Some of the finest wilderness in the nation has no road at all. Grab a raft and get ready for the perfect summer on the river with these 11 regular trips to National Wild and Scenic River Trips.
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers were created in 1968 by Congress. The classification refers to rivers that “possess exceptionally outstanding scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historical, cultural or other similar values,” and provides that they are “preserved in free-flowing condition and that they and their immediate environments are protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”
California’s Klamath River
Length 286 miles 1981 Allocated
Hot water, fun rapids, bald eagles, and waterfront camps where the fire’s sparks mingle with the stars are the ingredients for a perfect family river ride. The Lower K has a mellower speed that is fit for an introductory rafting ride, while the upper section of the 286-mile Klamath rolls out of Oregon with Class IV strength.
Dip the paddles into the 70 ° F water (average August temperature) and head west from the put-in at Happy Camp, keeping an eye on the sky for raptors, the water for otters, and the banks for black bears. You won’t notice one thing: boredom. The 20-mile trip has plenty of jumping rocks and riffles, and a kid-size portion of whitewater is given by Class II/III Savage Swift. And the Bigfoot Trail runs through these same Klamath mountains should you need any ideas for campfire tales.
Waterway Allagash Wilderness, Maine
Range 92.5 miles 1970 Designated
In the blueberry- and bear-filled North Maine Forests, the 92.5 miles of lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams are as classic a canoe setting as you can find in the U.S. Take a six-day, 62-mile trip to Allagash Village from Churchill Dam, which includes reservoirs, Class II rapids, and a mandatory portage of .3 miles around 40-foot Allagash Falls.
Look outside your gunwales by day for moose, eagles, and common terns, as well as Katahdin, sticking out above the mixed-forest canopy. Camp at any of the 40 designated locations at night, when Loon calls serenade you to sleep. Best bet: Hit the water in September, when the dropping red maple and quaking aspen colours stand out against the deep mixed fir greens.
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Oregon’s John Day River Trips
Range 147.5 miles 1988-Designated
This is as close to a comfortable cruise across great Western terrain as it comes. A volcanic wonderland of black, basalt gorges and vivid, fossil-filled ash deposits passes through John Day, the third-longest undammed river in the Lower 48. For the most part, as you float downstream, the lower section ambles leisurely along, letting you relax, take in the scenery, and birdwatch.
Much of the 70 miles from Clarno to Cottonwood are Class I / II, but Clarno Rapids Class III/IV lurks about mile 5 (scout from river left; portage if you need to). Below that is smooth sailing at a soporific pace across 1,200-foot-deep canyons and rolling, grassy hillsides. Target junipers’ stands to camp in the shade and watch for mule deer, golden eagles, river otters, and red-tailed hawks.
River of Missouri, Montana
Range 149 miles 1976-designated
They saw a world unmarred by the human industry as Lewis and Clark floated Missouri on their westward path. Lewis wrote in 1805 that the river left its mark on the party: “As we passed on, it seemed that those [scenes] of visionary [enchantment] would never end,”
But if you don’t have an expedition-long vacation, hit the three-day, 47-mile stretch from Coal Banks to Judith Landing. You won’t regret the 10 days it takes to run the entire 149 miles. There in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, water flows into an 800-foot-deep canyon of white eagle sandstone, flows across the plains, and threads across layer-cake badlands. In designated areas, including three Lewis and Clark campsites, and historic Blackfeet and Flathead tribal sites with petroglyphs, camping is abundant.
Rio Grande, TX
Length 191.2 miles 1978-Designated
Desert dwellers think that their stomping grounds are too arid and barren to be enjoyed by the rest of us. Don’t be deceived. This 20-mile overnight through Santa Elena Canyon provides a sampler of the best scenery of the Rio Grande, from open, cactus-filled Chihuahuan landscapes to close, twisty canyons and shady arroyo side hikes. It is also pretty Picante: you can run Rockslide Rapid at mile 15, which can hit Class IV in flows approaching 1,200 CFS (right scout river; there is no choice for portage). Scan the sky for nose-diving peregrine falcons and the riverbanks for coyotes and wild burros when the heart rate settles. Look for grinding holes and petroglyphs from former Native American encampments as you ride. Sandbars camp.
River Chattooga, Georgia
Duration 58.7 miles 1974-Designated
Fans of Deliverance would be disappointed to learn that as the 1972 classic suggests, the Chattooga River, where the film was set, is not almost as dangerous. Fans of world-class river excursions won’t. Although Class I to Class V rapids are served by the rain-fed Chattooga, the best two-day intermediate-friendly trip blends Sections 2 and 3 for a 20 miler that gets sportier the further you go.
The Salmon Middle Fork, Idaho
Period 104 miles Allocated for 1968-Designated
With rapids as big as the wilderness they travel through the 104 miles of the Salmon’s Middle Fork through the Frank Church-No Return Wilderness River tops almost every bucket list of thrill-seeking rafters. Which makes it hard to get permits during the lottery window. Best bet: Wait until late summer, when crowds are falling and winter trout is chunking up. The finest part? Hot camp springs for all eight nights.
