White Salmon

WHITE SALMON RIVER RAFTING - NEAR PORTLAND, OREGON

Looking for a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure near Portland, OR? Just 90 minutes from the city, the White Salmon River delivers non-stop Class III–V whitewater action in one of the most scenic river canyons in the Pacific Northwest. With its origins on the glaciers of Mt. Adams, this glacial-fed river charges through a steep, narrow gorge filled with powerful rapids and crystal-clear water.

Located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the White Salmon is a federally designated Wild & Scenic River, offering rafters both adrenaline and awe-inspiring beauty — all in one unforgettable trip.

White Salmon River Rafting – A Must-Do Adventure from Seattle or Portland

If you're searching for epic whitewater rafting in August near Seattle or Portland, the White Salmon River is your top destination. Known for its powerful rapids and breathtaking scenery, this glacial-fed river offers some of the best Class III–IV(V) whitewater in Washington State — all within a short drive of the city.

Starting with the exhilarating Class III+ "Top Drop", your rafting journey continues through a thrilling series of Class III and IV rapids, surrounded by lush forests and dramatic basalt canyons. For the brave, the trip includes an optional run over the iconic Class V Husum Falls — a 10-foot waterfall that flows beneath Highway 141. Whether you run it or walk around, it’s a memorable part of the experience.

Even if you skip the falls, the adventure isn’t over. Rapids like "Rattlesnake" and the final 2-mile stretch of wave-filled water keep the energy high until the very end. Late Summer Whitewater rafting from Seattle or Portland doesn’t get better than this.

WHY RAFT THE WHITE SALMON RIVER WITH WILDWATER RIVER GUIDES?

Since 1980, Wildwater River Guides has been specialize in delivering professionally guided rafting trips on the most exciting rivers in the Washington State. For the White Salmon — one of our most advanced and rewarding runs — we select only our most experienced guides to ensure your trip is both adrenaline-filled and expertly managed.

Here’s what makes rafting with Wildwater unique:

• 👨‍✈️ Certified, professional river guides with extensive training
• 🧥 Wetsuits, booties, and splash jackets included — essential for this cold, glacial-fed river
• 🛶 Top-tier rafts and safety gear for optimal performance and comfort
• 🗺️ Easy access from Seattle, Portland, Hood River, and the Columbia Gorge

Our goal is to give you a high-quality, confidence-inspiring rafting experience where you can focus on fun and let us handle the rest.

OPTIONAL CLASS V THRILL: HUSUM FALLS

The highlight for many is the optional run over Husum Falls, a 10-foot Class V waterfall and the tallest commercially rafted waterfall in the U.S.. It’s a heart-pounding drop for those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush — and completely optional for those who prefer to walk around.

Whether you're a seasoned paddler or an adventurous first-timer, the White Salmon River provides an exhilarating and scenic whitewater experience unlike any other in the region.

TRIP ITINERARY

1. Park vehicles at the meeting spot.
2. Check-in and fill out a participation waiver.
   Note: All minors must have a parent or legal guardian present to participate. If a minor will not be accompanied, he/she must have the waiver completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to the trip.
3. After check-in, change into the river gear provided by Wildwater. Use your vehicle as a personal locker to store your street clothes and other belongings. Store your keys in Wildwater's secured location while you are on the river.
4. Once everyone is geared up, we take a Wildwater vehicle to the shuttle, which takes us to the put-in/launch site.
5. Before boarding the raft, a Wildwater staff member holds a Trip Talk to prepare you for what is to come.
6. After the Trip Talk, you split into raft groups and meet your guide for the trip.
7. Your guide discusses basic river rafting instruction before putting on the river.
8. Now it's time to go rafting!
9. At the end of the trip you take-out back at the meeting spot, change into dry clothing, and return all river gear you used to Wildwater staff members.

Directions to the White Salmon River Rafting Put In

Wildwater River Guides White Salmon rafting trips meet behind the Missing Corner in the town of BZ Corner, WA. We have done our best to provide you with detailed directions to the White Salmon River put in from Seattle and Portland to ensure you are able to meet your trip on time. Be advised that in addition to the directions provided we strongly recommend using a Washington State highway map or searching the address provided in Google Maps for additional information.

DIRECTIONS TO THE WHITE SALMON RIVER FROM PORTLAND

You can reach our location in BZ Corner from either Interstate 84 or Highway 14. If you are headed to the White Salmon River from Portland we recommend using Interstate 84 and following the directions included below:

Route - Oregon / Interstate 84:

• Go across the Hood River Bridge into Washington.
• Turn left at the stoplight and head west on Hwy-14 for 1.5 miles.
• Take right at the mouth of the White Salmon River onto ALT Hwy-141.
• Go to the end of ALT Hwy-141 and take a left at the stop sign.
• Drive on Hwy-141 for about 5 miles passing the town of Husum, WA, and entering the small town of BZ Corner. Turn right off Highway 141 into the parking lot just behind The Missing Corner and across the street from the Logs Inn. Look for a Wildwater sign or vehicles for check-in.

If it's simpler for you to use Highway 14 here are the directions to the White Salmon River.

Route - Washington / Highway 14:

• Heading east on Hwy-14 take left at the mouth of the White Salmon River onto ALT Hwy-141.
• Go to the end of ALT Hwy-141 and take a left at the stop sign.
• Drive on Hwy-141 for about 5 miles passing the town of Husum, WA and entering the small town of BZ Corner. Turn right off Highway 141 into the parking lot just behind The Missing Corner and across the street from the Logs Inn. Look for a Wildwater sign or vehicles for check-in.

DIRECTIONS TO THE WHITE SALMON RIVER FROM SEATTLE

When you are looking for the White Salmon River meeting location from Seattle it's easiest to use the Interstate 84 route shown above. While it is possible to travel along the north side of the Columbia River on Highway 14 it is generally faster to use Interstate 84. Below is the best way to get from Seattle to the start of the Hood River/Interstate 84 directions listed above.

• Take Interstate 5 S toward Portland.
• Keep right to continue on Interstate 205 S, follow signs for Salem/Northeast 134th St.
• Take exit 22 for I-84 E/US-30 E toward The Dalles.
• Merge onto 1-84 E/US 30 E.
• Take exit 64 for Mt. Hood Hwy toward OR-35/White Salmon/Govt. Camp.
• Go across the Hood River Bridge into Washington.

BOOK YOUR WHITE SALMON KAYAK OR RAFT TRIP TODAY!

Wildwater River Guides offers White Salmon rafting trips and White Salmon kayak instruction and guided trips to Seattle and Portland whitewater enthusiasts. Our expert guides have the highest level of training in the business and years of experience on the river so you can be confident you are in good hands. Contact us with questions or comments and then come experience the incredible rapids and beautiful scenery of the White Salmon River with Wildwater River Guides today. We look forward to meeting you!