The Seven Whitewater Wonders of the World
"Riding the back of the flooding river as it flows down into a bend, and turns, the currents racing and crashing among the trees along the outside shore, and flows on, one senses the volume and the power all together…It can never be remembered as wild as it is, and so each new experience of it bears some shock of surprise.”
-Wendell Berry
Since our initial voyage through the Grand Canyon over 35 years ago, we have guided over 400,000 guests on some of the most spectacular liquid pathways on earth, introducing them to the freedom, adventure, and camaraderie that arise from a wilderness experience. Inherent in our mission, we strive to enrich people’s lives by providing outstanding river trips and other outdoor adventure experiences.
Our goal, since 1969, has been to help people of all ages enjoy “the best experience of their lives.” We personally encourage and actively support awareness, deeper appreciation, and preservation of our rivers and natural ecosystems. Our trips are great adventures that emphasize heightened attentiveness to human impact on the environment.
In an attempt to share some of our favorite experiences with you, we’ve created what we like to call The Seven Whitewater Wonders of the World. Many of you may have already traversed many of these rivers, as they are undeniably some of the best we have to offer, but it is these seven pathways that we deem the "must runs" of the O.A.R.S. repertoire.
The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, Arizona
4-19 days April though October - Class 1-10 on the Grand Canyon Scale.
Not just one of our own whitewater wonders, but truly one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon's scenic extremes are matched only by the size and ferocity of its 60 rapids. This is where it all started.
The Middle Fork/Main Salmon River, Idaho
6-17 days May through September - Class III-IV.
The Full Salmon experience incorporates the Main Salmon, the Gorges of the Salmon and the Middle Fork of the Salmon in the longest free-flowing (undammed) river west of the Mississippi. Widely recognized as the whitewater rafting capital of North America, the Salmon River is the artery of life for Idaho's world-class rafting scene.
The Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser River, British Columbia
7 days June through September - Class IV.
Truly three unique world-class rivers in one, this adventure runs through Lava, Big John and Farwell canyons and includes some of the continent's largest rapids, one lasting for almost an hour. Day three of this excursion into the Canadian wilderness is nothing short of the best one-day rafting trip on the planet - the rest of the trip is pretty nice too.
The Klinaklini River, British Columbia
7 days June through September, Class II-IV.
Considering we were the first company to run this river, our list just wouldn't be complete without the Klinaklini. This is the most immensely spectacular river scenery on earth, bar none. Exciting whitewater, pristine camps and glorious vistas, incredible helicopter rides, camping on glaciers and floating through grizzly sanctuaries are just a few of the superlatives. Add heli-hiking on a 6000-foot plateau on the flanks of British Columbia's highest mountain and the option of lodge-based itineraries, and you'll agree rafting doesn't get any better. Two rivers, ocean, and majestic mountains makes for the trip of a life time and a well-deserved whitewater wonder classification.
The Tuolumne River, California
1-3 days April - September, Class IV.
Right down the road from the O.A.R.S. office in Angels Camp, the Tuolumne originates from the glacial-fed headwaters of the Sierra Nevada near the internationally renowned wilds of Yosemite National Park. The "T" is the premier whitewater rafting trip in California. The truest of all California wilderness trips, it takes you down 18 miles of roaring whitewater through a spectacular wilderness canyon.
The Futaleufú, Chile
10 days December through March, Class IV (Optional Class V).
The Futaleufú is one of earth's premier whitewater resources. O.A.R.S. takes you to a legendary stretch of the river, one of almost indescribable beauty. Flowing through Chilean Patagonia, far beneath the spires and snow-packed crowns of the Andes, the Fú's steely turquoise waters pass through granite walls, lush vistas and river camps seemingly snatched from sci-fi imagination. A dream trip for the ultra-adventurous family, couple or solo globe trotter.
The Navua River, Fiji
1 day year round, Class II-IV.
The South Pacific paradise of Fiji is home to one of the planet’s most incredible rivers, and with over 75 waterfalls cascading from the cliffs above the Navua River, this one-day trip is George’s favorite. In fact, so spectacular is the Upper Navua River Corridor, that Fiji was chosen to host Eco-Challenge ™ 2002, where O.A.R.S. played a key role in helping to facilitate the race.
O.A.R.S. Frequent Floater Program
Whether you're a first time traveler or an O.A.R.S. veteran, start keeping track of your trips, and reap the benefits of our Frequent Floaters Discounts available to guests who have traveled with us five times or more. Discounts range from 5% or more depending on the river and the number of times you've traveled with us.
And for you true O.A.R.S. loyalists, raft all of our Seven Whitewater Wonders of the World, and we'll send you a certificate to commemorate your accomplishment, along with a FREE O.A.R.S. logo Fleece.
Have you run the wild ones?
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