High Adventure! Looking for higher adventure than the average whitewater rafting paddler? The top rated high-adventure commercial rafting in the Pacific Northwest is on the White Salmon River’s “Upper Gorge“. Just 20 minutes north of Hood River Oregon on the Oregon and Washington state line.
Flowing from the White Salmon glacier off of Mt. Adams the White Salmon River flows crisp, clear and fast to the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area. Whitewater occurs when water travels down steep terrain. The White Salmon River has some of the best gradient around giving it a multitude of great rapids ranging from Class V to Class II.
The Upper Gorge of the White Salmon offers a chance for guided rafting adventures that are the most challenging around. Strong teens & hardy adults. Those of the folks that do best on the Upper Gorge. You’ll plunge through Triple Drop, Maytag, Top-Drop, and The Flume. Husum Falls, the highest commercially run waterfall in the United States is your finish line.
The best paddlers for whitewater rafting are those who follow directions well. Its really that simple. If your whitewater guide yells for three forward strokes. Give it three strokes! When the guide hollers for you to hang-on. Hang on tight. You’ll do great rafting on the White Salmon River.
Being in the correct size raft is paramount in having the high adventure you are looking for. Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys uses “Mini Rafts” on the Upper Gorge. Mini Rafts holds only four guests plus the guide. Their small size causes them to dive into waves creating maximum splash factor.
Come to the White Salmon River where you can paddle high adventure on the Upper Gorge or medium adventure on the Middle Gorge. There is something for everyone on the White Salmon River.
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