NBC's The Extra Mile Club Conquers the White Salmon River
When the hosts of NBC’s The Extra Mile Club, Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, came looking for a true Pacific Northwest adventure, they found it on the White Salmon River with Columbia River Outdoors.
Best known as the longtime co-hosts of American Ninja Warrior, Matt and Akbar are no strangers to a physical challenge. But our half-day White Salmon trip still delivered something special: nerves at the put-in, a crew learning to paddle as a team, and by the end, what they called their single best day.
There’s a moment on every trip where first-time rafters trade nervous energy for pure adrenaline, and watching Matt and Akbar hit that turn, rallying their boat through the whitewater together, was exactly what makes a day on the White Salmon unforgettable.
Video courtesy of 1st Look on NBC.
It Takes a Team
Whitewater rafting is the rare adventure where everyone in the boat has a job. Our guides coach each crew through every rapid, and there’s no better feeling than a group of strangers clicking into a single paddle team by the end of the run. Matt and Akbar felt it, and it’s the same teamwork every one of our guests experiences, no ninja training required.
You Don't Have to Be on TV to Try It
This trip is not reserved for film crews and TV hosts. Our half-day White Salmon adventure welcomes paddlers ages 6 and up, with morning and afternoon start times all season. Whether it is your first time on whitewater or your fiftieth, our guides make sure you have a safe, exciting day on one of the most beautiful rivers in the country.
Book your White Salmon rafting trip and find out why The Extra Mile called it their single best day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the White Salmon River good for beginners? Yes. The half-day trip is a great first whitewater experience, suitable for ages 6 and up. Our guides walk every crew through safety and paddling before you launch.
How far is the White Salmon River from Portland? About one hour, roughly 60 miles east of Portland near Hood River and White Salmon, Washington.
Do I need experience to go rafting? No experience is needed for the half-day trip. Your guide handles the technical work and coaches your crew the whole way down.
Are there half-day and full-day rafting options? Yes. We offer a half-day White Salmon trip (~3.5 hours) with morning and afternoon start times, and a full-day trip (~5 hours) that continues an extra 4.5 miles into the spectacular Lower Gorge. The half-day is a great introduction, while the full day adds the White Salmon Narrows and views of Mt. Hood.
