A Beginner’s Guide to Rafting in the Pacific Northwest

Calling all adventure-seeking families! If you’re looking to dive headfirst into the exciting world of rafting in the Pacific Northwest, you’re in for a treat. As seasoned river guides who have navigated the exhilarating waters throughout the Pacific Northwest, we’re thrilled to present this beginner’s guide to rafting in this breathtaking region.

Whether you’re a local looking for rafting for beginners or a family visiting from another country, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know for an unforgettable rafting experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Need help to decide on a destination? We’ll walk you through your choices and get you started on a trip of a lifetime with our expert-led Whitewater Raftings. 

Rafting in the Pacific Northwest offers a diverse range of experiences, from tranquil floats to heart-pounding rapids. You can opt for Pacific Northwest float trips, which meander through calm waters, offering a relaxed and immersive nature experience. Families seeking a bit more excitement can venture into more adventurous rapids, adding an extra thrill to their journey.

While we raft rivers that feature both mellow and exhilarating rapids, all of our Whitewater Raftings require no prior experience and are suitable for families of ALL AGES and ability levels. We make safety a priority on each trip while keeping an eye on making the rapids fun for everyone.

The Pacific Northwest boasts a variety of rivers, each with its own unique charm and intensity. Here in Eastern v, our rivers meander through a desert landscape that needs to be seen to be believed. As you make your way through epic canyons, you’ll encounter a wide range of flora and fauna, and many other distinct features that make this region the beautiful area that it is.

The Snake , Salmon , and Grande Ronde Rivers are excellent options in our beloved “Land of the winding waters,” offering a mix of serene floats and exciting rapids. We're proud to be among the most trusted Oregon river runners, providing guided adventures suited for both novices and experts alike.

While we’re based out of Eastern Oregon and float our favorite rivers of this region, the entire Pacific Northwest is filled with excellent white water that’s worth exploring. The rivers of Southern Oregon, such as the Rogue River, offer a unique experience all its own through a more forested part of the state. Additionally, the Upper Skagit and Skykomish Rivers in Northwest Washington offer a unique opportunity to raft close to Seattle.

One of the best parts of white water rafting is how you’ll be spending your days in addition to floating the river. On our rafting trips, we’ll be floating through cool, clear water and staying at beautiful camps, allowing for fun activities such as:

• Fishing: On all the rivers we float, you’ll have an opportunity to fish and experience the river in a whole new light.
• Swimming: We float through big deep river canyons that feature swimming spots galore. Whether it’s at the campsite after a day of floating, midday before lunch, or simply jumping out a floating next to the raft, swimming is always a crowd favorite.
• Hikes: While we’ll be floating every day, there will be opportunities to hop off the raft and explore the areas we’ll be rafting through, including interesting ancient and not-so-ancient cultural sites!



These extra activities make rafting more than just a ride—it’s a full nature immersion. If you're wondering what to expect, get familiar with white water rafting terms and whether it’s white water rafting or whitewater rafting—both are correct, and we love them both!

Safety is paramount when rafting, no matter how many times you’ve been before. When you join us for a rafting trip, we’ll always provide white water rafting safety equipment, including life jackets.

Our guides are extremely experienced and will make staying safe easy and comfortable. We’ll keep you updated on everything you need to know before and during your trip, including rapids classes explained, using a wetsuit white water rafting, understanding white water rafting water levels, and brushing up on white water rafting terminology or whitewater rafting terms.

Preparing for your river adventure is just as important as the trip itself! If you're wondering what to bring water rafting, you’re not alone—we get these questions all the time. Luckily, we’ve made it easy for you with a complete rafting trip packing list that ensures you’re river-ready from head to toe.

On all of our Whitewater Raftings, the following items will be included:

• Transportation to and from the river from Joseph, OR, or Clarkston, ID
• All necessary rafting essentials, including life jackets, dry bags, spacious tents, cots, and comfortable sleeping pads
• Gourmet meals tailored to dietary needs
• Experienced guides to lead your adventure safely and smoothly

Still, there are additional river trip essentials you’ll want to pack yourself. Not sure what to bring on a rafting trip? Here’s a helpful breakdown of river trip packing list favorites:

• Seasonally appropriate clothing
• Sunscreen and sun hat
• River rafting clothes or rafting outfit
• River shoes or clothing for rafting
• Sunglasses
• A good book
• Camp towel
• Float trip necessities like lip balm and reusable water bottles
• Fun things to bring to the river like waterproof cameras or small games
• Best clothes for rafting, especially if you're rafting in the summer
• White water rafting clothes and white water rafting attire
• What to wear to white water rafting and what to wear on a rafting trip

A few more handy items from our guides' go-bag include:

• Quick-drying layers and white water rafting clothing
• A light rain jacket or splash top
• White water rafting essentials like water-resistant bags or sunblock
• Float trip packing list with your top comfort items
• What to wear rafting in summer—think breathable and fast-drying
• Best clothes for white water rafting, including UV-protective shirts
• Reusable water bottles, because hydration is part of river essentials
• Things to bring on a float trip like snacks, wet wipes, and waterproof bags

Don’t forget, your attitude matters just as much as your outfit. Along with your river trip essentials, pack a sense of adventure, flexibility, and an eagerness to unplug and connect with the wild beauty of the river.

Embarking on your first rafting adventure in the Pacific Northwest is a thrilling opportunity to unplug, connect with nature, challenge yourself, and create lasting memories with your family. By choosing the right river, prioritizing safety, and opting for a guided tour, you’re setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Our raft guides are trained to ensure you get the most out of your journey.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we provide a world-class rafting experience right here in the Pacific Northwest. We’ve been running the rivers we guide for years and will give you and your group an exciting and fulfilling experience out on the water. From rafting tips and tricks, tips for whitewater rafting, water rafting tips, to understanding what is whitewater rafting, and learning the basics of rafting terms—we’ll prepare you well. Want to know about river gear? Explore river trip essentials, and the value of having a great raft guide.

Want a real taste of adventure? Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters is a rafting favorite.