White Salmon River Rafting
Splashes & Smiles on one of the Classic Whitewater Adventures in the Pacific Northwest
Fed by glacial meltwater from the towering slopes of Mt. Adams, the White Salmon River crashes through ancient lava tubes in a narrow, spectacular gorge. This is some of the clearest, coldest, and most thrilling whitewater in the West—a bucket-list rafting experience for adventurers of all levels.
Trip Options
Half-Day Trip
- Distance: 8 miles
- Time on River: ~2 hours
- Tickets: $60–$90
Full-Day Trip
- Distance: 15 miles
- Time on River: ~4 hours
- Includes lunch
- Tickets: $110–$150
Rapids & River Info
- Class III / IV whitewater
- Includes Husum Falls, one of the only commercially run waterfalls in the U.S.
- Skill Level: Great for beginners, fun for experienced paddlers
- Minimum Age:
- May–June: 10+
- July–September: 7+
What’s Included
- Professional, certified river guides
- All gear: life jackets, helmets, paddles
- Wetsuits and river shoes included
- Small group sizes: up to 7 guests per raft + guide
Why You'll Love It:
Whether it's your first time rafting or you're a seasoned rafter looking for a fresh thrill, the White Salmon delivers nonstop fun. It's the perfect mix of stunning scenery, exciting rapids, and riverside camaraderie.
Ready for an Unforgettable Rafting Trip?
Looking for the best whitewater rafting near Portland, Oregon? You've found it! At Portland Rafting Company, our expert guides lead unforgettable White Salmon River rafting adventures—packed with thrills, stunning scenery, and glacier-fed rapids.
We provide all the gear, wetsuits, river shoes, and professional instruction to keep you safe and comfortable. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, you’ll be in good hands with our experienced team.
Getting Here
🚗
Just 90 minutes from downtown Portland!
Your White Salmon adventure starts with a beautiful drive through the
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Be sure to stop at iconic spots like
Multnomah Falls,—Oregon’s tallest waterfall—on the way.
Google Maps Link
Directions from Portland:
- Take I-84 East to Exit 64 – Hood River
- Cross the Hood River Bridge into Washington ($2 toll)
- Turn left on WA-14 W, go 1.5 miles
- Turn right on WA-141 Alt N, go 2.2 miles
- Continue onto WA-141 N, go 1.9 miles
- Turn left on Nestor Peak Rd / Northwestern Lake Rd, cross the bridge
- Turn left into Northwestern Park
- Park tightly – space is limited
Travel Tip:
The White Salmon River area is also a great jumping-off point for Hood River breweries, Columbia Gorge hikes, and scenic viewpoints. Make a day of it!
Where We Meet:
Your rafting trip begins at
Northwestern Park, just 90 minutes from downtown Portland. Look for our
Portland Rafting Company bus, complete with flags flying—we’re hard to miss! 📍
Northwestern Park
Here, you'll check in, meet your professional river guide, and connect with your group. Group sizes range from 2–10 rafts, so it’s always a fun, social vibe—new friends guaranteed!
Gear & Orientation
At the meeting site, we’ll get you suited up and ready for the river. We provide:
- Life jackets (PFDs)
- Helmets
- Wetsuits
- Neoprene booties
- Optional fleeces and splash jackets on chilly days
The White Salmon River is glacier-fed, meaning the water you’ll paddle through was part of a glacier less than 24 hours ago. It’s icy cold—perfect for cooling off on hot summer days!
Shuttle to the River
Once everyone is geared up, we’ll hop into one of our shuttle vans or buses and head upstream to the put-in at BZ Corner. That’s where the real adventure begins!
Safety First: Gear Check & River Briefing
Before we hit the river, we’ll take a few minutes for a thorough safety talk and gear check—an essential part of every rafting adventure.
Your guide will walk you through:
- How to wear and adjust your life jacket, helmet, and gear
- Basic paddle techniques
- What to do if you fall out of the raft (it’s rare, but we cover it!)
- How to stay safe and have fun on Class III–IV whitewater
We make sure everyone is properly outfitted, with all gear fitting securely and comfortably. Your safety and confidence on the water are our top priorities—we want you to feel ready, relaxed, and excited before we launch.
This short session helps ensure your trip is not just thrilling, but safe, smooth, and unforgettable.
Experience the Stunning White Salmon River
The White Salmon River offers one of the most breathtaking whitewater rafting experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Just 20 miles upstream from our put-in, the river’s headwaters emerge from a pristine aquifer fed by glacial runoff from Mt. Adams—a majestic volcano whose snowy peak dominates the horizon.
As you journey downriver, you’ll be surrounded by towering basalt canyon walls, remnants of ancient lava tubes carved millions of years ago. The river is completely undammed, providing natural, wild rapids from its source all the way to where it joins the Columbia River. (Fun fact: the Condit Dam was removed in 2011, restoring the river’s free flow.)
Scenic Beauty & Wildlife
Your trip winds through lush Pacific Northwest forest, full of:
- Moss-covered rocks
- Giant spruce, fir, and cedar trees
- Colorful wildflowers that bloom in waves throughout the rafting season
Birdwatchers’ Paradise
The river is also home to diverse birdlife. Seasonal visitors like swifts and swallows flit above the water, while year-round residents include:
- Majestic bald eagles
- Skilled osprey diving for fish
- And the charming American Dipper (also called Water Ouzel), a unique bird that dives underwater in search of food
This combination of exciting rapids, stunning geology, and vibrant wildlife makes White Salmon rafting an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike.
The White Salmon River Rafting Experience
Experience thrilling whitewater rafting on the stunning White Salmon River, famous for its spectacular scenery, unique ecology, and exciting rapids. Your adventure starts with being outfitted in a comfortable wetsuit before a short shuttle to the river put-in at the roaring Class III Top Drop rapid. From there, you’ll navigate a series of exhilarating rapids for several miles, with your expert guide steering the raft and ensuring your safety throughout the trip.
Rapids & Highlights
On your journey, you’ll encounter classic rapids like The Cave, Shark’s Tooth, Grasshopper, Water Spout, Corkscrew (“the flume”), Orchard Bridge, Staircase, Rattlesnake Rapid, and the wide Barge Wave. The most famous rapid is Husum Falls, a 14-foot drop and the largest commercially run rapid in the U.S. Depending on water levels and your comfort, you can choose to run or portage around it. In spring and early summer, Husum Falls is often too powerful to run safely, but later in the summer, it becomes an optional highlight.
Safety First
Your safety is our highest priority. Our highly trained guides are with you every step of the way, providing thorough safety briefings and expert guidance. If any rapid feels too intense, especially Husum Falls, you’re always free to portage around it — your comfort matters most.
Trip Options
Choose between half-day (8 miles, about 2 hours on the river) and full-day (15 miles, about 4 hours) guided trips. Both include professional guides, all gear, wetsuits, and safety equipment. Full-day trips continue past the half-day take-out at Northwestern Park to explore the lower gorge and the mighty Columbia River.
What to Wear
Avoid cotton — synthetic fabrics or wool work best. We provide wetsuits and neoprene booties to keep you warm and comfortable, even in cold glacial waters.
About the River
The White Salmon River starts at the base of Mt. Adams in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and flows undammed to its confluence with the Columbia River Gorge on the southern border of Washington State. This free-flowing river is mostly Class III rapids, with some reaching Class IV during higher water levels — perfect for both beginners and adventure seekers.
Additional Info
- Where is the White Salmon River? It ends at the Columbia River Gorge, on Washington’s southern border.
- Is it good for kayaking? The river is challenging and recommended only for expert kayakers.
- Sections: Our trips focus on the popular “Middle” section, ideal for guided rafting adventures.
- After Rafting: Many guests enjoy stopping in the charming towns of Hood River and White Salmon for lunch and local sightseeing.
TICKETS:
Rafts hold up to 7 guests
plus one tour guide.
Portland Rafting Company LLC. is under permit with the U.S. Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
