The American West offers some of the best overnight trips in the U.S., thanks to its vast public lands and protected areas, including Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers. If you’re a river enthusiast, these five river trips are must-adds to your bucket list.
1. Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is the gold standard for multi-day rafting trips. Flowing through the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, this 100-mile stretch offers a perfect blend of challenging rapids and stunning scenery.
The jaw dropping scenery includes towering cliffs, beautiful campsites, lush forests, and ancient pictographs. Hot springs, like Sunflower Flat, offer a chance to soak your muscles after a day of paddling. This trip is a must for anyone who craves adventure paired with solitude.
2. Rogue River, Oregon
For those who want a more laid-back trip without sacrificing beauty or excitement, the Rogue River delivers. This famous Wild and Scenic river meanders through southern Oregon, offering Class II-IV rapids that are beginner-friendly yet still thrilling.
What sets the Rogue apart are the side hikes to places like the Rogue River Ranch and the wildlife—bears, otters, and bald eagles are common sights. Campsites are plentiful, and the river’s warm water makes swimming a delight.
3. Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, Arizona
Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is an iconic trip offers over 200 miles of unparalleled beauty, special side hikes, and big water rapids. From the thundering rapids of Lava Falls and Bedrock to the serene stretches where canyon walls soar above, this journey is a feast for the senses.
Campsites on sandy beaches provide epic stargazing opportunities, and side hikes lead to hidden waterfalls and slot canyons. While permits can be hard to come by, the effort to secure a spot is absolutely worth it.
4. Illinois River, Oregon
The Illinois River in southwestern Oregon is a hidden gem for experienced rafters. Flowing through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, this river offers thrilling Class IV-V rapids and unparalleled solitude.
The canyon is lush and green, with steep walls and waterfalls cascading into the river. The highlight for many is rafting the infamous Green Wall Rapid. With pristine campsites, incredible scenery, big rapids, and clear water this river trip is hard to beat.
5. Tuolumne River, California
The Tuolumne River, or “The T,” is a gem for those seeking big rapids in a deep Sierra canyon. Located near Yosemite National Park, this river is a Class IV playground with exhilarating rapids like Clavey Falls and Grey's Grindstone.
While it’s a shorter trip—typically two days—the experience is intense and full of whitewater rapids. The Tuolumne’s deep canyon and crystal-clear water make it one of the most picturesque rivers in the West.
Honorable Mention
Coming up with a list like this is challenging because there are so many different rivers and everyone likes different things. A few more river trips to consider as the best in the United States are the Selway River, Yampa River, Forks of the Kern, and the Alsek River.
