River Classifications
Which trip is right for you?
O.A.R.S. offers numerous itineraries on more than 20 western rivers. While this large selection of trips allows people of all ages and experience levels to find a river vacation that suits them, it might leave you wondering where to begin in choosing your trip.
Our resourceful Adventure Consultants are happy to guide you through the process and help match you with a great vacation - all you have to do is call. But first, you might want to ask yourself these questions.
- What area do I want to visit?
- How many days do I want to spend on the river?
- Is there a specific date on which I want/need to schedule my trip?
- What rafting experience have I had, and what class of river do I want? (See chart below.)
River Classification System
Class I
Moving water with no rapids; trips primarily focus on scenery and wildlife
Rivers: Snake River in Wyoming
Ideal for: Children age four and up; first-time rafters; anybody seeking a relaxing float trip with spectacular scenery but no whitewater
Class II
Gentle, often swimmable rapids; whitewater is minimal, but still provides some swift movement and a few refreshing splashes.
Rivers: Lower Klamath, San Juan, Grande Ronde
Ideal for: Children age six and up; first-time rafters, adults of all ages looking for an easy-going whitewater trip
Class III
Moderate whitewater; exciting, but not too wild.
Rivers: Main Salmon, Lower Salmon, Hells Canyon, South Fork American, Rogue, Owyhee, Yampa, Gates of Lodore, Cataract Canyon (July-September)
Ideal for: Beginning and intermediate rafters who want fun, easily manageable rapids; minimum age is seven
Class IV
High-volume whitewater and/or rapids that require technical maneuvering. Helmets are required.
Rivers: Middle Fork Salmon, Chilko, North Fork Stanislaus, North Fork American, Middle Fork American, Merced, Tuolumne, Upper Klamath
Ideal for: Adults and young adults with some rafting experience or aggressive beginners seeking an exciting whitewater challenge; minimum age is 14
Class V
Maximum intensity whitewater: massive waves, churning holes, steep drops. Helmets and wet suits required, physical fitness/swim test likely.
Rivers: Cal Salmon, Cataract Canyon (May-June only)
Ideal for: Experienced, thrill-seeking paddlers only; minimum age is 16
RIVER FACTS: Colorado River trips through the Grand Canyon are rated using the Grand Canyon Scale of 1-10. 1 is considered flat water and 10 is considered the most difficult rapid in the canyon - equivalent to a Class V rapid on the standard river classification scale.
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