Not every great trip requires a lottery win. These are multi-day floats you can do right now. No application, no waiting, no refreshing rec.gov. Just load the boat and go.
16 rivers
Idaho
Lower Salmon
Class II-IIISelf-issue
112 miles5-7 daysVinegar Creek to Heller Bar
50+ miles of roadless canyon, giant sand beaches, smallmouth fishing, and cliff jumping. Fill out the permit at the launch and grab an Idaho invasive species sticker.
The stretch above the permitted section. Road-accessible in spots but the whitewater between Spring Creek and Cove Creek is legit. String together as many miles as you want.
Narrow canyon, hoodoo formations, hot springs, real whitewater. Mandatory portage at Jarbidge Falls. Best in smaller boats. Grab the free permit at the BLM office in Twin Falls.
Most serious trip on this list. Rain-dependent, continuous technical whitewater, Class V Green Wall. Not a beginner river. But if you have the skills and the window lines up, maybe the best overnight whitewater in the West.
Pure desert canyon floating. Soaring sandstone, jade green water. Perfect for first-timers, paddleboarders, canoeists. Dog-friendly. Free permit via email from BLM Price office.
Crystal clear water, world-class trout fishing, bighorn sheep, Red Canyon. Three sections you can mix and match. Our top pick for introducing someone to river camping.
Only runs in big snow years when the dam releases. If it runs, drop everything and go. Forests to desert slickrock, Anasazi ruins, and Snaggletooth is a legit rapid.
More whitewater than the North Fork, rapids pick up on day 3. Airplane shuttle from Schafer Meadows makes it feel like a real expedition through the Bob.
Desert canyon, petroglyph panels, hot springs, and surprisingly good whitewater. Most people don't think of New Mexico as a rafting state. That's your advantage.
A lot of these rivers are flow-dependent, especially the Owyhee, Dolores, and Bruneau. No water, no trip. The CFS on this page is a snapshot - always check USGS gauges the week before you go.
Self-issue is still free
"Self-issue" just means fill out a form at the put-in or email the local BLM office. Takes 2 minutes, costs nothing. Some rivers have a register box at the launch. Some you email ahead. Details are in each river's info link above.
Bring a groover
Every multi-day river trip requires you to pack out human waste. If you're new to this, rent one from your local raft shop and have them show you the setup. A fire pan and ash carry-out are standard too. Your local shop will sort you out.
Ready for the big ones?
When you're ready to chase the Middle Fork, the Selway, or the Yampa - we'll be watching for you. Set up a free monitor and we'll let you know the second a cancellation drops.