Some folks see a big, beautiful body of water and think, "Ahh, vacation." For those people, the U.S. is full of bucket-list-worthy coastal locales, lovely inland lakes, and plenty of waterfront accommodations to enjoy.

However, for others, the idea of a water-centric adventure is less of a relaxing getaway and more of a “challenged accepted” moment. For me, growing up in the Pacific Northwest meant that many of my favorite outdoor activities involved exploring some truly incredible rivers. I was no older than 10 when I took my first whitewater rafting trip, and by the age of 12, I had saved up my allowance to buy my own kayak. My brother was practically born with a fishing rod in hand. He spent countless hours perfecting the rhythmic swish and flick of flycasting in our front yard, tying his own flies, and learning to read rivers in a way that I will never truly comprehend.

I was lucky to grow up with so many opportunities for river adventures, so today, I’m sharing a few favorites. From whitewater rafting trips to easygoing paddles and flatwater floats (as well as a few fun fishing spots), there’s something for everyone, so let’s dive in!

Whitewater River Rafting Trips

Ready for an exhilarating experience? Whitewater rafting is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Even with limited river experience, there are plenty of ways to safely take a wild ride. We’ve included a few guides & outfitters that can navigate you through rough water!

1. The Wild & Scenic Rogue River (Oregon)

• Location: Southwest Oregon
• Popular For: Whitewater rafting & kayaking, salmon & steelhead fishing, hiking

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is a natural treasure that’s home to over 200 miles of rushing rivers, 324,000 acres of dense forests, and perfect panoramas of mountains, meadows, streams, and lakes. Its crown jewel is the iconic 215-mile Rogue River, which was one of the original eight rivers designated by the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act in 1968.

The Rogue is an absolute playground for adventurers, especially those seeking out a whitewater experience. You can find guided trips geared toward families as well as technical trips through Class III and IV+ rapids, which is the best choice for visitors, both for safety and due to the highly competitive permit system to access the Wild section. Momentum River Expeditions offers several multi-day adventures with options for all experience levels (as well as both camping and lodge options for overnight trips).

2. Middle Fork of the Salmon River (Idaho)

• Location: Central Idaho
• Popular For: Whitewater rafting & kayaking, fly fishing, river floats

Like the Rogue River in Oregon, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is a legendary-tier river for whitewater rafting. Its rugged and remote location means you’ll spend several days on the water if you want to experience it (as it stretches for about 104 miles), but I can assure you it’s an unforgettable adventure. There are over 350 rapids that range from Class III-IV (and one Class V), so this is definitely one you’ll need an experienced guide for. Idaho River Journeys offers a particularly exciting 5-6 day trip that includes excellent meals (and desserts!) prepared using locally sourced ingredients - all cooked by the guides and camp crew.

If a challenging, multi-day adventure sounds a little too taxing, other sections of the Salmon River are practically built for relaxing. Idaho Adventures River Trips offers a variety of scenic floats that are accessible to all, including families. The Salmon River Half-Day Scenic Float is offered daily from March through September and flows just 6-10 miles, depending on water levels.

3. Middle Fork of the American River (California)

• Location: Northern California
• Popular For: Whitewater rafting & kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing

The Middle Fork of the American River winds through rugged wilderness and steep canyons about an hour east of Sacramento. The area was once home to bustling mining camps, but these days, you’ll only see other adventurers out here. Whitewater rafting trips down the Middle Fork are generally intermediate-level excursions, with rapids ranging from Class III-IV; however, they are manageable for adventurous beginners with an experienced guide and there are options for both single-day and multi-day trips through All-Outdoors Rafting. If you want an easier run, the South Fork of the American River is also an excellent choice for first-time rafters!

4. Arkansas River (Colorado)

• Location: Southeast Colorado
• Popular For: Whitewater rafting & kayaking

Colorado is famous for its beautiful wilderness and exciting outdoor adventures. Where the Arkansas River rushes through the Royal Gorge is an adventurer’s dream, with thrilling Class IV-V rapids and immense views. On a rafting trip with Echo Canyon River Expeditions, you can opt for either a half-day trip along gentler rapids or an adrenaline-pumping overnight trip down boisterous, white-capped waters. While the Grand Canyon of Arizona often steals the show in terms of whitewater excursions, the Arkansas River is just as incredible and challenging, offering a unique river experience all its own.

5. Chattooga River (South Carolina & Georgia)

• Location: The boundary between South Carolina & Georgia
• Popular For: Whitewater rafting & kayaking

The American South is often left out when it comes to epic river adventures, but the Chattooga River truly belongs on every outdoor lover’s bucket list. Forming a natural border between a section of northern Georgia and northwestern South Carolina, the Chattooga River is an exciting natural playground for whitewater rafters with some rapids in the challenging Section IV of the river; however, most folks seek out easier, more accessible trips that traverse Sections II and III.

On a rafting trip in Section II, you'll float gentler Class I and II rapids, as well as calmer sections of deep, clear water. There are opportunities for turning this trip into a more thrilling excursion, making for a veritable "Choose Your Own Adventure" experience on the Chattooga. Section III is a great choice for beginners and families (most outfitters require children to be age 8+), as you’ll be navigating Class I-III rapids, but you can raft this section in 4-6 hours. Check out Wildwater Rafting for guided rafting trips along the Chattooga River (as well as zipline canopy tours!)

6. New River Gorge (West Virginia)

• Location: Southern West Virginia
• Popular For: Whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking

New River Gorge has a kayaking history that goes back much further than its National Park status. The New River has been a designated National River since the 1970s, and in December 2020, New River Gorge was re-designated from a National River to a National Park & Preserve. The river is the face of the park, with New River Gorge Bridge providing the most awe-inspiring welcome to visitors. It's the longest single-span arched bridge in the nation, stretching 1,700 jaw-dropping feet. Intrepid explorers have the opportunity to paddle beneath this architectural marvel, which is an experience absolutely befitting of anyone's bucket list. In total, the National Park portion of New River Gorge spans over 7,000 acres, and the river is the heart and soul of it all: 320 miles of rushing and roaring grandeur that's wholly wild, and wonderful.

Outfitter ACE Adventure Resort offers whitewater rafting on the New River for the thrill of a lifetime. After all, the New River is where you can experience some of the best whitewater rafting in the Eastern U.S.

7. Colorado River / Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

• Location: Grand Canyon, Arizona
• Popular For: Whitewater rafting, hiking, experiencing a natural wonder

The Grand Canyon welcomes nearly 5 million visitors each year, but only a fraction of them make an effort to explore this natural wonder beyond the scenic overlooks. Even fewer people - only about 27,000 - opt to explore the Colorado River running through the heart of the canyon. Of course, due to its vast size, rafting trips through the Grand Canyon are multi-day excursions, with Upper & Lower Canyon trips lasting 5-10 days or Full Canyon trips lasting up to 15 days.

Most outfitters, including Outdoors Unlimited, explore more than just the river rapids, offering opportunities to take day hikes, see unique ruins, explore hidden canyons and waterfalls, and more. Lengthy trips like this aren’t for everyone, but if you’re up for it, you’ll see sides of the Grand Canyon that most folks don’t even know exist.

8. Upper Alesk River (Alaska)

• Location: Northern British Columbia, Canada to Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
• Popular For: Rafting & kayaking, hiking, wildlife watching, exploring a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ready to go big? The Upper Alesk River is not for the faint of heart. The 12-day, 155-mile excursion offered by Wilderness River Outfitters routinely ranks as one of the top river rafting trips in the whole world… and it’s not hard to see why. You’ll navigate through some of the most pristine wilderness in North America, beginning in Kluane National Park in Canada and ending in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. Not only do you get to explore the largest nonpolar ice field in the world and navigate intense Class V whitewater rapids on the Upper Alesk, you’ll also paddle around massive glaciers and icebergs, hike through unparalleled alpine terrain & glacial lakes, and even see the lay of the land from above on a helicopter tour. For die-hard adventurers looking for a challenge, this is it.

River Kayaking & Canoe Trips

If a whitewater rafting trip feels like a little too much for you, don’t fret - there are river adventures for everyone! Kayak & canoe trips are less of a thrill ride and more of a chance to get in touch with the more peaceful corners of nature.

9. Northern Forest Canoe Trail (Northeastern U.S.)

• Location: New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine & Quebec, Canada
• Popular For: Canoeing & kayaking, portage trips

While a 740-mile water trail through multiple states may not sound like an easy adventure, don’t be intimidated; only the most experienced long-distance river trekkers even attempt to take it on all at once - in fact, only 17 through-paddlers completed it in 2023! The vast majority of people explore the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) in sections, as there are hundreds of possible routes through both wilderness areas and populated stretches that can be experienced as day trips or overnight adventures.

In its entirety, the NFCT traverses 23 rivers & streams, 59 lakes & ponds, 63 portages, and is divided into 13 official sections of varying lengths. One of the most famous sections is the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in Maine, a 92-mile string of lakes, rivers, and streams. The NFCT Trip Planner is a super helpful tool for choosing which route is best for you, as well as provides suggestions for local rental outfitters or river guides near your launch point.

10. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Minnesota)

• Location: Northeast Minnesota
• Popular For: Canoeing, fishing, camping, hiking, portage trips

One of the most famous canoeing destinations in the country, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness encompasses 1,200 miles of canoe and hiking trails stretching across over 1,000 lakes, rivers, and waterways. Despite attracting around 200,000 visitors annually, the area is so expansive that you may only see a handful of other people while you’re out here, making it a perfect place to revel in the pristine beauty of Superior National Forest. And don’t just take our word for it - National Geographic named the Boundary Waters one of its “50 Places of a Lifetime” to experience!

There are several ways to experience the Boundary Waters, depending on your adventure preferences. Many folks set up a “base camp” to limit the amount of supplies they need to carry and explore the surrounding area via day trips. Others prefer a loop route, which begins and ends in the same place and travels a set distance from lake to lake. The most ambitious paddlers map out routes that carry them to the furthest reaches of remote areas, requiring them to carry everything they need for multi-day trips in their canoe, as well as carry their boat across portage sections to reach the next waterway. Explore Minnesota is a great source for itinerary suggestions for all types of adventurers, including day trips and outfitter suggestions if you’d prefer to explore with an expert.

11. Smith River (California)

• Location: Northern California
• Popular For: Whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing

We could have easily included the Smith River on our list of whitewater rafting destinations, but there’s a softer side to this river too. While the upper forks of the river offer challenging Class IV-V rapids for adrenaline-seekers, the stretch of the river after the three forks join together levels out significantly, with the final 16 miles featuring only Class I-II rapids that can be explored more easily. After the confluence of the North & Middle Forks, the Smith River meanders through Redwood National & State Parks, offering a truly unique way to see the ancient, towering redwoods.

Momentum River Expeditions leads a fantastic three-day kayaking adventure on the North Fork of the Smith River, while Redwood Rides Adventure Outfitters offers excellent half-day and full-day beginner-level paddle tours on the Middle Fork and welcomes children as young as three.

12. Big Bend National Park (Texas)

• Location: Southwest Texas
• Popular For: Whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, camping

Big Bend National Park has some seriously stunning terrain to explore, from the entire Chicos Mountain Range to the largest swath of protected Chihuahuan Desert in the country, but one of its best-known features is the mighty Rio Grande River. Floating or paddling down the river will lead you through the immense, 1,500-foot-tall cliffs carved by erosion over millions of years.

For an easygoing multi-day float with fewer rapids, opt for Boquillas Canyon. If you prefer a shorter adventure, Hot Springs Canyon and San Vicente Canyon are smaller, often overlooked canyons that offer plenty of beauty. However, most folks come to Big Bend to explore the spectacular Santa Elena Canyon. Most downstream trips take 1-3 days and you’ll enjoy both leisurely sections and Class IV rapids when the water level is high. If water levels are lower, you can take a “boomerang” paddle trip by kayaking upstream and floating back down, which can be done in a single day (and fighting the current isn’t too tough when the water flow is between 100-200 CFS - make sure to check conditions ahead of time!)

Angell Expeditions offers guided tours in both Boquillas & Santa Elena Canyons, and Big Bend River Tours offers canoe rentals & shuttles in addition to guided tours if you’d prefer to explore on your own.

Flatwater Float River Trips

Sometimes, the best days on the river aren’t filled with fast rapids or even mellower paddle trips. Flatwater floats are perfect for when you just want to meander through some stunning scenery, enjoying the sunshine and the peaceful sounds of the river.

13. Buffalo National River (Arkansas)

• Location: Northern Arkansas
• Popular For: Canoeing, kayaking, floating

In 1972, Arkansas’ Buffalo River became the first officially recognized National River in the U.S. and has long been a favorite destination for river lovers. Originating in the Ozarks and flowing for 150 miles before joining the White River, the Buffalo National River is one of only a few remaining undammed rivers in the country. As its flow is dependent on rainfall, the Upper District of the Buffalo River - which has narrower, faster-flowing sections - is best explored in spring, while the slower Middle and Lower Districts peak later in the year and are best for a relaxing ride.

One popular Middle District stretch is Grinder’s Ferry to Gilbert, which offers access to gravel and sandbars for mid-float picnics and deeper pools for swimming. It can get busy on summer weekends, so if you want a quieter float, try the 12-mile Gilbert to South Maumee stretch or the Mt. Hersey to Woolum stretch, which offers access to Skull Bluff, a unique rock feature that you can paddle in and out of when the water level is low. For a longer float, the 30-mile Rush Landing to White River in the Lower District takes 2-5 days and offers some stunning sights along the way, including the historic Cold Spring Schoolhouse, a WPA project from the 1930s. Buffalo River Outfitters offers both kayak & canoe rentals as well as guided float trips along many sections of the river.

14. Crystal River & Three Sisters Springs (Florida)

• Location: Western Florida
• Popular For: Kayaking, swimming, tubing, wildlife-watching

We bet you didn’t guess there would be a Florida destination on this list of epic river trips! After all, this state is best known for its sandy beaches and expansive swamplands. However, it’s also home to some stunning spring-fed rivers that, while not lengthy or challenging, are downright delightful to paddle.

The Crystal River, as its name suggests, is crystal clear and a beautiful turquoise blue that feels almost otherworldly. It also happens to be a favorite spot for manatees to gather during the winter months, but you’ll likely see them no matter when you visit. Get Up And Go Kayaking offers glass-bottom boats and guided tours that are just two hours long, but packed with unforgettable scenery.

15. Blue Heart Springs / Snake River (Idaho)

• Location: Southern Idaho
• Popular For: Rafting, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding

The 1,080-mile-long Snake River is a playground for outdoor adventurers. Though it begins in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and empties into the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington, one of our favorite spots can be found in Idaho. Blue Heart Spring looks like it was pulled straight from a tropical oasis and plopped in southern Idaho. Blue Heart can only be accessed via water, but it’s not hard to reach; if you put in at Banbury Hot Springs (which is a great spot to stay overnight), it’s only a short paddle away!

Just beyond the Box Canyon outlet, a narrow waterway through the forest will lead you to this crystal-clear spring. Don’t be dissuaded if you encounter some murky water - it clears up once you reach the pool! Despite its location near hot springs, this is not one of them; the water is chilly even on the hottest days. It can be a hoppin’ spot mid-summer, but the cerulean water is worth it. Banbury Adventures offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as guided tours.

Fly Fishing River Trips

Fly fishing isn’t for everyone, but there’s no way I’d leave unforgettable fishing rivers off this list! While I’ve been sworn to secrecy regarding my family’s favorite fishing holes, I did snag a few tips about where to try casting flies.

16. Lower Deschutes River (Oregon)

• Location: Central Oregon
• Popular For: Trout and steelhead fishing, rafting, kayaking & canoeing

Admission: this is my “home” river, so of course I am biased, but there’s no disputing the Deschutes River is a spectacular spot for fly fishing. The Lower Deschutes, in particular, is known for its trout and steelhead, as well as the High Desert beauty that surrounds it. If you’re an experienced angler, you can go it alone, but both beginners and pros alike greatly benefit from a guided trip with someone who knows the river like the back of their hand. Conditions are always changing, new hatches present new challenges, and you’ll be doing some wading if you want to fish here.

Fly & Field Outfitters is a great spot for gear, guides, and general river insights, but I highly recommend booking a guided trip with Sterfly River Trips. I’ve known the owner and lead guide, Sterling Dillingham, for decades and he loves this river more than just about anyone I know. He offers both single-day and multi-day adventures and he’s sure to lead you to some great spots!

17. Black Canyon of the Gunnison River (Colorado)

• Location: Southwest Colorado
• Popular For: Rainbow & brown trout fishing (and sometimes Kokanee salmon!)

If you’ve never seen a Rainbow Trout up close, it’s one of the most beautiful fish out there - and you can pull some monsters out of the Gunnison River. Of the 9,000+ miles of great trout rivers in Colorado, fewer than 200 miles are recognized as Gold Metal Water for anglers - and you’ll find a prime stretch downstream from Crystal Dam. The Black Canyon is simply spectacular to behold, with dramatic, extremely steep walls that only allow for around 30 minutes of direct sunlight to hit the canyon floor each day (hence its name).

The tough terrain can make for challenging fishing conditions, so booking a trip with an experienced local guide is a must; Gunnison River Expeditions and Black Canyon Anglers are two of the larger outfitters in the area. While it’s all catch-and-release for Rainbows on “The Gunny” due to preservation regulations, you can bag some beautiful Brown Trout here to take home with you.

18. Gallatin River (Montana)

• Location: Southwest Montana
• Popular For: Trout fishing

Montana offers some truly spectacular rivers for anglers, but we’re going with a slightly less conventional choice today. While the Gallatin River isn’t known for trophy-size trout like other nearby rivers, it’s so darn stunning and the all-around good vibes here more than make up for it - not to mention the fact that some iconic scenes from the movie “A River Runs Through It” were filmed here.

Fly fishing the Gallatin is a more intimate experience than popular spots on the Missouri or Madison Rivers. It’s a wide, wading-only river that peaks during the summer (though it can be blown out after heavy storms), and the sheer number of trout in this river means it’s less likely you’ll go home without a great fishing tale. Check out the guided trips from Gallatin River Guides or Wild Trout Outfitters if this sounds like it’s up your alley.

So, there you have it: 18 of the most epic river adventures you can take in the U.S. Even if you've never rafted down a raucous river or taken an easygoing paddle trip, get out there and give it a go - you are so much stronger and more capable than you think! This spirit of discovery is the heart of our Bucket List features; it's the wonder and awe that fans and feeds our insatiable wanderlust.