Seven Whitewater Wonders of the World
7 Whitewater Wonders of the World
There are countless “Best Whitewater Rafting” trip lists out there, and certainly everyone has a different opinion of which trips qualify as “the best,” but it’s safe to say our Seven Whitewater Wonders of the World routinely show up on many of those lists. These seven adventures are undeniably some of the top river trips on the planet. And, if you’re looking for a list of rivers to check off your “to-do” list, you don’t want to miss these epic whitewater adventures.
1. Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, Arizona
Not just one of our own whitewater wonders, but truly one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon’s scenic extremes are matched only by the size and ferocity of the 60 rapids found on this legendary stretch of the Colorado River.
2. Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River rushes through Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains with more than 100 rapids in 100 miles. Widely recognized as the premier alpine river experience in North America, the Middle Fork is renowned as much for its scenery, hiking, fishing, and hot springs as it is for world-class whitewater.
3. Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser River, British Columbia
Truly three unique world-class rivers in one, a Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser River adventure in British Columbia runs through Lava, Big John, and Farwell Canyons, and includes some of the continent’s largest rapids, including the longest commercially run stretch of continuous Class IV whitewater in North America. Day three of this excursion into the Canadian wilderness is nothing short of the most exhilarating day of rafting on the planet.
4. Zambezi River, ZIMBABWE
Africa’s Zambezi River, known as one of the best whitewater runs in the world, is synonymous with big water and high-adventure rafting. Set in a deep, narrow gorge at the base of spectacular Victoria Falls (another one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World), the river offers adrenaline-inducing Class V rapids, spectacular views, and great beaches.
5. Tuolumne River, California
Originating in the internationally renowned wilds of Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne River is the premier whitewater rafting trip in California. The truest of all California wilderness trips, it takes you down 18 miles of roaring Class IV whitewater through a spectacular wilderness canyon.
6. Futaleufú River, Chile
Flowing through Chilean Patagonia, far beneath the spires and snow-packed crowns of the Andes, the Futaleufu’s Class IV-V rapids is a whitewater paddler’s dream trip. Each year, from December through March, the river draws river guides and whitewater enthusiasts from around the world to raft the rowdy turquoise waters of the mighty Fu.
7. Upper Navua River, Fiji
The South Pacific paradise of Fiji is home to one of the planet’s most incredible rivers, and with over 75 waterfalls cascading from the cliffs above the Navua River, this one-day Fiji rafting trip has been recognized as one of the top rafting trips in the world for its scenic beauty and easy Class II-III rapids.
This is a specular trip! The guides were knowledgeable, patient, and kind. They work crazy-hard and love it. The fact that some of them have spent nearly half of their lives working for OARS says a lot about it as a company. The scenery, the food, and the splendor make this truly a trip of a lifetime. The Grand Canyon is a magical place, and an OARS trip is a great way to experience that magic.
Doris from Wisconsin Grand Canyon rafting guest
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