FAQ

With each river adventure, we provide a wetsuit, booties, a PFD (life vest) a nylon splash top and a helmet on some rivers. We ask that everyone bring a swimsuit, a bottle of water to take on the boat, sunscreen, some cash for last-minute needs and a fleece top (if it is a cooler day, or if you get cold easily) Also, please bring a towel to leave in your car for after the trip. If you have your own river gear or wet shoes, feel free to bring them, we just will want to take a look at your stuff to make sure it is suitable for the river.

Safety: For almost 40 years, our focus on safety has been second to none. Our professional guides are the best because we require twice as much training as the state of Washington requires for whitewater rafting guides. In addition, we have in-house Rescue instructors that other rafting companies can only dream of having on their staff. In addition, our office staff is directly connected to our on-river team. This means the details will not be lost in between the office and our guides – we make sure everything goes off flawlessly. We also ensure we have state-of-the-art boats, river gear, and safety equipment- would you expect anything less from a quality professional?

Fun! Adventure, excitement and a safe trip for all. Our guides are entertaining and informative, and 100% focused on your safety. Whitewater rafting is easy. You’ll have a blast and when it’s over you’ll say, “I can’t wait to do it again!”

With the exception of the Skykomish River Rafting trip, knowing how to swim is not required. Everyone wears a Coast Guard approved Type V personal floatation device (PFD), so in the unlikely event someone takes an unexpected dip, they will float for a few seconds before they are helped back onto the raft.

Washington State whitewater river rafting is exciting, invigorating, blood-pumping fun—that’s why we love it as we do—and you will too. As in any outdoor adventure activity, there is an element of risk, which we keep to an absolute minimum by using only high-quality commercial equipment, upholding the very highest standards of safety, and employing highly trained, capable and professional guides.

Your guide can handle it. All River Recreation river rafting guides are certified for Class IV and Class V rivers. We work as a team to train and prepare for emergencies. We carry extra gear and are prepared to evacuate sick or injured persons at their own expense. In addition, many staff members are EMT’s, paramedics, Wilderness 1st responders, and we even have an ER technician on our staff.

We offer several trips that are kid-friendly, such as our family-friendly Lower Wenatchee River Float trip. We have a minimum age of five for our kid-appropriate trips, while more challenging runs have a minimum age of 12 or 16.

Teens between 16 and 18 may participate in a trip alone, provided a parent or guardian signs off all waivers and permissions.

The only food we are able to offer is a select dinner menu for those guests who have chosen to join us on our Whitewater and Wine and/or Paddles and Pints specialty tours since we must provide food with alcohol consumption. Food is NOT provided for any of our other river trips/tours.

Today! Tomorrow! Soon! Trips fill up quickly. To ensure you get the trip and date you would like, we suggest making a reservation today! Click the Book Now button to get started! We specialize in accommodating last-minute reservations. Often, we can fit you on a trip the next day. Just call our river rafting hotline at 800-464-5899 or locally at 206-276-8774. But why wait? To ensure your spot on the trip of your choice, go ahead and reserve now!

• Cancel 30 days or more before the trip date: $15 per person cancellation fee.
• Cancel 15 to 30 days before the trip date: $25 per person rescheduling fee.
• Cancel less than 14 days before the trip date: No refund issued.
• No refunds for no-shows.
• Substitutions are allowed; please inform the office of any participant changes.

If you enjoy your ride, tip your guide. Gratuities are not an obligation but are appreciated for exceptional guiding. Our guides have received tips in the form of beer, pie, and cash between 10 and 20 percent.

First, please check the directions to the meeting point BEFORE the day of your adventure, and please remember to arrive 15 minutes before the trip starts. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, a bottle of water, sunscreen, and a warm layer if you get cold easily. We will check you in at the check-in time and ensure everyone’s participation agreements are filled out and on file. Next, everyone will change into river appropriate clothing, or “gear”. Next, we grab PFDs, or “lifejackets,” and helmets, then off to the river we go. Once you are teamed up with one of our pro guides, they will speak with you regarding river safety, things to expect, and what not to do. Next, off we go on our river adventure. Depending on the trip and the river level, you can expect to be on the river for about 3 hours. At the end, we will arrive back at where we met you and where your car is located. Next, you can get changed, check out pictures, and see your guide one last time – then it’s off to your next adventure!