The White Salmon River offers spectacular world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking, breathtaking scenery, and dramatic basalt cliffs and waterfalls, making it one of the most beautiful and adventurous river day trips in the western United States. Located just 80 miles from the Portland/Vancouver area in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, it’s accessible to locals and visitors alike.
Nature lovers will appreciate the clear blue waters of this designated Wild & Scenic River fed by the glaciers of Mt. Adams. Salmon are returning to the White Salmon River after the 100-year-old Condit Dam was removed in 2011. The largest dam removed in the U.S. at the time. Thrill-seekers will love running the big and numerous rapids and 12-foot-high Husum Falls, the tallest commercially run waterfall in the U.S. Even beginners will embrace this rafting experience, as our experienced guides teach the basic skills and paddle strokes needed to have a fun and memorable trip.
Water Levels
Thanks to a partnership with a local landowner, our trips start almost two miles upstream of BZ Corner during lower water levels (typically starting around mid June), which is the normal commercial put-in for the trip, giving our customers an extra few miles of whitewater in a deep, craggy canyon. Triple Drop is the first rapid (Class IV) that you’ll brave before heading downstream through many additional heart-pumping class III-IV rapids.
We also portage around BZ Falls, which is one of the most beautiful and picturesque sections of the river. We are extremely privileged and fortunate to offer this, not only for the extra rapids but we truly get to enjoy a canyon untouched by man.
When water levels are low enough to safely offer Husum Falls (typically after July 4th), an exciting addition to the trip becomes available. Husum Falls is completely optional and you must be 16 and up with a parent present to paddle this drop. Many people walk around and sometimes the entire boat will portage this rapid. In short, this trip is all fun and offers the most rapids!
“The entire experience was fantastic. Everything was well organized, explained clearly, and super fun. I hope we can visit again!”
– Lindsay Post
HALF-DAY TRIP DETAILS AND ITINERARY
There are a couple of spots along the route that require walking on sharp & slippery rocks- both at the river put-in & take-out, as well as during portage around BZ falls. Our guides will spot you while helping you navigate obstacles. Click HERE to view the mandatory portage around BZ Falls.
Meeting Location:
River Drifters White Salmon River Outpost
856 Highway 141, White Salmon, WA 98672
Meeting Time:
Morning Trips – 8:45 am or 9:15 am
Afternoon Trips – 1:45 pm or 2:15 pm
Return Time:
Morning Trips – 12:30pm or 1:00pm
Afternoon Trips – 5:30pm or 6:00pm
Getting Here:
Husum, WA is just 80 miles by car from the Portland/ Vancouver Area and about 120 miles from the Tri-Cities area in Eastern Washington. All our rafting trips start on time so please plan accordingly. Plan your travel ahead of time by checking estimated drive times, as well as Oregon Trip Check & WA DOT for current delays and road closures.
Check-In:
Please do not arrive more than 30 minutes before the trip start time. Once you have arrived, park in the guest parking lot and check in at our office, use the restroom, change into river clothes, etc. We ask that guests fill out the online registration and waivers prior to your trip to expedite the check-in process. Our guides will give a mandatory safety speech to the group at the outpost as well as issue out a PFD, helmet, wetsuit, neoprene booties, and splash jacket to each guest. Valuables and a change of clothes will be locked in your vehicle, and car keys are kept secured in our office during your trip. Once ready, the group will load into a River Drifters shuttle and drive to the put-in.
How to get there:
Driving Directions from the Portland/Vancouver Area:
Access I-84 E toward The Dalles. Take exit 64 for White Salmon & turn left at the light to cross the Hood River Toll Bridge ($4 cash). Once across the bridge turn left at the light and drive 1.2 miles on WA-14 W. Just before you cross the White Salmon River turn right onto Alt. WA-141 N.
At the stop sign turn left onto WA-141 N and travel 4 miles. Look for the River Drifters Outpost & big red barn on the right-hand side of the road. Note: if you cross the White Salmon River you’ve gone too far.
Driving Directions from Vancouver Area:
Take WA-14 E towards Camas. Once you cross the White Salmon River turn left onto Alt. WA-141 N. At the stop sign turn left onto WA-141 N and travel 4 miles. Look for the River Drifters Outpost & big red barn on the right-hand side of the road. Note: If you cross the White Salmon River you’ve gone too far.
Driving Directions from Seattle:
Travel south on I-5 toward Portland. Then follow the directions from the Portland/Vancouver Area.
Pre-trip Checklist
- Complete online registration
- Complete online waiver
- Plan for the unexpected (travel insurance)
- For more information check out A Day As A River Drifters’ Guest!
What we provide
- Transportation
- PFDs, helmets, paddles, wetsuits, and splash tops
What you are responsible for
- Getting to our location in Husum
- Meals and lodging before and after your trip
- Personal clothing and other miscellaneous items (see equipment list)
- Guides gratuities (see below)
Professional Tips
Wetsuits and splash jackets Wetsuits and splash jackets are required for White Salmon river trips. The wetsuits are 2-3ml “Farmer John” style, which is combined with a splash jacket to provide full-body coverage. Wetsuits and splash jackets are provided by River Drifters and our guides will issue out this gear on cooler weather trips or upon request.
Fleece is a generic term for a spun, polyester fabric developed for outdoor use. It is thick and fluffy and does not absorb water, making it ideal insulation on a river trip. It is commonly called Polartec or Polar Fleece. Polypropylene is a thinner, stretchier, woven variation used predominantly for long underwear. Any polypropylene long underwear will work; heavyweight is the most versatile.
Layering your clothing is an effective way to adjust to the daily weather changes that you may encounter. A light polypropylene layer under a heavy fleece top under a rain shell will get you going on the chilliest of mornings and allow you to shed layers as the day warms up.
Lodging
- Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, WA | 509-314-4177
- Ruby June Inn, Husum, WA | 509-493-0517
- Best Western Plus Hood River INN, Hood River, OR | 541-386-2200
- There are many lodging options in Hood River, OR as well as White Salmon and Bingen, WA.
Camping
- Peterson Prairie Campground Trout Lake, WA | Reservable sites through Recreation.gov
- Memaloose State Park, Mosier, OR | Reservable sites online or by calling 800-452-5687
- Home Valley Campground, Home Valley, WA | 509-427-3980 (first come, first served)
- Viento State Park, Cascade Locks, OR | Reservable sites online or by calling 800-452-5687
- There are many campgrounds in Columbia River Gorge & Mt. Hood & Gifford Pinchot National Forests
Check-In: Arrive at the River Drifters Outpost in Husum, WA. Check in at our office, change into river clothes, use the restroom, etc. Please be on time.
Introduction & Shuttle to Put-In: Our trips start with a mandatory river safety speech at our outpost. Then you will get outfitted with a wetsuit, booties, splash jacket, PFD, & helmet (all provided). Once dressed we will shuttle to the river put-in. At the put-in, your guides will give an additional safety talk & provide instructions for the basic paddle strokes that you will need for a fun trip. Then the group will go rafting!
Take-out & Shuttle: Arrive at the take-out & shuttle back to River Drifters outpost in Husum. You’ll return your River Drifters gear & get changed into dry clothes. Then be sure to check out your trip photos in the office before heading home.
Please keep in mind that every trip is different, as weather, water flow, and group dynamics all influence trip pace
In the summertime the weather in the Columbia River Gorge is warm and mostly dry. However, you must be prepared for rain and wind in every season. Below is a chart of average temperatures and rainfall in the Columbia Gorge during the rafting season. Please check the weather forecast prior to your trip! Live gauge at Husum, Washington.
| May | June | July | August | September | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Day | 69°F | 74°F | 82°F | 82°F | 76°F |
| Avg Night | 45°F | 51°F | 55°F | 54°F | 46°F |
| Rainfall | 1.3″ | 0.87″ | 0.28″ | 0.31″ | 0.92″ |
Wetsuits and splash jackets are required for White Salmon river trips. The wetsuits are 2-3 ml “Farmer John” style, which is combined with a splash jacket to provide full-body coverage. Wetsuits and splash jackets are provided by River Drifters and our guides will issue you this gear prior to your trip.
Paddle Rafts
are 13 to 15 feet long and carry between 4 and 6 paddlers who actively paddle through the rapids and down the river. Everyone has a paddle, sits on the outer tube of the raft and follows the commands of the paddle guide who sits in the rear.
If you truly enjoy your trip, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. Tipping is optional and personal, but since a lot of people ask, a customary amount is between 10 and 15 percent of the trip cost. Tips can be given to the Lead Guide who will share them with the entire crew, or to your own personal guide. The guide(s) will appreciate them and put them to good use. (And thank you.)
If you still have questions, please feel free to call us (800-972-0430) or e-mail us (office@riverdrifters.net). We love to talk about our trips!
EQUIPMENT LIST
White Salmon River Half-Day Rafting Trips
White Salmon River Half-Day
Season: April - October
Duration: Half Day
Length: 8 miles
Price: $77-89
Rapids: III-IV (Optional waterfall)
Skill Level: Continuous paddling
Age Minimum: 10
Trip Itinerary