Springtime in Washington not only brings warmer weather and flowers in bloom, but the season also brings adventure seekers to the river for an exhilarating heart pounding whitewater rafting adventure. The mountain melt-offs from the winter season flow down the nearby mountain ranges and into the rivers, creating a rushing water flow full of thrill and adventure.
Alpine Adventures, located about an hour north of Seattle, is your ticket to various whitewater rafting expeditions and scenic rafting tours throughout Washington. The guides are knowledgeable and use extreme caution when taking you down the river. The number one rule to follow is listening and doing whatever the rafting guides say; they’re there to help make your journey safe and memorable.
Before discussing what Alpine Adventures offers, it is best to understand how rapids are classified.
- Class level I has very few rough areas and might only require a slight maneuver around it. Level I is excellent for beginners and younger ages.
- Class level II has more rough areas that may or may not contain some rock formations to maneuver around. Class II rapids are an excellent level for beginners and younger ages who want a bit more of a challenge by practicing those paddling skills they have learned.
- Class III shows you how the term whitewater came to be, with tiny drops and waves. This class level is more challenging to beginners and is usually not recommended for ages 12 and under; however, talking to the guides beforehand gives a better perspective based on the rapid water flow volume during that time.
- Class IV has more waves and drops with sharper maneuvering skills. Trust me on this, that these rapids are sneaky in a way that will catch you off guard, and a good amount of times are soakers. Always a fun time, though!
- Class V has more giant waves and drops that potentially can contain large rock formations or hazards to maneuver around. These rapids should not be attempted unless you have had rafting experience and strong paddling skills.
- Class VI is the mightiest of them all. The drops expected on these rapids go beyond safety limitations that tour guides will not allow people to go down. The only success stories from those who have attempted a class level VI without injury or death have come as “pure luck.”
Now that you better understand rapids’ classifications continue reading below to see what Alpine Adventure offers for tours.
First-Timers to Beginners
Alpine Adventures offers many options for first-time rafters, from scenic rafts at a level I & II to whitewater rafting tours at level III. A couple of tours to consider is the Skagit River Whitewater, which is excellent at the end of the summer season. This tour is ideal for those who want a little more punch than a scenic tour down the rapids. For a little more moderate, try Tieton River, Wenatchee River, or the White Salmon River.
Intermediate to Advanced
For those who are more advanced, try out the level IV’s rapids, or if you’re more bold and daring, I suggest following the “Go Big or Go Home” motto and signing up for the Skykomish River tour. The Skykomish River tour offers multiple III and IV rapids and a plunging class level V, called “Boulder Drop.” Tours that are more up your alley for full-on adrenaline are Green River and Skykomish River tours. Green River has stunning scenery with intense rapids as you navigate through a canyon area. Skykomish is the ultimate rapid experience with a class level V rapid in the mix, claimed as Washington’s longest and most challenging rapid. The scenery also doesn’t disappoint as you cruise down the river.
If you choose the challenging and adventurous expedition of the Skykomish River Tour, the guides will give you gear to wear before leaving the check-in spot. Trust me on this; you will get wet on this tour! The equipment included in the tour price is a wet bodysuit, booties, and a splash jacket. Be sure to wear wool or neoprene socks underneath the booties. Wearing this type of fabric will ensure that your feet will stay warm. Another good lesson is to avoid any cotton clothing. Wearing fleece, wool, waterproof quick-drying, and polyester will help the drying process and prevent the cold, damp clothing worn for 4 hours on the river. Packing an extra pair of clothing to change into after you complete the rapids is a good idea as well! This water is frigid, and you will want to do everything to be as warm as possible!
Throughout your time on the river, multiple class IV rapids will welcome you with a refreshing mist of water. However, right before hitting the level V Boulder Drop rapid, guides will pull to the side of a calm area in the river and walk a few feet down to scope out the Boulder Drop. During this time, the guides will look at where the raft should enter and exit based on the water volume flow, and also this is the point where you can decide to forfeit the run and walk down the river on land past the drop or you can push ahead. Be mindful that if you’re nervous, uncomfortable, and or uneasy, it is best to listen to yourself to make the decision. After all, the guides want this drop to be successful for everyone, and safety is paramount.
Don’t let your nerves be the driving indicator not to do something. If this is your first-time, tackle one of the beginner routes and work your way up! My husband and I had a pleasurable time during our whitewater rafting excursion and would highly suggest taking a plunge and trying it out! Not to mention, if you have a chance between each rapid, take a look upward and gaze at the beautiful North Cascade scenery that surrounds you! Who knows, you may even luck out and see some wildlife nearby.
