Understanding the Rapids of the White Salmon River

Husum Falls is a huge rapid.
Husum Falls is the highest commercially run waterfall in the Pacific North West

If you’re a fan of whitewater rafting, you’re likely familiar with the American White Water Classification System. This system is used to categorize the difficulty of rapids, helping rafters to assess the risks and rewards of different stretches of river. One of the most exciting places to experience the thrill of the rapids is the White Salmon River, located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the American White Water Classification System and take a closer look at the Zoller family, who own Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys, one of the premier whitewater rafting companies on the White Salmon River.

The American White Water Classification System was first developed in the early 1950s by a group of American canoeists and kayakers. The system categorizes rapids on a scale from Class I (easy) to Class VI (extremely difficult and dangerous). The classification of rapids takes into account a number of factors, including the size and frequency of waves, the difficulty of maneuvering through the rapids, and the presence of hazards such as rocks and logs. Understanding the classification of rapids is essential for any rafter who wants to safely navigate the rapids and have an enjoyable experience.

whitewater guide school
Whitewater Guide School with Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys

The White Salmon River, located in Washington State’s Columbia River Gorge, is one of the most exciting and scenic stretches of whitewater in the country. The river originates from the White Salmon Glacier on Mt. Adams and flows through steep, forested canyons before joining the Columbia River. The White Salmon River is known for its challenging rapids, which range in difficulty from Class II to Class V. Rafters on the White Salmon River can expect to encounter everything from small, technical rapids to massive, high-volume drops, depending on which portion of the river you raft.

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Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys is one of the top whitewater rafting companies on the White Salmon River. The company was founded by the Zoller family, who have been running the business for over 50 years. The Zollers are passionate about sharing their love of the river with visitors from around the world. In addition to offering guided rafting trips on the White Salmon River.

Husum Falls White Salmon river

If you’re planning a trip to the Columbia River Gorge, be sure to add a whitewater rafting adventure on the White Salmon River to your itinerary. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a first-time paddler, the rapids of the White Salmon River are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. And with the expert guidance of Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys, you can rest assured that you’ll be safe and well-prepared for whatever the river has in store.

Oregon Whitewater Guide
Mark Zoller has been guiding whitewater rafting trips on the White Salmon and Klickitat Rivers since 1985. He lives in and loves the Columbia River Gorge