• Whitewater Guidebook
  • By State
    • Idaho
    • Oregon
    • Utah
    • Washington
    • California
    • Colorado
    • West Virginia
    • Bhutan
  • Bucket List
    • Middle Fork of the Salmon River
    • Illinois River
    • Grand Canyon of the Colorado River
    • Futaleufu River
    • Rogue River
    • Selway River
    • Tuolumne River
    • Alsek River
    • Zambezi River
    • Forks of the Kern
  • Gear Garage
    • Gear Garage YouTube Channel
    • Gear Garage Live Show
    • Ask A Question
    • Best Practices Questionnaire
    • Interesting Articles
  • Blog
    • Gear Reviews
    • Pro Tips
    • Events
    • Trip Reports
  • About Us

Pro Tips: Western River Festivals

Michael Hughes / Friday, March 1, 2024

Whitewater River Festivals are a joyous celebration of all things rivers and the outdoors. They range in size, river difficulty, and typically have a party for all to celebrate. From class IV races to mass start pool toy races, many festivals have something for every one.

Carter Falls Rapid during the annual Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival in May

Carter Falls Rapid during the annual Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival in May

One tricky thing with river festivals are they tend to be small gathers and don't happen at the exactly same time each year. Keep an eye on Facebook, American Whitewater, local whitewater paddling groups, and/or local paddling shops for the most up to date information.

Alaska

  • 6 Mile Creek Whitewater and Bluegrass
  • Washington

  • Upper Wind River Festival in Carson
  • Little White Salmon Race
  • Oregon

  • Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival near Estacada
  • California

  • BoatSmith in Gasquet
  • Feather Fest near Tobin CA. Keep an eye out for dates on American Whitewater
  • Kern River Festival - keep an eye on social media as this might come back?
  • Idaho

  • Lochsa River Madness over Memorial Day Weekend near Kooskia ID
  • Big Water Blowout River Festival in Riggins
  • Running the hero line at Lochsa Falls

    Running the hero line at Lochsa Falls

    Nevada

  • Reno River Fest in Reno
  • Montana

  • Bigfork Whitewater Festival over Memorial Day Weekend in Bigfork
  • Gallatin Whitewater Festival south of Bozeman
  • Wyoming

  • Wild West Riverfest in Cody
  • Colorado

    Colorado might need its own blog post as there are SO many out there. Check out this page for all the best and up to date information.

  • CKS Paddlefest in Buena Vista
  • Yampa River Festival Steamboat Springs
  • GoPro Mountain Games in Vale
  • FIBArk Whitewater Festival in Salida
  • Ridgway Riverfest in Ridgway
  • Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival in CaƱon City
  • Always fun rafting Gore Canyon

    Always fun rafting Gore Canyon

  • Gunnison River Festival in Gunnison
  • Animals River Days in Durango
  • Poufest in Belvue
  • Oh Be Joyful Race in Crested Butte
  • Gore Fest in Kremmling
  • Bailey Fest in Bailey
  • New Mexico

  • Mother's Day Whitewater Race in Pilar
  • I am sure I missed a few festivals. If so let us know what we should add to the list.

    Author

    Michael Hughes

    Michael grew up in the small Minnesota town of Stewartville. He spent his days outside in the woods and riding a bike. The only thing that has changed is his location. Oregon is now home and he is still outside, riding a bike, and paddling where ever the water is.

     
     

    Supported By

    Sawyer

    Cascade River Gear

    Maravia Rafts

    River Hardware

    NWRC Whitewater Education & Safety Training

    Affiliate Links: We receive a commission when you click some of the links on this page and purchase items through Amazon.


    Disclaimer: River conditions, obstacles, and rapids can vary for a variety of reasons. Please combine this general information with good judgment and your own river reading skills.


    © 2025 Whitewater Guidebook