From single to multi-day rafting trips, these are the most popular rafting trips in the United States. Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey through foaming rapids and crashing waves. You'll need more than a paddle boat to get you through this high water, but for the adventure seekers, these trips are fantastic.
1. Grand Canyon 3-Day Rafting Expedition
Skill Level: Beginner | River Type: Multi-Day Trip
This 3-day, 2-night Grand Canyon rafting trip covers 89 miles of the Colorado River system from Whitmore Wash to Lake Mead. Board a motorized J-Rig raft designed for safety and comfort as you navigate Class II–III whitewater rapids. Along the way, stop to explore hidden side canyons, swim beneath cascading waterfalls, and witness dramatic cliffs towering over 2,000 feet above.
On day three, cap off your journey with a high-speed jet boat ride across Lake Mead to the takeout at Pearce Ferry. This trip offers the excitement of whitewater rafting with the ease of a guided, all-inclusive experience.
2. Classic Snake River Whitewater Rafting Day Trip
Skill Level: Beginner | River Type: Day Trip
This 8-mile whitewater adventure on Wyoming’s scenic Snake River is the perfect day trip for families, beginners, and thrill-seekers alike. Ride in a standard 16-person raft (or 12-person raft during late summer) as you tackle splashy Class II–III rapids like Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna. With stunning views of the Snake River Canyon, this 2.5–3 hour round-trip offers excitement and natural beauty in equal measure. You can jump in for a swim or just enjoy the camaraderie and fun of rafting.
3. Merced River 1-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip
Skill Level: Intermediate | River Type: Day Trip
The Merced River offers one of California’s most thrilling day rafting experiences. You’ll enjoy an action-packed 16-mile journey filled with long, rolling Class III-IV rapids. This river’s tall waves and fast current create a roller-coaster ride that adventurous beginners and seasoned paddlers alike will love. You’ll kick things off with a Class IV splash at Cranberry Hole, then power through rapid after rapid, refining your paddle skills on massive wave trains. After scouting and running the challenging Class IV Ned’s Gulch, break for a delicious riverside lunch. The afternoon brings a mix of scenic Class II-III waters before ending with an exhilarating three-mile stretch of Class III-IV rapids.
4. Salt River Full-Day Rafting Adventure
Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate | River Type: Day Trip
Get ready for a wild ride through Arizona’s stunning Upper Salt River Canyon on this action-packed full-day whitewater rafting trip. You’ll paddle 10 scenic miles, tackling exciting Class III–IV rapids like Maytag, Overboard, and the thunderous Mescal Falls. This beginner-to-intermediate trip is perfect for adventurous first-timers and paddlers looking to push their skills in a safe, guided environment.
You'll follow your expert guide downriver through volcanic rock canyons filled with spring wildflowers, hike into a hidden side canyon to discover a secluded waterfall, and cruise through narrow gorges like the breathtaking Narrows. Midday, you should pause for a lunch, then finish strong with more exhilarating rapids and sun-soaked memories.
5. Middle Fork of the Salmon River – 6-Day Rafting Expedition
Skill Level: Intermediate | River Type: Multi-Day Trip
If you're ready for the ultimate wilderness rafting adventure, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River delivers. Over six unforgettable days, you’ll paddle 100 miles through Idaho’s Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. This is a true backcountry experience. There are no roads and no crowds, just clear water, towering granite canyons, and the rush of Class III–IV whitewater.
You’ll launch your raft nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, crashing through boulder-strewn rapids like Velvet Falls, Pistol Creek, and Devil’s Tooth. You'll navigate narrow channels, explore ancient pictographs, soak in natural hot springs, and hike to hidden waterfalls like Veil Falls. Each night, relax in a fully set-up riverside camp, where hearty meals and starlit skies await.
6. Ocoee River Whitewater Adventure – Half-Day Trip
Skill Level: Beginner | River Type: Day Trip
Get ready for a non-stop thrill ride on the most popular whitewater rafting river in the U.S. It's the Ocoee River in southeast Tennessee. This half-day trip covers 10 action-packed miles through the Cherokee National Forest, where you'll charge through 20 sets of Class III–IV rapids on the Upper and Middle sections of the river. As the dam releases its water each morning (after generating power overnight), the river transforms into a fast-flowing playground. Keep an eye out for the enormous diversion pipes overhead. It’s a glimpse into the engineering that powers your adventure.
7. Gauley & New Rivers – Choose Your West Virginia Whitewater Adventure
Skill Level: Varies by Trip | River Type: Day Trips
Looking for a heart-pounding challenge or a laid-back family float? West Virginia’s Gauley and New Rivers offer both. If you're an experienced rafter craving an adrenaline rush, the Upper Gauley is your battleground. Known as the “Beast of the East,” this 10-mile stretch drops 335 feet through a remote gorge filled with more than 100 intense Class V–V+ rapids. With tight turns and powerful waves, this four-hour trip demands prior rafting experience and a minimum age of 16.
8. Kennebec River Rafting – Full-Day Adventure in Maine
Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate | River Type: Day Trip
If you're looking for an epic whitewater rafting experience in the Northeast, the Kennebec River in Maine is your go-to destination. Fed by the Harris Station Dam, this 12-mile stretch delivers consistent Class III–IV rapids, making it an ideal trip for adventurous first-timers and experienced paddlers alike. You'll power through exciting drops, including the famous Magic Falls, while surrounded by rugged Maine wilderness.
Your journey starts in West Forks, where trusted local outfitters will gear you up, go over safety protocols, and guide you through a 4–6 hour rafting trip, complete with a hot riverside lunch. The upper river offers the most excitement, but you’ll also enjoy calmer stretches perfect for soaking in the scenery.
9. Arkansas River Rafting – Browns Canyon & Royal Gorge, Colorado
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert | River Type: Half-Day, Full-Day & Multi-Day Trips
Get ready to raft one of the most scenic and versatile rivers in the country, the Arkansas River at its Rocky Mountain headwaters. Start your journey near Buena Vista, Colorado, and choose your route: the gentler Browns Canyon or the heart-pounding Royal Gorge. If you're newer to rafting or want a family-friendly float with stunning mountain views, Browns Canyon offers Class II–III rapids with just the right splash of excitement. Want to level up? Head downstream into the Royal Gorge, where you’ll take on continuous Class IV–V rapids, steep drops, and tight technical lines.
You can book half-day, full-day, or even multi-day trips with several local outfitters, all of whom provide professional guides, gear, and safety training. Whether you’re paddling hard through chutes or floating between towering canyon walls, this section of the Arkansas River promises unbeatable beauty and thrilling whitewater.
10. Rogue River Rafting – Scenic & Wild Whitewater in Oregon
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced | River Type: Day Trips & Multi-Day (Permit Required for Lower Rogue)
If you're craving an untamed river adventure, the Rogue River in southwest Oregon really does live up to its name. Originating in the Cascade Mountains near Crater Lake, this river takes you through dense forests, rocky canyons, and remote wilderness all the way to the Pacific. Whether you're chasing gentle flows or wild rapids, the Rogue delivers a thrilling and scenic ride.
Depending on your experience and appetite for adventure, you can choose your section. The Grants Pass stretch is perfect if you’re looking for exciting rapids paired with dramatic views. You can expect splashy Class III–IV whitewater and small waterfalls tucked between lush cliffs. If you're up for a truly remote and multi-day journey, consider the Lower Rogue, but be ready to plan ahead. It's a protected Wild and Scenic River section, limited to just 120 people per day and only accessible with a permit.
Experience Adventure Travel in an RV
White water rafting vacations are best enjoyed from the comfort of an RV. With a Cruise America RV rental, you can park right by the waters of a national park and enjoy your trip down the rapids.
Pack up your friends, family, gear, and hit the road!
