Washington is full of white water rivers, green carpeted forests, and mountain peaks that rise over it all in glacier-capped glory. White water rafting Washington means short day-trip runs. There are no multi-day options in Washington, as the run from mountain peaks to ocean home, or valley floor is only a short distance. But what a wild romping ride you get between mountain and ocean!
On the windward side of the Cascades you'll find several mild to moderate white water rafting options: The Nisqually River near Olympia - used historically by Native Americans and Pioneer who settled the area. This is a scenic and family friendly river rafting trip with wildlife sightings which include eagles, hawks, beaver and deer. North of Seattle the Skagit River is another family friendly option, perhaps the mildest river on the list. On the opposite end of the white water spectrum... If you're looking for what many consider to be the ultimate white water rafting in Washington, look no further than the The Skykomish River, located just east of Seattle. There, you will find Class V rapids around house-sized boulders to get the best of Washington white water rafting. Similarly, and not far from Seattle is a Green River gem that often gets overlooked, but is a guide favorite with challenging white water runs through a gorgeous, green, and narrow canyon strewn with large boulders for top-notch white water plunges.
On the leeward side of the range, you'll find another set options. The "leeward side" means the skies will generally be more blue and clear through the summer months, making them some of the most popular rafting option in Washington, even if they are farther (only by a few hours) from the population centers on the coastal side. The Wenatchee River, near Leavenworth, is the most popular run in the state with a sort of "goldilocks" set of moderate rapids that are thrilling and fun for the family with, say, teenager aged kids. While the Wenatchee is a challenging moderate white water river from April to August, the White Salmon River in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge is a similar run from July to August, and the Tieton River, located near Yakima gets a fun white water flow in September as water is released from the Rimrock Lake dam.
