Whitewater Rafting! Just the sound of it can send chills up the spine of the uninitiated. We prefer to consider it nature's roller-coaster. It's a fun ride knowing you're in good hands.
The stretch of the Snake River through Hells Canyon that we travel is known as a pool-and-drop river. As it twists and turns through an ever-changing canyon landscape, you'll encounter mirror-like stretches that are interrupted by thrilling rapids. This contrast only makes you appreciate it more! In this ancient rocking mode of travel, powered by natural forces, you'll find a magic that soothes the soul and supplies a real recharge like a good vacation should.
It's our sincere goal to make this unique experience as pleasurable and fun as possible. From our gourmet camp cooking to our state-of-the-art equipment, everything we do is tailored to exceed your expectations.
And you are in the safest of hands with Canyon Outfitters' guides. We are proud to have some of the most experienced whitewater guides in the country; they are experts in rafts, kayaks, and our own custom built 20' drift boats: the Cadillac of river craft.
We are proud of our 36-year history of safely running over 750 multi-day river trips.
Rivers are rated using roman numerals I to VI according to the International Scale of River Difficulty. Class I is generally a riffle; however, a river's level of challenge changes with fluctuations in water levels. For example, a river rated Class IV at medium water levels might resemble a Class III river at lower water levels, while at higher levels, it might look more like a Class IV. This is reason enough to go with a professional outfitter that is familiar with a particular river at different water levels.
Hells Canyon has numerous Class III rapids and two to five class IV rapids depending on water levels.
See the scale below.
Class I: Fast-moving water with riffles and small waves.
Class II: Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required.
Class III: Rapids with moderate, irregular waves. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found.
Class IV: Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. The river may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure.
Class 5: Expert: Extreme conditions; long, difficult, violent rapids. Unavoidable waves and obstructions. Steep holes and/or drops. Demanding manuevers that come quickly before difficult passageways.
