Incredible River Trips You Must Visit for White Water Rafting, Kayaking, and Canoeing

Sep 24, 2025

It’s World Rivers Day, calling for public awareness on the importance of our planet’s waterways, and the important roles they serve in our everyday lives from transportation to vital ecosystems to the food we eat. As part of our own efforts to encourage deeper community connection to the environment, we’re dedicating today’s blog to a list of must-visit waterways in the US. From white water rafting in canyons to kayaking and paddling along pristine shorelines

Allgash Wilderness Waterway in Maine

This is by far the most pristine and untouched wilderness waterway on our list, and a must-visit for a truly unique and unforgettable trip. Visitors generally embark on a multi-day tour canoeing or kayaking through the 92-mile waterway which includes Allegash Lake, Allegash River, and several other smaller lakes and ponds along the way. The scenery here is to die for, as you’ll notice the view is dominated by the 400+ year old Seboomook Formation, a formation of sedimentary rocks and geological formations. Visitors have also noted numerous fossil fragments and coral formations, remnants of an abundant aquatic life in its past. Today, the area is rife with coldwater fish species such as Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish, Burbot, and Brook Trout.

Buffalo River in Arkansas

If you’re seeking unique terrain and changing scenery, this is the destination for you! The upper portion of the river brings you through stunning Ozark Mountain scenery with steep bluffs and crystal clear waters. You’ll notice the cliffs and rock formations such as limestone, shale, and sandstone along with gorgeous oak and hickory forests that are unmatched in autumn. It’s also one of the very few undammed rivers in the lower 58, creating natural whitewater rapids as well as quieter swimming holes. Wildlife here is truly abundant, featuring elk, black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, snakes, and more than 250 different types of birds. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, paddling, and rafting as well as hiking, mountain biking,horseback riding along the shores. It also makes a great day out for fishing, camping, and nature photography for a quieter experience.

Green River in Utah

This stunning river destination will take you through several canyons with world-renowned wilderness views and experiences. Opt for a trip through Desolation Canyon, nd you’ll be surrounded by one of Utah’s most rewarding views. There are numerous whitewater options here including rapids (ClassII and class III), with permits required. This is also a great area to stop and hike, backpack, do some star gazing, wildlife photography, and explore the historic and natural sights within the canyon. Making your way through Gray Canyon brings you to even more white water rafting, as well as opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, camping, and historic sightseeing. The Labyrinth Canyon portion of the river is 68 miles in length with nearly 50 miles of it designated as a “scenic segment – it has no rapids, and is perfect for a lengthy paddling trip via kayak or canoe in a backcountry wilderness setting.

Chattooga River Georgia/South Carolina

With a 57-mile course full of adventure, we’re sure you’ll love this destination! The area is not just a prime destination for aquatic sports on the river, but also the perfect place for swimming, backpacking, wildlife photography, horseback riding, and hiking. If you’re looking for paddling and rafting, however, then you’re going to be in for a treat as there are two distinct areas of whitewater rafting: Section III is considered “mild and scenic” with areas calm enough for swimming, class 2 and 3 rapids, and a class 4 end portion. Later downstream on Section IX, you’ll find Seven Foot Falls and Five Falls with even more challenging Class 4 rapids!

Tuolumne River in California

This river originates in the Sierra Nevada on the eastern portion of Yosemite National Park, and flows west for 62 miles into the Stanislaus National Forest. It is considered the #1 rafting river by the San Francisco Chronicle and is located in some of California’s most pristine wilderness. If you’re looking for exciting rapids, this is the place for you! In the Lower Tuolumne, there are more than 40 named whitewater rapids locations within 18 miles as the river makes its way through a remote canyon area. Excursions with groups are recommended here as the rapids can be quite difficult, so make sure you book in advance because it’s quite popular; only a limited number of trips depart daily in an effort to preserve the beautiful natural area. The river makes its way through past beautiful lush meadows, glacially carved canyon walls, and with a backdrop of gorgeous mountain peaks.

John Day River in Oregon

This river holds the longest stretch of free-flowing water to the west of the Rockies, and thus is the Northwest’s longest free-flowing section of river. It begins in the Blue Mountains of Central Oregon, flowing 284 miles to the Columbia River; those last 2 miles of river also connect to Lake Umatilla and the John Day Dam. You will need a permit for recreational watercraft, but it’s well worth the investment. This river destination features several class1 and class 2 whitewater rapids, a few class 3’s, and calmer waters as well for those who prefer less adventure. It winds you through some exquisite desert canyon scenery with basalt cliff formations as well as farm valleys. You’ll find abundant wildlife such as Bighorn Sheep, golden eagles, elk, pronghorn, and more. It’s also known for excellent fishing opportunities including rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, chinook salmon, summer steelhead, and more.