Most Popular
White Salmon River Half Day
ABOUT THIS TRIP
Big Whitewater, Half-Day Schedule
Experience the White Salmon River while paddling through a canyon formed by a collapsed lava tube on blue-green glacial water. See numerous caves and lush hanging gardens of flowers and moss as you ride miles of continuous splashy class III-IV rapids. Thrill-seeking paddlers can run an optional 12-foot waterfall.
Our half-day White Salmon trip is an unforgettable adventure for everyone in your group, with morning and afternoon start times.
Most Popular
$90 / person
Distance/Duration
7.5 Miles/3.5 hours
Ages
6 and up
Difficulty
Class III-IV(V)
Season
April - September
When & Where
Times: 9:00 AM or 1:30 PM
Location: BZ Corner, WA (1259 WA-141, White Salmon, WA)
Arrival: Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign waivers and meet your guides
Late Policy: Late arrivals may miss their trip and are not guaranteed a refund
Parking: Standard vehicle parking available; RVs and trailers accommodated with advance notice
What to Bring
We Provide: Wetsuits, neoprene booties, Type V PFDs, helmets, and splash tops
You Bring: Just your sense of adventure. Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry layers under your wetsuit. Hats and glasses are fine with a strap.
On the Raft: Guides can store medications, snacks, and water bottles in a dry bag
Leave Behind: Electronics, jewelry, and valuables (they’re easy to lose in the river)
Keys & Clothes: Store keys with us and use your vehicle as a locker for dry items
Itinerary
BEFORE HITTING THE WATER
At 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., we will hand out your rafting gear, and you will have time to get ready. Don’t hesitate to ask us questions. We are
here to help. Once everyone has changed, we will board the green shuttle buses and drive to the nearby BZ Corner Launch. You’ll receive a
brief orientation, and we will get the rafts into the water.
INTO THE RAPIDS
The Middle White Salmon begins with a bang! We will run over a dozen class III-IV rapids in the first mile. Around the halfway point, we
reach Husum Falls, an optional 12-foot waterfall. Husum Falls can only be run commercially at certain water levels. If the level is right, your
crew proves they are up for the challenge, and they follow your guide’s instructions well, you can take the plunge over this Class IV-V drop.
Don’t forget to hang on tight when your guide says, “Get Down!” Guests who do not wish to run the falls can walk around the rapid and cheer
from the shore. After Husum Falls, get ready for 3 more miles of fun Class II+ rapids down to the takeout at Northwestern Park where our
shuttle buses will be waiting to bring us back to our headquarters in BZ Corner.
WRAPPING UP THE ADVENTURE
Back at our headquarters, everyone can change out of their rafting gear and then see and purchase photos taken by our professional
photographer. We also have souvenir T-shirts, hats, and stickers available for purchase. We hope you enjoyed the trip and return to run
more whitewater with us soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking available for rafting trips?
Yes, we offer free on-site parking for all guests at our headquarters. If you’re bringing a large RV, camper, or trailer, please let us know in advance so we can reserve extra space for you.
How do I get to Columbia River Outdoors from Portland or Hood River?
From Portland / Hood River:
- Cross the Hood River Bridge into Washington.
- Turn left onto WA-14 West and drive 1.5 miles.
- Turn right onto WA-141 Alt / WA-141 Alternate North and continue 2.2 miles.
- Merge onto WA-141 North and drive 7.9 miles.
You’ll find us on the left side of the highway, just north of the BZ Market/Gas Station and directly across from The Logs Inn.
What do you do with car keys while rafting?
Where should I store my clothes and valuables?
Guests typically store dry clothes, shoes, and valuables in their vehicle at our base location.
Can you raft down Husum Falls? Is Husum Falls safe to run?
Husum Falls is a Class V waterfall and is completely optional. Whether you can run it depends on:
- River flow levels
- Your guide’s professional judgment
- Your physical ability and comfort level
If conditions allow, your guide may offer the option to run the falls. This is a significant step up in difficulty from the rest of the trip and is best suited for athletic adults and adventurous, capable teens. Guests may always choose to walk around the falls.
Safety is our top priority. If your guide advises against running the waterfall, their decision is final.
What is the minimum age for rafting?
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
What is your weather cancellation/refund policy?
What if we are late for our trip?
What is your alcohol policy?
Guests of Columbia River Outdoors are not permitted to consume alcohol prior to participation in any river trip or activity. Guests who arrive intoxicated or are seen consuming alcohol prior to a trip or activity will not be allowed to participate and no refunds will be issued.
Do you offer group rates or discounts?
Can we tip our guide?
Guide gratuity is not included in the trip price. Gratuities are never expected, but always appreciated, and the amount is up to you!
