Whitewater Rafting Basics

Equipment:

Most likely you will be using a licensed rafting company to guide you. They are expected to provide basic rafting equipment including wet suits when needed. Bring a change of clothes just in case and dress for the weather. Make sure anything you bring on raft (like a phone) is in waterproof container. Check with your guide to see if this is provided.

Licenses:

None Needed

Trip Booking:

Look online for guide services, rivers they raft and prices they charge. Pay attention to class of rivers the guides use as they can range from gentle flows, class 1 to raging, class 5. If you haven’t tried before stay class 3 or less. Nearby popular floats are in Fall City on the Snoqualmie River and near Ellensburg on the Yakima where you have the option of renting inner tubes or small rafts.

Pricing:

Prices vary depending on service and equipment needed. Most guide services furnish equipment and will take you to launch site and pick you up to bring you back to your vehicle.

Tips:

River flow will vary with season. Spring and early summer have more flow driven with snow melt. Class 4 river in spring might be class 2 in mid-summer. Ask guide service about water conditions when you expect to go before booking. You will want to have a camera along to record your adventure. It will be fun.