White Salmon River Rafting
Splashes & Smiles
Fed by glacial meltwater from the towering slopes of Mt. Adams, the White Salmon River runs through ancient lava tubes in a spectacular gorge.
The clearest, coldest,
Best in the West.
Trip Options
Half-Day Trip
- Distance: 8 miles
- Time on River: ~2 hours
Full-Day Trip
- Distance: 15 miles
- Time on River: ~4 hours
- Includes lunch
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
- 2-7 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.
Visit our outpost, just 90 minutes from Portland.
Walk-Ins Welcome!
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 (Left at the Y), go 8 miles
- Turn RIGHT onto BZ Glenwood Hwy (At the Gas Station)
- Turn left into our outpost
Our Outpost:
Beautiful Douglas Fir trees tower over our picnic tables, ample parking, and flush toilets.
Located walking distance from the start of the river run, it's the perfect place to meet up and start your adventure.
Gear & Orientation
At our outpost, we’ll get you situated with an overview talk of the area and the day.
Time to get suited up and ready for the river. We provide:
- Life jackets (PFDs)
- Helmets
- Wetsuits
- Neoprene booties
- Optional fleeces and splash jackets on chilly days
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!
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.
Rapids & Highlights
On your journey, you’ll encounter classic rapids like The Cave, Shark’s Tooth, Grasshopper, Water Spout, Corkscrew, 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.
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.
Sections: Our trips focus on the popular “Middle” section, ideal for guided rafting adventures.
TICKETS:
Rafts hold 2-7 guests
plus one tour guide.
Portland Rafting Company LLC. is under permit with the U.S. Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
