Rafting pairs the rough beauty of the mountains with an essence of danger to create one unforgettable experience perfect for families and groups. My family lives on the Madison River in Montana, and we frequently takes our raft out for a float. I have rafted throughout the country, including Alaska, Georgia, and California, and I count it as one of my favorite hobbies. A thrilling float creates a sense of survival and achievement that will bond you closer to your fellow rafters. Despite the prospect of danger, guided white-water rafting is a wonderful and safe activity the entire family will enjoy. With a bit of research and advance planning, you can provide your family with a set of unforgettable memories.

White-water opportunities come in varying degrees of physicality, danger, and length. While a river may have an overall reputation for turbulent rapids, different sections of the same river vary wildly. Unique river features are classified from Class I (easy) to Class VI (extreme) based on a combination of factors, including flow intensity, rock formations, and unpredictability. Understanding the difficulty rating of a river before you go is critical to ensuring everyone has a good time. For a leisurely float down a river, perfect for children and the elderly, avoid stretches of river with rapids classified greater than Class II (novice). For family members seeking a bit more adventure, a river with several Class III and IV rapids provides ample excitement without causing exhaustion. If you have no experience rafting, save Class V and VI rapids for future trips.

Because any journey down a river requires transportation, expensive gear, and local knowledge of the river, a guide is a necessity. Nearly every river with navigable rapids is served by a respected rafting company with a fleet of several boats. These outfits are generally professional and well equipped, and many are regulated and inspected by state agencies. Most guides are outdoor enthusiasts highly respectful of the river and work incredibly hard to see that you have a great experience.

You can easily include a river excursion as part of a larger adventure to a remote location. If you are already planning a trip to Yellowstone Park, adding a day on one of the many local rivers provides a different perspective to the natural splendor. And like a day of horseback riding, it can break the monotony of car or bus travel. One of the easiest ways to find out about rafting opportunities in an area is to contact a local Chamber of Commerce or tourism office. For those looking to turn a rafting trip as its own vacation, multi-day camping/float trips are available on longer rivers, such as the Colorado, Missouri, and Columbia.

Whether you are visiting Alaska or the Rockies, holding a reunion in the Appalachians, or just looking to get out of your house in Los Angeles or New York, a day of rafting is a phenomenal experience. The crisp splash of water fresh from mountain snow-pack on your cheeks invigorates the senses and restores the soul. The close interaction with natural elements, the opportunity to view scenery and wildlife, and the certain rush of adrenaline combine to create the ideal family outing.

Learn more about this author, B. D. Hawk.
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