfitter?
What length of trip is best?
Who goes on river trips?
About how much will a commercial trip cost?
How far in advance should I book a trip?
What’s the best time of year to go?
How do I stay dry?
Am I only going to eat franks and beans?
What about alcohol?
Where will I sleep?
Where’s the bathroom?
What about the trash?
Are river trips safe?
Are river trips strenuous?
What if I can’t swim?
Will I need cash on the river?
What should I take on the trip?
What should I leave at home?



 
How do I find a good rafting river?

All rivers may flow to the sea, but finding the right one for your raft trip is not as simple as tossing a stone in the ocean. Look in outdoor, travel, and paddling magazines and books. Many states have outfitter or tourism organizations that can provide information and help narrow your search. And be sure to try our River Finders, where you can just click on your favorite river for more information. Return
 
How do I find an outfitter?

One way is through America Outdoors (P.O. Box 10847, Knoxville, Tennessee 37939; +1 423 558 3595, fax +1 423 558 3598), an international association of outfitters that provides a free annual directory listing almost 400 members in 37 states. Contact individual outfitters to request brochures, or check out their Web sites through America Outdoors.

If a river is managed by the USDA Forest Service or the National Park Service, the federal agency can provide you with a list of the outfitters licensed to operate on that river. Our River Finders provide this information for about 60 popular white-water rivers. For a list of questions to ask outfitters, check out our Outfitters section. Return
 
What length of trip is best?

“Even a bad day on the river is better than a good day at work,” a wise person once said. Even if you only have one day, there are still many rivers you can run. Many others are two-day trips that fit nicely into a weekend. Five-day trips, with a day of travel on each end, make a nice week-long vacation. Whatever time you have, there’s a river to meet your needs. Return
 
Who goes on river trips?

People from all walks of life and all ages, but mostly those between 25 and 60. Some rivers are suitable for kids as young as four. Quite a few rafters have never been camping, while others have spent a lot of time in the wilderness. Some are physically challenged. Some come to hike, others to sit in the shade with a book. But everyone comes to have a good time. Different trips can require different levels of experience or fitness or be more suitable for certain age groups. Ask the outfitter. Return
 
About how much will a commercial trip cost?

Expect to pay at least $100 a day for each day you’re on the river. Most prices don’t include transportation to the town nearest the river, lodging and food when you’re not on the river, rental of some personal gear, tips, and extras such as books, maps, or special food. Be sure to ask the outfitter what is—and is not—covered in the fee. Return
 
How far in advance should I book a trip?

Many trips, such as those on the Selway in Idaho and the Colorado through the Grand Canyon, fill up as much as a year in advance. Make reservations early, but be aware that most outfitters have a nonrefundable deposit policy that could cost you if your plans change. And always check for cancellations; you may get lucky! Return
 
What’s the best time of year to go?

Desert rivers are usually best in spring, when the temperatures are still cool. Mountain rivers can be most pleasant in summer, when the water levels have calmed to runnable levels, or at their heart-stopping best in spring, when the water is roaring. Some rivers may be nicest in fall, when wildlife and fall colors reach their peak and crowds begin to thin. Return
 
How do I stay dry?

Never skimp on rain gear. Invest in the best, and it’ll pay for itself on rainy days. Two-piece hooded rain suits are best; avoid cheap poncho-type rain suits. On some rivers, outfitters will suggest wet suits or dry suits and will often offer them for rent. Take them up on the offer. It’s often an inexpensive way to a more comfortable experience. Consider wet-suit booties and waterproof gloves as well. For tips on how to keep your camera equipment dry, check out our Photo Gear section. Return
 
Am I only going to eat franks and beans?

Rafts are floating refrigerators. Huge coolers packed with ice keep food fresh and beverages cold. Breakfasts may be blueberry muffins served piping hot from the Dutch oven, apple-pecan pancakes, or eggs Benedict. Lunches range from deli sandwiches to tuna salad, along with fresh fruit and cookies. Dinner could be grilled salmon, stuffed Cornish game hens, juicy steaks, or spinach lasagna followed by double fudge brownies, gingerbread, or pineapple upside-down cake. If you like to snack between meals, you might consider bringing your favorites and keeping them handy on the raft. There’s usually plenty for vegetarians to eat, but be sure to tell your outfitter ahead of time if you have special dietary needs. Return
 
What about alcohol?

Some outfitters provide a limited array of beer and wine. Others request that if you want alcohol on the trip or have favorite drinks, you bring your own. Often they’ll ask that you transfer it to unbreakable containers before stowing it in your gear. Return
 
Where will I sleep?

Campsites are often on riverside beaches or on a bench overlooking the river, nestled among pine trees. There, you’ll bed down on a soft sleeping pad and in a warm sleeping bag protected from the elements by a small tent. You can usually rent these from the outfitter, or you can provide your own. The soft breezes through the pines and the music of the flowing water come at no extra charge. Return
 
Where’s the bathroom?

The most frequently asked question on the river is “Where do I go to the bathroom?” To keep human impact on the river ecosystem to a minimum and to maximize human comfort, most river companies use small, portable bathroom systems. This might consist of a portable toilet set up in a small tent for privacy, with a nice view of the river. The portable toilet can then be packed up and hauled out, leaving nothing behind but footprints. Return
 
What about the trash?

One of the benefits of river travel is that it’s easy on the environment—no tire tracks left behind, no hoofprints in the mud. On and off the river, good outfitters minimize impact by practicing the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. They recycle aluminum, plastic, glass, and tin. They build fires in metal fire pans and take out the ashes. Everything carried in is carried out, including cigarette butts and the tiniest bits of litter. Return
 
Are river trips safe?

Commercial white-water trips have one of the highest safety records in the tourism industry. Modern equipment, up-to-date training for guides, extensive first-aid kits, and strict safety requirements have helped make rafting a safe, enjoyable activity. Still, keep in mind that nature and wild rivers can be unpredictable. There’s no taking the “wild” out of the wilderness, and most of us would have it no other way. Return
 
Are river trips strenuous?

If you’re concerned about strenuous activity, chose your trip carefully. Many outfitters have a rating system on which to base your decision. On most trips, however, you can be as active or as relaxed as you wish. Those who simply want to relax can ride in an oar boat or dory and gaze at the scenery. For the more active, there are often paddle rafts, duckies, and long hikes once you set up camp. Return
 
What if I can’t swim?

Many enthusiastic river runners don’t know how to swim. Just be sure to talk to the outfitter before your trip, and also tell the head guide, who’ll give you some special attention. Everyone wears a life jacket. Return
 
Will I need cash on the river?

Once you’re on the river, paper money is useful mostly for starting fires. You might keep some handy, however, to tip the guide at the end of the trip or to purchase maps, books, or other materials at ranger stations on the ride back to town afterward. Return
 
What should I take on the trip?

The outfitter will provide a checklist of gear that’s required on the river you’ve chosen. For some guidelines, check out our River Gear section. Return
 
What should I leave at home?

Guns, pets, small children, valuable jewelry, and any qualms about having a good, old-fashioned adventure. Many people leave their watches behind and let their days be governed by the sun. Don’t bring loud music boxes. Outfitters usually provide all the kitchen utensils you’ll need. Return


 
 
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