Rapids

River with lots of rapids the whole way?

It seems like rivers like the Colorado which are known for rapids eventually mellow out and are no more fun for rafting. If I were with a group of experienced rafters, are there any rivers with plenty of whitewater throughout? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. THE GRAND CANYON!!!!!!!! OMG it was so much fun... it was like a 10 day trip but that was probably one of the best trips of my life
2. S-pod -- you know, the Grand Canyon IS the Colorado River. The question was asking about OTHER rivers. Yes, there are rivers that have long stretches of whitewater throughout the world. Think about what causes rapids -- it has to be a drop in the elevation of the land, so you are more likely to find longer stretches in regions with a long sloping topography. Steep mountainous areas create short violent rapids on rivers that eventually flatten out when they reach valleys or plains below. I live and kayak in Pennsylvania and supposedly there are more streams and rivers here than any other state except Alaska -- there are quite a few that have extensive systems of rapids you can paddle on multi-day trips. The Cheat Canyon in West Virginia is a 7 hour trip of almost continuous class III to V rapids (I've done it) -- if you paddle that you will be BEGGING for a flatwater stretch so you can rest. If you are looking in the Rockies, Idaho is known for some great rafting rivers like the Salmon and Hell's Canyon. Probably the longest whitewater rivers are those draining the Himalayan mountains in Asia, like the Dudh Kosi, and African rivers like the Zambezi.
3. Most folks in the state of Colorado raft the Arkansas River. Near Buena Vista and also The Royal Gorge. Lots and lots of lots of whitewater. Have fun!