States: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
Email: northwest@packraft.org
With rivers, lakes, sound, and sea, the NW packrafting community has endless waters to explore. From education, strategic partnerships, access rights, and conservation issues, APA’s members in the NW are a part of making it happen for all packrafters.
The Northwest Region offers diverse and challenging packrafting opportunities, characterized by diverse landscapes and challenging wilderness travel. From Idaho’s Salmon River and Montana’s Flathead River to Wyoming’s Wind River Range, the Northwest regions provide ideal conditions for both whitewater adventures and serene alpine lake paddling, especially in late spring to early summer when snowmelt creates optimal flows. Modern packrafts, designed to access remote rivers and lakes, have expanded the possibilities for wilderness travel, including winter expeditions and bike-packing. Local communities continue to push the sport’s boundaries, offering exciting routes for all skill levels.
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Idaho, known as the Whitewater State, boasts some of the best rivers for packrafting, with snowmelt-dependent flows making late spring to early summer the ideal time to paddle. Notable packraft routes include the North Fork Clearwater River, with Class II-III rapids, and the River of Return Route on the Salmon River, pioneered by Forest McCarthy. Other classic whitewater runs include the Snake River in Hells Canyon (permits required), the Selway River with Class III-IV rapids (permits required), and the Payette River near Boise, offering Class II-IV rapids. For a more serene experience, the Sawtooth Mountains offer high-alpine lakes perfect for packrafting. The annual Packraft RoundUp returns to the Payette in 2025. Photo by Jack Henderson
Montana is a paradise for packrafters, offering challenges and rewards for adventurers at all skill levels. Popular packrafting destinations in Montana include Glacier National Park, which offers a variety of options ranging from tranquil lake paddling on Lake McDonald to thrilling Class III-V runs along the park's southern border into the Middle Fork Flathead River.The Smith River is a classic, permitted multi-day journey through a breathtaking limestone canyon, ideal for beginner and intermediate paddlers.The Flathead River, originating in the Canadian Rockies and stretching 158 miles, provides an iconic Montana packrafting experience. The South Fork, with its crystal-clear waters and abundant cutthroat trout, is a remote and serene destination accessible only by foot or pack horse. Both the South and North Forks are well-suited for beginners, while the Middle Fork challenges intermediate to advanced paddlers with its rugged terrain and dynamic rapids.For those seeking tranquility, alpine lake floating in the Beartooth Mountains offers unforgettable paddling amidst some of Montana’s most stunning high-altitude scenery. Photo by Jack Henderson
Oregon offers a range of packrafting opportunities, including the Owyhee River, known for its rugged canyons and Class II-III rapids, best paddled from April to June when snowmelt provides optimal flow. The Rogue River offers a classic multi-day trip with thrilling rapids, accessible from spring to fall, while the Grande Ronde River in northeast Oregon is ideal for beginners with its mild whitewater, best explored from May to mid-July. The Snake River, carving through Hells Canyon, provides massive rapids and stunning landscapes, suited for advanced paddlers and accessible spring through early summer. Rivers from the Cascade Range, such as the McKenzie, North Umpqua, and Willamette, offer scenic paddling through forested landscapes, with spring to early fall being the best time due to higher water levels from snowmelt and rainfall. While conditions can be manageable during summer, winter paddling can be more challenging due to fluctuating flows and colder temperatures. Photo by Kira Minehart
Washington offers a variety of packrafting opportunities across its diverse landscapes. The Skagit River, known for its scenic beauty and Class II-III rapids, is best paddled from spring to early summer, when snowmelt creates ideal flow conditions. The Olympic Peninsula offers many options for multi-day adventures, as well as day trips with thrilling rapids and lush forest surroundings, making it a top choice for intermediate paddlers during the late fall through early spring when rainfall and snowmelt create optimal flow conditions. The Wenatchee River, flowing through the central Cascades, is perfect for beginners and offers mild whitewater, best explored in late spring and early summer. The Snake River, with its remote canyons and Class IV+ rapids, offers an exciting challenge for advanced paddlers, ideal for spring and early summer. Washington’s abundant lakes, such as those in the North Cascades, offer calm water for those seeking a more relaxed experience, particularly during the warmer months from late spring to early fall. Photo by Jack Henderson
Wyoming offers exciting packrafting opportunities, including routes pioneered by legends like Forrest McCarthy and Jeff Creamer. McCarthy's Du'Mor' Route is a 97-mile journey that links three wilderness rivers, crossing high mountain passes and including Class III whitewater. Jeff Creamer is known for his skiraftineering adventures, blending skiing and packrafting in remote areas like the Wind River Range. The Green River, winding through Flaming Gorge and the Red Desert, offers both mellow stretches and intense rapids, perfect for multi-day trips. The Snake River in Wyoming offers a variety of paddling experiences, from serene sections suitable for beginners to challenging rapids for experienced whitewater enthusiasts. Similar to other Intermountain West states, rivers in Wyoming depend on snowmelt for flow and are best paddled in late spring to early summer.
Opportunities for instruction abound in the Northwest, with numerous companies across the region offering packrafting courses and workshops. For details, jump to the Resources section below.
The Seattle area boasts a thriving packrafting community, hosting regular meetups and group outings that cater to paddlers of all skill levels. Additionally, the American Packrafting Association’s (APA) annual RoundUp has been held several times in the Northwest and is set to return to the South Fork of the Payette in 2025.
Whether you're a seasoned packrafter or new to the sport, the Northwest Region welcomes you. Share your experiences, join community events, and help shape the future of packrafting in this region.
Justin participated in his first whitewater clinic in 1987 and has been hooked on self propelled watercraft ever since. Justin has paddled virtually every lake in the Boundary Waters & Quetico Provincial Park, across Isle Royale, and 1,000+ lakes and rivers throughout the US and Canada. Justin loves introducing people to the joy of paddling - which you will find him doing throughout the NW, especially in his hometown of North Bend, WA. Justin is a member of APA’s Community Committee and the Safety Video Subcommittee. Justin has attended over 150 hours of whitewater training, including multiple swiftwater clinics, and is a current certified ACA L3 Packraft Instructor and Wilderness First Responder.
For more information, to share your packrafting stories, or to get involved with the Northwest Region, reach out to us at northwest@packraft.org
Whether you're a Northwest paddler or planning a trip, the following resources may help you on your packrafting journeys in the Northwest.
Courses (paddling, education, safety)
Packraft Rentals
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