Cherry Creek—Upper Tuolumne, CaliforniaA whopping 15 Class V rapids punish paddlers from mid-summer to September, because the high flows of spring make Cherry Creek too dangerous. Be prepared for drops, undercurrents and lots of boulders on this tough and technical section.
While other rivers follow a whitewater rating system of I-V, Grand Canyon rapids are rated on a scale of 1-10. Some of these rapids are extremely difficult to run unless you are a very experienced river runner who has run similar-sized rapids in the past successfully.
The Yellowstone River is classified as Class II-III rapids from Yellowstone National Park to Paradise Valley (the first 18 miles of legally navigable whitewater on the Yellowstone River).
The 31.5-mile section of the river between Hells Canyon Dam and Upper Pittsburg Landing is designated as the Wild river section. Rapids vary from Class II to Class V.
Feel the thrill of being at the river's edge! White Water Walk offers a first-hand lesson in the raw power and peril of the Niagara River's Class 6 whitewater rapids, some of the wildest in North America.
The Lower Canyon not only boasts the highest concentration of Class IV rapids, but it also includes Lava Falls and Crystal Rapid, the two highest-rated rapids in the Colorado River.
Great Falls of the Potomac River is a major set of rapids located about 15 miles upstream of Washington, DC. The main Falls lines drop fifty feet in one-tenth of a mile, creating a Class V+ set of waterfalls.
On a scale from I-VI, the rapids on the Snake River are class II-III during normal water flows. During the springtime runoff (typically the first couple weeks in June), we do have waves that can get up to a class IV.
Rapids are long and unpredictable with large waves and narrow passages. This is the highest classification for commercial rafting trips requiring strong paddlers who are experienced and looking for the ultimate. Small waterfalls, drops and holes are common.
Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory RapidsIf a river is classified as Class VI it is extremely dangerous. These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible.
These rapids are often best saved for those who have rafted before, but that doesn't necessarily rule out the first-time adventure-seekers. If you're in great shape and ready for a physical and mental challenge, you may be ready for Class IV rapids rafting trip on your first river expedition.