Few sports combine access to wilderness, wildlife, and heart-pounding adventure. Whitewater kayaking in the US checks the boxes for all three.

Anyone can get started paddling with a bit of intro kayaking instruction. However, to brave the largest water churns in the backcountry, more than a quick read of a guidebook is necessary. River running takes knowledge and time logged with experienced kayaking guides. Unless you’re already certified, we recommend going out with a guide.

There are many different types of kayakers. Some river runners prefer calm, flat water, gliding through waters as if they are a part of their surroundings. Others crave the excitement of Class IV+ rapids, mixing stunning scenery with effort and accomplishment. 

Whatever the challenge, there are some rivers and streams in the US that are on every paddler’s bucket list.

1. Chattooga River, Georgia

• US Hwy. 76 E. Clayton, GA 30525
• Best for challenging adventure and scenery.

The Chattooga River is fed by stream water from the Appalachian Mountains and runs the border between North and South Carolina and Georgia. It’s commonly considered one of the best kayaking spots in Georgia.

It has something for everyone, with whitewater rapids for all classes. There are three class IV and class V rapids racing over a 75-foot drop. These are packed into a 1/4 mile gorge: Corkscrew, Crack-In-the-Rock, Jawbone, and Sock’em Dog. The total elevation drop on the run is over 1/2 mile.

Recognized by Congress as one of America’s “Wild & Scenic Rivers.” Outfitters are permitted to offer paddlesports on the lower section of the Chattooga, rated a solid but adventurous Class II/III.

Need a great place to stay in North Georgia to relax after your whitewater kayaking trip? The mountain cabins at Blue Sky Cabin Rentals are just the spot!

2. White Salmon River, Washington

• 1296 Highway 141. White Salmon, WA, 98672
• Best for Class V runs and Haslam Waterfalls

The Little White Salmon River boasts a worldwide reputation as an unforgettable Class V run. It is sometimes compared to the Class V run on Cherry Creek in central California. But this famous river has stretches for beginners and intermediate adventure seekers, too.  

In fact, basalt-based rivers are common throughout the area and a favorite of anglers in search of thought and salmon. Expert whitewater outfitters are associated with most waterways and are available to teach skills, ensuring a safe run downriver.

There are three put-ins on the river, one for each section. The BZ Launch Site & Trail has amenities and boat rails for easy access. River Left covers the stretch below Husam Falls and has nearby parking. Further downstream is The Farmlands put-in.

Want more from the Evergreen State? Don’t miss the other best places to go kayaking in Washington.

3. Aialik Bay, Alaska

• 328 3rd Avenue, Seward, AK 99664
• Best for scenery and glacier encounters.

The 50th State is the perfect adventure for kayaking, with otherworldly scenery and abundant animal life. Not all of Alaska’s best kayaking spots are Class V though. In-country whitewater rivers are plentiful, but the adventure of kayaking near a glacier or with otters and seals is unforgettable.

Aialik Bay in Fjords National Park is glacier-centric and dominated by the Harding and Sargent icefields. This popular experience is best with knowledgeable guides such as those from Kayak World Adventures, as zodiacs and permitted tour boats are the only way to access many of these protected areas.

4. Lochsa River, Idaho

• Milepost 120 on US Highway 12, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, ID, 83536
• Best for multi-day kayaking trips

A Wild and Scenic River, The Lochsa River is sourced from the Bitterroot Mountains and runs through the Nez-Pierce Clearwater National Forest.

The Goat Range is a 12-mile section of non-stop Class III and Class IV rapids with vertical drops, big waves, and swiftwater. This black run will challenge the most skilled kayakers. After a day on the waterway, paddlers can also hike wilderness trails and camp on sandy shores.

There are two main put-ins, with the most popular run between Fish Creek Launch Site and the Split Creek bridge. The wet exit is at the Split Creek Trailhead.

5. Grand Canyon, Colorado River, Arizona

• Spencer Trail, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
• Best for stunning views, impressive rapids, hiking and camping.

Pretty much everywhere on the 1450-mile-long Colorado River is great for kayaking and whitewater rafting. One of the best segments is the 278-mile stretch through Arizona and the Grand Canyon.

Surrounded by high canyon walls, the Grand Canyon run has stunning views combined with kayaking for all skill levels, from calm, lazy waters to Class IV+ rapids.

There are two public put-ins on the river, Lees Ferry and Diamond Creek. Access through the Hualapai Indian Reservation requires separate fees and special arrangements.

6. Snake River, Wyoming

• Teton Park Road, Grand Teton National Park, WY
• Best for separate river sections, continuous challenges, and sweeping views

A Jackson favorite, this Class III river offers a unique challenge. Crossing five states, the water flow starts in Wyoming and lies solely within the Grand Teton National Park. The Snake River is also a tributary of the Columbia River, which runs from Canada to the Pacific Ocean.

Beginning at the main put-in, Jackson Lake Dam, the run winds through to the take-out at the Moose Area Landing, Moose, WY. Paddlers usually stay on the waterway from the dam to the Palisades Reservoir. The Oxbow Bend is a good bet with Class I challenges.

The river trek also provides a glimpse at countless wildlife species, including bison, bald eagles, and elk, as well as a view of the famous mountain range.

Even those skilled in water sports may find themselves upside down or thrown from the kayak. As with many mountain-sourced rivers, the waters are cold even in the spring and summer. Wetsuits or drysuits and a PFD (personal floatation device) are needed for protection and safety.

7. Rogue River, Oregon

• 133 Broadway Street, PO Box 1137, Rogue River, OR 97537
• Best for Class III+ rapids and calmer waters

The Rogue River in Oregon is the best of both worlds. Designated a Wild and Scenic River, the Rogue runs Class III+ and Class IV rapids to thrill even the most experienced paddlers.

The Rogue also has a 37-mile stretch of calm water that is great for first time boaters or just as a change of pace to upgrade rusty paddling skills.

Dubbed by outfitters such as the River Cowboys as the “recreational section,” the river is welcoming to creek boats, inflatable kayaks, and even SUPs. On the Upper Rogue River, boat tours and playboats are a common sighting.

8. Middle Fork, Salmon River, Idaho

• 206 S. Challis Street, Salmon, ID, 83467
• Best for non-stop rapids and world-class fishing.

Some consider this the best place to go kayaking in the entire US. Most call this a “bucket list” trip. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River runs for nearly 100 miles and is not for the faint of heart. Continuous Class III+ and Class IV rapids leave little time for rest. These are perfect conditions to test outfitting skills, convincing many boaters that the protection of the spray skirt was definitely needed.

Kayakers need permits from the Forestry Service to navigate the river. These are issued through a competitive lottery in January.

There are two main put-ins for the Middle Fork: Boundary Creek at Mile 0 and Indian Creek at Mile 2. Cache Bar is the take-out for all guided and freestyle runs.

Although we’ve covered two great spots on this list, there are plenty of other stellar kayaking destinations in Idaho to consider.

Picking the Perfect Whitewater Kayaking & Rafting Adventure

Kayaking doesn’t always have to be nailbiting vertical drops and drenching waves. But a few churns also help to get the heart pumping. The one rule on the water is safety. Luckily, the country has thousands of rivers to navigate, no matter what type of whitewater kayaking you are looking for in the US.

Most rivers have professional guides that provide equipment rentals and expert knowledge. Not sure where to start? Check with Kayaking Near Me to find the best kayaking trips and outdoor organizers for your next water adventure.