Weather & Water
Being in the Pacific Northwest means the weather can change as quickly as the landscape. We want you to arrive prepared and ready for adventure, so we provide access to the same weather information we use when planning our trips. Check the latest conditions, pack accordingly, and come ready to embrace whatever the river brings!
Weather conditions on the River
Our Oregon and Idaho rafting season typically runs from late May through September, bringing warm days, comfortable nights, and ideal conditions for life on the river.
Early-season trips in May and June generally offer daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, with cooler evenings. By July through September, daytime temperatures often climb into the 80s and 90s, with occasional hotter days. Fortunately, cool evenings and refreshing river water make it easy to beat the heat.
Weather in the Pacific Northwest can change quickly, and an occasional rainstorm or thunderstorm is all part of the adventure. We closely monitor conditions and will keep you informed of any unusual weather that may affect your trip.
With warm days, cool water, comfortable evenings, and excellent camping conditions, summer on the river is pretty hard to beat.
Weather Forecasts
The following is a list of weather forecasts for each of our rivers and Joseph, Oregon. Water level graphs (flow graphs) are below as well.
01
at Troy, Oregon
02
at Hells Canyon Dam
(ID/OR Border)
03
at Pine Bar Launch
outside Cottonwood ID
04
at Joseph State Airport Joseph, OR
Snake River Through Hells Canyon Flows
Salmon River Flows
Grande Ronde River Flows
River Safty
Knowing the fine line between danger and fun is a skill that can only be honed with many years on the river. Being on the river is all about having fun, and being aware of the risks is a big aspect.
River Safety
We work with you to come up with the very best solutions for your challenges!
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| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| I | Very small rapids with low waves, slow current, no obstructions. |
| II | Fairly frequent rapids of medium difficulty, few or no obstructions. |
| III | Difficult, large, irregular waves up to four feet, numerous rapids. The course requires some maneuvering of the raft. |
| IV | Very difficult, long, extended rapids that require careful maneuvering of the raft. Powerful irregular waves and dangerous rocks are common. The course is hard to determine and scouting is necessary. |
| V | Long and violent rapids. Large waves that are unavoidable and irregular. Extremely difficult and complex course. Scouting is essential. |
| VI | Maximum difficulty. Nearly impossible and extremely dangerous. Class V carried to the limit of navigability. Involves risk of life. |
All guides are licensed and have current First Aid and CPR cards. Winding Waters River Expeditions is licensed and bonded in Oregon and Idaho and is an equal opportunity service provider operating under a special use permit from the USFS in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. All of our guides make whitewater safety a top priority on all Hells Canyon, Salmon and Grande Ronde River raft trips.
