KLICKITAT RIVER RAFTING

Spectacular Scenery

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Continuous paddling

BEST TIME TO GO

April-May

TRIPS AVAILABLE

River Trip List

Full-Day
[ VIEW TRIPS ]

MEETING POINT

Glenwood, WA
[ MAP ]

DRIVE TIME

Portland = 2 hrs
Bend = 3 hrs 30 mins
Seattle = 4 hrs

Klickitat River Rafting

Rafting on the Klickitat River starts in a remote canyon and is one of the most spectacular wilderness day trips that we run. 21 miles of rafting makes the Klickitat River the longest day trip that we have to offer.

If a true wilderness setting with miles of rapids and a true daylong getaway, all sound good to you, then look no further!

The Klickitat provides numerous rapids, excellent scenery, and unforgettable memories. Midway through the trip, we will provide a well-deserved lunch that will be served right on the river!

Every spring in southern Washington, Mt. Adams & the Goat Rock Wilderness begin to drain themselves from a long winter of rain and snow. The remote and secluded Klickitat canyon passes through some of the most picturesque scenery around. The journey will start up in a forested gorge, filled with giant pine and oak trees and towering basalt walls and end up with a giant desert canyon. On this trip you may see deer, elk, and osprey! Our trip will take one through 17 to 21 miles (depending on water level) of breathtaking scenery, not to mention more than 10 miles of back-to-back rapids. Even the most experienced rafter will get their fill of rapids on the Klickitat River!

Early travelers with the Lewis & Clark expedition named this river after the Indian tribe that resided along the rivers’ edge. The term ‘Klickitat’ was translated by railroaders to mean ‘robbers’ and the US government said the term meant ‘beyond’. Either way you define it, a day on the Klickitat River will rob you of daily stress and fill your mind with memories beyond your expectations.

The Klickitat River is located 2 hours east of Portland. There is plenty of camping nearby. The meeting site (Leidl Campground) is an excellent site for a weekend away from it all. If you would like to have a true weekend getaway, then combo a Klickitat River trip with a White Salmon River trip for a real whitewater weekend!

Our trips meet at 10:00am and we are off of the river by 4:30pm.

The age minimum for this trip is 10 years old. The physical and mental criteria for eligibility to participate on any River Drifters river trip can be found on our Eligibility Criteria page.

We provide all of the necessary gear to ensure a safe and comfortable trip (including wetsuits and paddle jackets if needed).

Our guides are accomplished in outdoor skills, trained in first aid, CPR and river rescue, and knowledgeable about the natural and cultural history of the area. They are fun, interesting people who have a passion for rivers and guiding. If you have questions about rafting or the unique features of the Klickitat River, ask and they will be happy to share what they know.

The weather in Washington in the Spring can be extreme and change quickly. Be prepared for sun, rain, wind and even snow.

Check the forecast prior to trip.

River Drifters provides all the necessary gear so that you stay warm and comfortable during your adventure (wetsuits, paddle jackets and helmets).

  • A pair of quick-drying shorts and t-shirt (wool or synthetic are best. Do NOT wear cotton), or a bathing suit to wear under a wetsuit.
  • Long-sleeved synthetic shirt or fleece (NO cotton) for extra warmth when outdoor temperatures are colder than 80°F.
  • Waterproof sunscreen and chapstick
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Old pair of tennis shoes, neoprene booties with soles or sandals (closed-toed, such as Keen, are recommended).
  • Sunglasses and/or prescription eyeglasses or contacts.
  • Sunglass strap for both sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses (we sell these in our shop).
  • Change of clothes for drive home.
  • OPTIONAL Items
    • Bike gloves to protect hands while paddling.
    • Waterproof camera
    • Small daypack
    • Personal snacks
    • Personal medications
    • Personal water bottle

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our guides work very hard throughout the season to ensure that guests have an enjoyable trip. As such, tips are very much appreciated by our guides. Tips normally range from 10% of the trip cost. How much you tip should depend on your satisfaction with your trip and your financial means. Most people tip the lead guide, who will split the money equally among the crew.

The age minimum for this trip is 10 years old. The physical and mental criteria for eligibility to participate on any River Drifters river trip can be found on our Essential Eligibility Criteria page.

Lodging Recommendations:

List of Columbia River Gorge Lodging

Camping Recommendations:

List of Columbia Gorge Campgrounds

Camping Recommendations:

  • Leidl Campground, located on the Glenwood/Goldendale Road, is the meeting site for the Klickitat River. There is great camping, offering ample space for 100+ people at group sites, and smaller sites for families and couples. All campsites are right on the rivers’ edge.
  • Stinson Flats Campground is one mile south of Leidl Campground on the Glenwood/Goldendale Road. It offers large group camping and smaller sites, as well as great sites on the river.
  • Peterson Prairie Campground is eight miles west of Trout Lake via Highway 141. This campground accepts reservations for both individual and group sites by calling (800) 280-2267. The travel time to our meeting spot at Leidl Campground is 35 minutes.

Camping Conditions:

Current flow of the Klickitat River near Pitt.

Please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-972-0430. Once on the river, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will be happy to answer any questions you have. We welcome suggestions about how we can make your next experience on the river an even better one!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Rafting on Oregon's Deschutes River

Excellent whitewater and scenery near the base of Mt Adams.

The longest day trip we offer with an impressive 21 miles in a remote river canyon!

Excellent camping near Mt Adams, Klickitat River, and Goat Rocks.

Klickitat River Rafting Trips ….

Klickitat River Full Day

Season: April - May
Duration: Full Day
Length: 21 miles
Price: Custom
Rapids: III-IV
Skill Level: Continuous paddling
Age Minimum: 10

Customized trips: call for booking info. 8 person minimum.

Are you ready for your rafting adventure on the Klickitat River?

CALL TODAY! 800.972.0430