The Best White Water Rafting Trips in Washington State

White water rafting is an exciting and thrilling experience and it is something I think everyone should try at least once. Washington state offers some of the best white water rafting, which is why it is such a large tourist attraction. The Washington mountain ranges are covered with hundreds of inches of snow fall each winter and in the spring when the snow melts it fills the many rivers, making the conditions ideal for white water rafting. Some of the best rivers for white water rafting in Washington are the Skagit, Skykomish, White Salmon and the Wenatchee Rivers.

The first thing you need to do if you are considering white water rafting especially if it is your first time, is to contact one of the many companies (outfitters) that offer classes in white water rafting and guided tours of Washington's rivers. The rivers are rated by the professional guides from class 1 through class five. One being the calmest and five being very serious white water rapids. Level five conditions are usually best left to the experienced or professionals. Trust me a level three or four will be more than enough to get your adrenaline pumping and offer a thrilling and exhilarating white water rafting experience.

I have listed below some of the different types of white water rafting trips offered by most of the professional white water rafting companies.

Float Trips

Not up for the full whitewater experience? These trips are for people of all ages and anyone who just wants to relax and enjoy beautiful scenery and a day on the water.

Whitewater Adventure

Want the thrill of whitewater? The Wenatchee River (a class 3), offers big wave excitement, sun, and the charming town of Leavenworth. Want a little more adventure? Try the Methow (Class 3-4), Klickitat (Class 3-4), or Nooksack (Class 3-4).

Whitewater Extreme

These are some of the most difficult rivers. The Green River Gorge (Class 4) offers amazing scenery with demanding Class 4 rapids or try the almost non-stop thrills of the White Salmon River (Class 3-4).

Some companies even offer River Kayaking:

Inflatable Kayaking

Want a new challenge? Try inflatable kayaking as an option on many of the rivers like: Wenatchee, Methow, Tieton, White Salmon, Upper Wenatchee, and at low water on the Skykomish. Usually no experience is needed. The companies will instruct you on what you need to know.

Hard shell Kayaking

Try hard shell or plastic boat kayaking. Most companies offer hard shell kayak classes from beginner to custom, guided trips on class 3, 4 and even some level 5 rivers.

White water rafting is a blast! Also to let you know the companies do offer wet suit rentals and I do recommend renting one. The river water is very cold and you want to enjoy your trip to the fullest. You don't want to spend the trip hoping it will end quickly as possible because you are frozen to the core!

Below are the outfitters I have used in the past for white water rafting, although there are many more available.
http://www.blueskyoutfitters.com/index.php