River Ratings

What River is Right for You? | Whitewater Ratings

All rivers are rated on a "class" scale to help you determine the hazards associated with the whitewater on each river trip. Many of our guests are in search of moderate whitewater where you not only feel the excitement of the rapids but also relax and soak up the beauty of the wilderness. Others are looking for a more intense whitewater experience. Regardless of your choice, be assured that Mountain River Outfitters has one of the best safety records in the industry. Note that the "class" scale was introduced after the rapids in Grand Canyon had already been rated therefore the Grand Canyon is rated on the older "1-10" system. A size 10 rapid in Grand Canyon would be a class V rapid, and so on.

    • Class
    • River Ratings
    • Details
    • Class I
    • Easy
    • Fast moving water with uniform waves that tug at the boat. No obstacles with very little need for manuevering. Each of our trips have some stretches of calm class I water, creating a pleasant break between larger rapids.
    • Class II
    • Moderate
    • Large uniform waves and or drops that are easy to navigate with little manuevering. Some obstacles in wide channels that can be discovered without scouting. Some big splashes of water are common, lots of fun, little danger.
    • Class III
    • Intermediate
    • Large powerful rapids with irregular waves and narrow passages that makes the boat shimmy and sends hearts racing. Large amounts of water in your face with plenty of excitement and thrill with some avoidable danger. Aviodance of obstacles and manuevering required, scouting advised.
    • Class IV
    • Difficult
    • Long, difficult rapids, narrow passages with large drops, turbulent water that requires precise maneuvering in the rapid. Large obstacles and danger for swimmers, requires skilled guides and scouting a must.
    • Class V
    • Very Difficult
    • At the limits of navigation, that requires precise manuevering, large whirlpools and undertoes. Should only be attempted by highly adventurous and in shape experienced river runners. Very dangerous, deliver's a large adrenaline rush.
    • Class VI
    • Not Navigable
    • Beyond the limits of navigation, serious threat to life. Only the most expert should attempt this. Commercial raft trips don't go here. There's too much other water to enjoy.

Our River Trips & Their Ratings

These ratings are based on average summer water flows, early spring trips could be at a higher class than normal. Class III rivers still may have class IV rapids along the way.

Class III to IV / Intermediate

Main Salmon River

River of No Return Wilderness
5 or 6 Day Trips

Class III to IV / Intermediate

Main Salmon River

River of No Return Wilderness

Trip Details

5 Day Trip

$1695.00 adult | $1195.00 youth

6 Day Trips

$1895.00 adult | $1295.00 youth

Fun For the Whole Family


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Class IV / Difficult

Snake River

Hells Canyon Wilderness
3 or 5 Day Trips

Class IV / Difficult

Snake River

Hells Canyon Wilderness Raft Trips

Trip Details

3 Day Trip

$950 adult | $795 youth (7-14)

5 Day Trip

$1595 adult | $1295 youth

Great White Water, Scenic Hiking, Bass Fishing


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Class III+ / Intermediate

Salmon River "Canyons"

Lower Salmon River
3-4 Day Trips

Class III+ / Intermediate

Salmon River "Canyons"

Lower Salmon River

Trip Details

3 Day Trip

$995 adult | $780 youth

4 Day Trip

$1295 adult | $895 youth


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Class III+ / Very Difficult

2 Day Overnight Trip

Salmon River | Riggins Area

Class III+ / Intermediate

2 Day Overnight Trip

Salmon River | Riggins Area

Trip Details

2 Day Trip

$435 adult | $349 youth

Great White Water, Hiking, Hot Spring and Big Beaches


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Class III to IV / Intermediate

Full Day Raft Trip

Salmon River | Riggins Area

Class III to IV / Intermediate

Full Day Trip

Salmon River | Riggins Area

Trip Details

Full Day

$109 adult | $89 youth

The most popular stretch of the famous Salmon River.


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Class III+ / Intermediate

1/2 Day Raft Trip

Salmon River | Riggins Area

Class III+ / Intermediate

1/2 Day Raft Trip

Salmon River | Riggins Area

Trip Details

1/2 Day

$79 adult | $59 youth

Action packed 4 hour trip


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Class III+ / Intermediate

Owyhee River

4-5 Day Canyonlands Wilderness Trip

Class III+ / Intermediate

Owyhee Raft Trip

Canyonlands Wilderness

Trip Details

4 Day Trip

$1049.00

5 Day Trip

$1195.00

Spectacular Scenery, Fun White Water, Great Hiking


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What Our Guests Say

I want to personally thank you for the best fishing trip of my family's entire life! Mike was great with my wife and daughter and Jess was truly the master guide, no kidding, on a scale of 1-10 a 20. Thank you for your professional attitude, knowledge, customer service and hospitality.

hells canyon testimonial

Ben Shuey

Boise, Idaho

“Brenda, I wanted to drop a note to tell you how much my family enjoyed our recent rafting trip down the Salmon River. From the gourmet meals to the "deluxe" accommodations to the exceptional transportation, the trip was unparalleled. ”

rafting the salmon river

Micheal Beckish

California

"We have done 2 rafting trips with MRO, one 2 day trip and one 5 day trip. Both were amazing experiences. I highly recommend MRO if you’re looking for the personalized experience we were looking for. They definitely delivered!"

family rafting trips

Scott Templin Mote

Idaho

"We just got back from a three day trip and what a blast we had. I would highly recommend MRO. Our guides were exceptional. They were professional, knowledgeable, helpful and amazing at what they do. It was a great vacation. Thank you for making our vacation one we will never forget."

hells canyon rafting trip

Shaun Bittick

Reno, Nevada