Statista Research Department reports that 4.3 million Americans went rafting in 2024. That coincides with record numbers of visitors to our national parks in recent years. Rafting companies are taking advantage of the popularity of these activities to offer trips in some of America’s most iconic parks, from thrilling whitewater rides to easy, scenic floats.
Looking for a new way to explore the national parks with the family or just to escape the summer heat? Add some variety to your next visit with a beginner-friendly float trip. No major whitewater here as these rivers all top out at Class I-II rapids. Perfect for a family with young kids or anyone looking for a chill day out on the water.
Rafting and national parks are growing in popularity
Raft adventures are a growing trend in the outdoor recreation industry; the Statista study notes a constant year-over-year increase since 2022. The National Park Service says 2024 also set a record for them with 331.9 million visitors.
Wildlife spotting is a huge draw for most, as is the chance to hear stories about the parks from experienced guides. For kids, a float trip is a great time for a question-and-answer session with an expert. Leave the dusty trail behind and wade into the water for a relaxing float with the family.
Pigeon River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The lower Pigeon River traces the northern edge of the park boundary and is an easy, guided paddle for anybody ages 3 and up. Mostly drifting, this 90-minute trip includes a few spots of waves, a couple of swim stops and even water guns to entertain the kids and keep you cool on hot days in the Smokies.
If rafting isn’t your cup of tea, spend the day floating down a river on an inflatable tube. The Little River in Townsend on the Tennessee side of the park, or Deep Creek on the North Carolina side near Bryson City, are both popular spots. There are plenty of rental places around, and as long as the water level isn’t too high, it is a suitable activity for anybody who can swim.
Smith River, Redwoods National and State Parks
Paddle through towering redwoods on the Smith River, the only major river that is undamned in California. The water is clear and uniquely emerald in this important salmon habitat. RedwoodRides offers guided, inflatable kayak rides in a beginner-friendly section of the river through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the northernmost park in the group. The easy half-day float is for participants aged 3 and up. You can also sign up for weekly, ranger-led kayak tours, although the park service requires participants to be at least 10 years old for their trip.
Snake River, Grand Teton National Park
Floating the Snake River is a time-honored tradition when visiting the Tetons, especially on a sunrise or sunset tour, where you can enjoy the light reflecting off the water with the iconic backdrop of the Tetons. The scenic 10-mile-long float takes about two hours, and several outfitters in the area offer trips. Be sure to bring your binoculars to spot deer, elk, moose and eagles.
Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone isn’t just geysers and bison. See more of what the park offers during a guided scenic float down the Yellowstone River starting at the Gardiner entrance. Bring your camera for bison, moose and osprey that the expert guides will point out while sharing the history and geology of the landscape. The roughly two-hour float is suitable for all ages. It is a chance to skip the park’s legendary summer traffic as well.
Flathead River, Glacier National Park
With epic mountainous hiking, alpine lakes and the exhilarating Going-to-the-Sun Road, every trip to Glacier deserves a peaceful change of pace. Take a scenic half-day float down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River or spend a whole day drifting through the North Fork. With the guides doing all the paddling, all you have to do is look for eagles, osprey and moose. You’ll find several outfitters located in West Glacier who offer this float trip.
Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park
Beat the heat in Texas and raft the Rio Grande during your visit to Big Bend National Park. Several outfitters offer half or full day floats through Big Bend Ranch State Park, which sits adjacent to the national park. Although best during spring or early summer when water levels are higher, the river can be navigated in canoes in summer when the water level is low. So if you want a chance to paddle by yourself on a low-difficulty section of the river, this is the trip for you.
Hoh River, Olympic National Park
Spend a half-day floating through a temperate rainforest on the Hoh River while an experienced guide points out wildlife and explains the importance of salmon to this area. Rapids max out at Class II, leaving you plenty of time to take pictures of the massive trees and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The float starts just outside the Hoh entrance of Olympic National Park, making it an easy addition to a morning spent in the park.
Merced River, Yosemite National Park
When the snowmelt has passed and the water levels drop, usually late June to July, the Merced River is one of Yosemite’s most chill summer activities. It’s the most memorable way to cool off after a morning of hiking Yosemite Valley. You can bring your own or rent a raft in Curry Village and float 3 miles past the park’s famous granite cliffs. Note that the trip is self-guided, and rental rafts require an adult, plus one additional passenger, 12 or older, who can paddle.
Before you go
Always check water levels and weather before booking or heading out. If you have a concern, speak up. Reputable guiding companies will always err on the side of caution. And only you know the abilities and temperament of your family to handle less than ideal conditions, such as cold, rain or higher than expected water levels.
Keep in mind that some rivers are only navigable in spring or early summer, especially in the West. Conversely, some rivers are only runnable in late summer when the water levels go low enough to be safe. Do your research before planning your trip.
Age, weight and skill restrictions vary by outfitter, so check the fine print. Some outfitters might have a minimum age of 6 years old, while others are 9 for the same section of the river. Fifty pounds is a general minimum requirement for life jackets to fit properly for most outfitters.
Why it’s worth it
These river trips give you a new way to plan a family adventure while on your national park vacation. Enjoy incredible national park scenery from a different perspective and add some variety beyond hiking. Skip the heat this summer while you sit back and relax with an easy family float trip.
Amanda Luhn is a syndicated travel writer whose articles have appeared in dozens of publications. She took her first rafting trip on the Ocoee River as a child growing up in East Tennessee and has been happy to get out on the water ever since. She writes about her adventures with her family in national parks and around the world in her blog Simply Awesome Trips.
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