Top 10 Multiday Packrafting River Trips
Packrafts open up a whole new way to experience rivers. With a packraft, it's easier to travel with and the logistics are simpler, making long mulitday rivers even more accessible. If you're looking to embark on a packrafting journey, here are ten rivers that promise incredible scenery, mild to wild rapids, and unforgettable experiences with friends.
1. Escalante River - Utah
Best For: Remote exploration, solitude, canyoneering
The Escalante is the quintessential packraft trip. Winding through a labyrinth of sandstone canyons, arches and huge cliffs this river provides adventurers with a mix of solitude, challenge, and natural wonder. It's a low flow creek with a few class II/III rapids. It is permitted, but by a simple backcountry permit as opposed to a challenging river lottery permit. The hard part is that it has a very short season so you have to be able to drop what you are doing when it's flowing. Most people exit the river at Coyote Gultch and hike up Crack in the Wall trail which makes having an ultralight packraft a necessity to paddle this river. There is also great canyoneering here giving you options for multisport adventures. For more info on permits and planning, check out the American Packraft Associations blog.
2. Snake River - Hells Canyon - Oregon/Idaho
Best For: Scenic landscapes, wildlife viewing, whitewater
The Snake River is a must-do for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in the US. It's know for clear water, big rapids and lots of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, black bears, and big horn sheep. Hells Canyon takes 3-5 days to paddle and has two class IV rapids as well as several class II & III rapids. Hells Canyon is considered a big volume/high flow river making it a somewhat different style of paddling compared to most lower flow creeks and rivers. If you have dreams of paddling the Grand Canyon, this is the best river to practice on. For more info check out American Whitewater.
3. Buffalo River - Arkansas
Best For: Lush forests, scenery, family-friendly adventures
The Buffalo National River is one of the most scenic and untouched stretches of river in the United States. As one of the nation’s first national rivers, it flows through the Ozark Mountains, offering an unforgettable wilderness experience. The river is largely Class I and II. On a multiday trip here, you’ll enjoy tranquil paddling through lush forests, limestone bluffs, waterfalls, and can camp along pristine riverbanks. The Buffalo is known for its crystal-clear water, making it a prime spot for relaxing and observing wildlife such as deer, otters, and bald eagles. For more info and planning your trip, check out the this trip report or the National Park's website.
4. Salmon River - Idaho
Best For: Wilderness adventure, whitewater
The Salmon River is often referred to as the "River of No Return," due to its rugged, isolated surroundings. Flowing through Idaho’s vast wilderness, this river offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the country, with rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV+. The river is surrounded by towering cliffs, pristine forests, and deep canyons, making it ideal for adventurers looking to disconnect from the world. There are multi-day trips available, with camping along the way and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like otters, bighorn sheep, and ospreys. The Middle Fork and Main Salmon are permitted, but if you can't score a permit, the Lower Salmon is not permitted for a really fun 4-5 day trip of class III-IV rapids. Check out out Dan Ransoms from Sockdolager Equipment's trip report for more info.
5. Green River - Utah
Best For: Desert landscapes, whitewater, family-friendly adventures
The Green River flows through Utah’s red-rock desert, offering a spectacular canyon experience. There are several sections of the Green River. If you are looking for whitewater, Gates of Lodore and Desolation Canyon are calling your name. If looking for a mellower section for beginners or a family friendly trip, you can't beat Labyrinth Canyon for towering sandstone cliffs and mellow class I ripples. The Green River is also the start of John Wesley Powell's famous expedition. The Green River is a trip that combines adventure, history, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert. Check out our Gates of Lodore trip report for more info on the Green River.
6. Deschutes River - Oregon
Best For: adventure, fishing, high desert views
The Deschutes River offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, flowing through central Oregon’s high desert landscape. Known for its easy access world-class whitewater rapids (Class II to IV), the Deschutes also provides calmer stretches ideal for floating and fishing. As you drift down the river, you’ll pass through scenic canyon landscapes. The Deschutes River is permitted, but it's a simple, easy to acquire boater pass. There are several sections of the Deschutes, but the most common 2-3 day trip is Trout Creek to Maupin.
7. Gates of the Arctic & Ambler River - Alaska
Best For: Remote wilderness paddling, wildlife viewing
For those looking for a true wilderness adventure, the Gates of the Arctic offers several remote widlerness rivers. offers an unforgettable experience. Flowing through the wilds of Alaska and Canada, the Yukon is one of the most remote river journeys in North America. The river is historically significant, having played a central role during the Klondike Gold Rush, and paddlers can still see remnants of that history along the way. The remote, wild landscapes are teeming with wildlife, from grizzly bears and moose to eagles and salmon. This is a challenging trip for experienced paddlers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. There are several rivers to choose from in the Gates of the Arctic, for more beta check out this blog post from one of our ambassadors.
8. San Juan River - Utah
Best For: Canyons, history, and tranquility
The San Juan River is a scenic and peaceful journey through the red rock canyons of southeast Utah. It is a fantastic option for those seeking a more relaxed yet still beautiful river trip. The river winds through the Navajo Nation and provides views of ancient petroglyphs, ancestral sites, and dramatic sandstone formations. There are several sections you can float, most are class I to II but there are some with class III rapids if you are looking for some more action. Since the San Juan is permitted year round, you will experience a true sense of solitude.
9. John Day River - Oregon
Best For: Desert views, family friendly, easy access
As one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the United States, it offers an unparalleled combination of scenic beauty, solitude, and adventure. Winding through the heart of eastern Oregon, the John Day River carves its way through striking canyons and rugged landscapes. It's wild and untamed nature makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an off-the-grid experience. The river flows through a variety of ecosystems, from high desert plateaus to steep canyon walls adorned with juniper and sagebrush. The John Day is relatively mellow and mainly class II but there are some harder class III sections if you are looking for something harder. Here is a trip report from last year on the North Fork of the John Day River.
10. Colorado River - Grand Canyon -Arizona
Best For: Scenic beauty, whitewater thrills, hiking and exploring
Finally, the must do trip of a lifetime, the crème de la crème of all rivers, the Grand Canyon. The Colorado River’s journey through the Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic river trips in the world. This 280-mile stretch takes you deep into the heart of the canyon, offering breathtaking views of the towering cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and desert landscapes. The rapids range from mild to wild, with Class III and IV+ sections providing a thrilling ride. The Canyon is also filled with tons of side hikes from small peaks to scrambling up slot canyons. The Grand Canyon’s remote beauty, combined with the thrill of the rapids, makes this river trip a bucket-list adventure. Most trips down the Grand have oar frame rafts with rowers, so even if you can't paddle class III-IV rapids, you can packraft the easier sections and then ride in a raft for the bigger rapids. Also, many of the major rapids can be portaged or you can take a sneak line and skirt the bigger waves and holes. Grand Canyon river permits are very hard to get but you can get a backcountry permit which allows you hike in and paddle 5 miles and then hike out. This little loophole is great because you can hike in and paddle some calm sections or even hike down and paddle the biggest rapid in the canyon. To apply for a Grand Canyon lottery permit, head over to the National Parks site.
For mulitday trips we recommend packrafts with TiZip zippers which allow you to store camping gear inside the air chamber of your packraft. For whitewater trips our Rodeo, Nirvana and Recon packrafts are the way to go. For mellow float trips, our Twain and Rogue Lites are great.
Most of these rivers require permits which can be difficult to get. The best time to enter the lottery is early January with results being sent out mid February. Whether you’re seeking whitewater thrills, serene floats, or a cultural journey through America's wildest landscapes, the U.S. rivers provide endless opportunities for adventure. Each of these top 10 river trips offers a unique perspective on the diverse ecosystems, stunning vistas, and rich history that make them such a spectacular place to explore. So, grab your paddle, pack your gear, and get ready for the river trip of a lifetime!