Top 10 Whitewater Rafting
Rafters of
all skill levels can enjoy superb mountain scenery from Chile’s glacier-fed
Futaleufú River.
Photograph
by Karl Weatherly/Getty
From the
National Geographic book Journeys of a Lifetime
- Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers, Alaska/Canada
Glaciers and icebergs are among the attractions on
these two rivers flowing through an astonishing northern wilderness of
mountains and tundra on the borders of Alaska and Canada. As well as
superb
white water, the trip offers you an unforgettable experience of wildlife, from
grizzlies and moose to spawning salmon and luscious blueberries.- Magpie River, Canada
A float plane takes you to Magpie Lake, the start of
this eight-day trip through the remote pine forests of eastern Quebec province.
Your first rapids come as you leave the lake for the Magpie River, and from
then on they grow in difficulty until you reach the challenge of Class V rapids
downriver from the spectacular Magpie Falls. You camp at night on river
islands, and to the north you see the pulsating glory of the aurora borealis
(northern lights).
- Middle Fork, Salmon River, Idaho
This is one of the world’s most popular whitewater
rivers, with everything to offer you—rapids up to Class IV and glorious alpine
and forest scenery as it flows through America’s largest roadless wilderness
area outside Alaska. Wildlife can include the enchanting sight of a mother bear
swimming across the river with her cubs.
- Río Upano, Ecuador
Around you spreads rain forest, where toucans and
iridescent butterflies flit from tree to tree. You glimpse a palm-thatched
village of the local Shuar people and may stop to visit it. Starting in the
remote town of Macas on the far western fringes of the Amazon Basin, you embark
on a journey where the pace varies from gentle rapids to tumultuous rides
through narrow canyons. The highlight is the Namangosa Gorge, with Class IV
rapids and the sight of countless waterfalls plunging down the gorge’s sides.
www.rowinternational.com, www.condorjourneys-adventures.com
www.rowinternational.com, www.condorjourneys-adventures.com
- Futaleufú River, Chile
Plunging from glacier-fed lakes in the high Andes of
Patagonia, the limpid blue waters of the Futaleufú River offer superb rafting
among mountain scenery of alpine grandeur. Stretches are suitable for
beginners, but there are also Class V rapids that will challenge even the most
expert rafters.
www.visit-chile.org, www.aquamotion.cl
www.visit-chile.org, www.aquamotion.cl
6. North Johnstone River, Australia
This stunning trip in the tropical far north of
Queensland offers Class IV and V white water amidst volcanic gorges and the
ancient rain forests of Palmerston National Park. At night luminous fungi glow
surreally on the rocks and fireflies dance shimmering arabesques through the
forest canopy. A bonus thrill is the helicopter ride taking you to the start of
the course, which is accessible only by air.
- Sun Kosi River, Nepal
Rising near the border with Tibet, among the world’s
highest peaks, the Sun Kosi offers a trip of Himalayan majesty on its way to
join the Ganges on the plains below. Class V rapids abound as it thunders
through narrow gorges and forested canyons. The final stretch takes you through
dense tropical jungle where monkeys chatter from the trees.
- Çoruh River, Turkey
The Çoruh is one of the world’s fastest-flowing
rivers, cutting through breathtaking gorges in the remote and dramatically
beautiful Kaçkar Mountains of far northeastern Turkey. Wildlife abounds, from
bears to mountain goats to wild boar—as well as fascinating historical ruins,
including castles dating from the time of the Byzantine Empire.
- Noce River, Italy
Fed by melting Alpine glaciers, the Noce tumbles
through the wild, remote Val di Sole (Sun Valley) in the Dolomites of northern
Italy. It offers some of the most exciting whitewater rafting in Europe,
including a spectacular series of Class V rapids as it roars through the gorges
of Mostizzolo.
- Zambezi River, Zimbabwe/Zambia
The Batoka Gorge, where the Zambezi boils and churns
its way over 23 rapids in a 15-mile (24-kilometer) stretch below the Victoria
Falls, gives Africa’s most thrilling whitewater experience against one of the
most dramatic river backdrops in the world.
Share this article :
