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Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, Arizona

Perhaps the most renowned river trip in the northern hemisphere, this whitewater rafting trip is a must do for anyone wanting to talk big. Big waves, big holes, big canyon, big expedition, big fun. It’s the big classic and benchmark for all rivers claiming to be big.

Zambezi River, Zambia

It’s the ‘Slam-bezi’ and this river will leave you with no doubt as to its nickname. Africa’s most famous big water river (and perhaps the world’s) is loaded with big Class IV-V rapids that rarely allow a raft through without wreaking havoc. Add in crocs and hippos and BIG is the only way to describe this experience.

Chilko River, British Columbia

This river trip is all about big whitewater. It takes place in big country, among glaciated peaks, alpine forests and, of course, big whitewater. The Chilko is no joke and its nonstop stretch of Class IV whitewater is notorious on the North American continent. Can you say freight train?

Futaleufu River, Chile

Mention your trip on the “Fu” to anyone who knows whitewater rafting, and you’ll enjoy their undivided attention. South America’s big water legend serves up multiple Class V rapids in a setting that seems almost make-believe. With several mind-blowing sections of river to navigate over several days, you will be a believer.

Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, Utah

This epic run, host to arguably the largest Class V rapids in the U.S., is most likely to rage in June. Don’t let the scenery fool you, desert whitewater can be as big as the landscape it cuts through.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

Typically late-May into mid-June is when this scenic pathway can take on another attitude altogether. Among the boating community, a high-water descent through this canyon will earn you respect, as its continuous Class IV whitewater is intense.

Tuolumne River, California

The Sierra snowpack can unleash its bounty with a fury that attracts whitewater boaters from all over the world. Most often late-May through mid-June, this 18-mile stretch packed with Class IV-V rapids becomes an adrenaline junky’s dream come true.

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George Wendt will be honored this week by Friends of the River with the prestigious Mark Dubois Award at the 2012 California River Awards.  The event honors those who have made outstanding contributions to river conservation, preservation and protection.

We might be a little biased, but that’s not the only thing that makes him a river hero in our eyes…

George, who is also co-founder of Sobek and recipient of the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, is a true pioneer in the adventure travel industry. His passion for running rivers was born in the 60s, when he became one of the first 1,100 people to descend the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. In the decades since, O.A.R.S. has set the standard for first-class rafting, as well as environmentally and culturally responsible travel, on over 35 rivers and coastlines worldwide.

George has run first descents on some of the world’s most legendary rivers, fought to include California’s Tuolumne River in the National Wild and Scenic River System and helped to establish the Upper Navua Conservation Area in Fiji. He has also testified before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on River Preservation, and through O.A.R.S. spearheads donations totaling more than $70,000 per year to dozens of conservation efforts. He has donated countless hours and river trips in support of youth, community and conservation causes and has helped introduce more than 500,000 people to the beauty of rivers and the natural world.

Don’t miss the video above to see how it all got started as George recounts some of his early rafting and conservation days.

Got another river hero you think we should know about?  We’d love to chat with them.  Tell us who it is below and why you think they’re a river hero.

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Gateway Lake Tahoe:  Plan a day at the beginning or end of your trip to drive the 72-mile loop around the lake and take in the stunning vistas and charming mountain towns along the way. Don’t miss your chance to get out on that crystal clear water. Pull over at one of the many outfitters around the lake and rent a sea kayak or stand up paddleboard for the afternoon.

South Lake Tahoe to Lotus:  From “Big Blue” head west on US-50 through the El Dorado National Forest to CA-49 where you’ll head north for a slight detour to the idyllic rafting community of Lotus. Got some time to spare? Join O.A.R.S. for a one-day whitewater rafting adventure on the Middle or South Fork of the American River.

Lotus to Yosemite National Park:  From Lotus, continue south along CA-49 past iconic gold rush towns like Angels Camp and Sonora. In Sonora, take CA-108W to CA-120E which takes you into the park. Recommended Yosemite hike if you’ve only got one day: Nevada Falls via The Mist Trail. Go early to avoid the crowds. Unsure about going solo? Sign up for a guided hike or overnight trip with Yexplore (yexplore.com).

 Yosemite to Tahoe: Exit the park via Tioga Road/CA-120E. Find your way onto CA-395N, a stretch of road known for its sweeping mountain views and hidden hot springs. Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport is worth the stop as you make your way back to Tahoe.

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And it’s only February.

I blame it on a recent hike at Hetch Hetchy (pictured above), where the gorgeous Tuolumne River rolls out of Yosemite National Park through a spectacular granite canyon and then flows down to create the most wild and exhilarating rafting in the U.S.

The weather was gorgeous for being the middle of “winter” and I found myself basking in the summer temps, day dreaming about a 3-day Wine on the River trip I took down the Tuolumne with O.A.R.S. several years ago. It was epic. You know, the kind of trip that you’re always comparing to other trips because it was that good.

The Tuolumne is exciting. It’s the kind of river trip that challenges you with its Class IV-V rapids, but then rewards you for your efforts.

The reward? Sandy beaches perfect for sleeping under the stars (highly recommended), calm stretches for swimming (some of the clearest water you’ll ever see), the feeling of being a million miles from everything (unplugged bliss), and if you happen to be going on a Wine on the River trip, gourmet food and good wine too.

But, those are just a few reasons the Tuolumne makes it on my top five best trips ever list.

For me, the Tuolumne was adventurous and liberating. It was my first whitewater rafting trip, and I had plenty of worst case scenarios running through my head for weeks before I went. After the first day on the river though, I got over that fear, and fell in love with the adrenaline rush and exploring the backcountry in a whole new way. I knew the Tuolumne wouldn’t be my last trip. I was hooked.

Now, my ole’ bucket list has largely been taken over by the names of all the rivers in the West — the Rogue, American, Colorado, Snake. I want to raft them all, not to mention several rivers in other countries. But even after I’ve scratched a few rivers off my list, there’s still something about the Tuolumne deep down that gives me that fever — the eagerness to hop on a raft and disappear into a river canyon for a few days.

It’s special. It’s full of first adventures, lots of laughs, great camping, even better food and the start of what I’m sure will be some life-long friendships.

I’m not sure I’ll make it back to the Tuolumne this year. I might catch the Rogue instead. I’ve got that “list” after all. But I’ll be back on the Tuolumne some day, that’s for sure.

Have you rafted the Tuolumne? Tell me about your trip in the comments below!

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