Ultimate Guide to White Salmon River Rafting in Washington State
If you are considering White Salmon river rafting, this is your sign to do it! The White Salmon is a river that flows between Washington State and Oregon, and is home to some of the best white water rafting in the Pacific Northwest.
Follow this guide to rafting the White Salmon River to learn about the best tour, what to pack, what to expect, and general rafting tips.
Ready to book? I highly recommend this tour.
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Why go White Salmon River Rafting?
If you’re considering an adventure activity in Washington or are wondering where to go white water rafting near Seattle or Portland, rafting the White Salmon is for you.
Here are the top 5 reasons to take a White Salmon river rafting trip:
1. There are class three and four rapids which are perfect for beginner and experienced rafters that are seeking a thrill.
2. If the water allows, you will be able to go down the second largest commercial run waterfall in the world (the first is in New Zealand).
3. White Salmon is a quick day trip from Portland or an overnight trip from Seattle. I recommend making a weekend of it, visiting the local hiking trails and Mount Saint Helen’s National Park.
There are plenty of hotels in Portland or Hood River Oregon, but we chose to camp at the Cascade Locks KOA.
4. There are expert guides that will ensure your safety and a fun experinece
5. The gorge and forest views you will see while rafting are some of the most scenic in the world.
The Best white salmon river rafting tours
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White Salmon River Rafting Half-Day Trip
✅ 3 hour rafting tour
✅ Expert guides with reputation for safety
✅ Class iii and iv rapids with an optional waterfall
For safety reasons, plan your trip with a licensed tour operator. I highly recommend this half day tour run by River Drifters.
A half day is plenty of time to run the river and see the most popular sites without getting too tired.
The tour provides the rafts, transportation to and from the river, all of your safety gear and wetsuit, and an expert guide.
Since they provide everything, it makes preparing the trip super easy on your part. Simply show up with a great attitude and you’re set!
The day begins with a quick safety briefing and gear fitting.
Then, you will hit the river with your guide and small group of 4-8 people. You will navigate the river, following the directions of your guide to stay safe throughout.
The river has a variety of raging rapids and calm parts. I love the adrenaline of the rapids, but the calm parts gives you time to appreciate the natural beauty.
There are also two stops that make White Salmon river unique:
- Husum Falls – the second largest commerically run waterfall. If you’re daring, you can take the waterfall in the raft. If you’re nervous, you can walk around and watch others take the waterfall from a bridge over the river.
- Gorge Jump – in the middle of the rafting trip, you have the opportunity to get out of the raft and jump into the river from a small cliff (around 10 feet high). It’s a super fun and scenic stop.
other options for White Salmon River Rafting Tours:
Wet Planet – There are options for half day to multi-day trips depending on your interests. They also offer kayaking in addition to rafting.
The company is super easy to communicate with, they have high safety standards and the guides are incredible!
When to Whitewater Raft in Washington
The White Salmon River rafting runs from April to September each year (weather permitting). The best time to go in June-August when the water levels are high, and the sun is warm.
Surprisingly, the water is the warmest early in the season when the river is made up of rainwater and not glacier water. Later in the season, the water is purely glacier run-off and is a crisp 38 degrees.
What to Bring
Rafting Gear:
All you need to raft is a swimsuit! The tour operator will provide wet suits, booties, helmets, and personal flotation devices. All you need for the rafting is a swimsuit.
I recommend a high-coverage swimsuit so it stays in place under your wet suit.
Other Items to Bring:
- Beach Towel
- Sunscreen
- Cozy change of clothes for afterwards
- Water / snacks for after the raft trip
What to Expect on your Rafting Trip
Arrival:
Your Washington State rafting experience will begin at a storefront then proceed to the river. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time to get equipment and meet your guide.
You will then drive or walk to the put in spot where you will help load the raft into the river and hop in.
Rafting:
The river will have a series of calm areas and rapids. In the calm areas, look around and soak in the view! In the rapids, prepare to paddle hard to guide the raft safely around rocks for a fun ride.
The guides will train you on commands for paddling, “high-siding” (keeping the boat from flipping) and “getting down” to stay securely in the boat.
Falling off can happen and did happen to us. While scary, I felt prepared to respond to the situation quickly and safely.
Before each rapid, the guide will describe the layout and let you know what to do if you fall off in that section (swim left, float the rapid, get back in the boat, etc.).
When my boyfriend fell in during a series of rapids, I knew to pass off my paddle, grab his lifejacket and hoist him back in.
Pictures:
The time will go by faster than you expect so be sure to take in the sites, soak in the adrenaline and capture pictures if you have a waterproof camera or go-pro.
If you don’t have this technology, the tour company will take photos for purchase.
Book your White Salmon rafting trip today!
Summary of White Salmon Whitewater Rafting
Rafting is the perfect weekend activity for outdoorsy people and adrenaline junkies alike. Since the tour operator will plan most of the trip, this is a stress-free getaway for those living in the area or passing through on a road trip.
If you have the opportunity to go White Salmon white water rafting, take it! There is not a more scenic place to go rafting than through the Columbia River Gorge on the White Salmon River.
Happy rafting and as always reach out with any questions!
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