Trip type · Family
Family rafting trips on overnight rivers
Eleven rivers where outfitters take kids from 3 to 6, side by side, with the outfitter behind each age.
2 to 9 days / 1 to 8 nightsQuick answer
Family rafting trips run on rivers where outfitters take young kids: Arrowhead takes kids from 3 on the John Day, and several outfitters take kids from 4 on the Lower Klamath and the Deschutes and from 5 on Desolation Canyon, the San Juan, the Main Salmon, the Lower Salmon and the Grande Ronde. Ages rise at high water, so pick the month first.
Trips by river
Rivers that take kids, youngest ages first
Each card shows the outfitter with the youngest listed minimum age on that river and its lowest listed price. Every river page compares all its outfitters.
Oregon · Central Oregon
John Day River
From $1,099per person with Arrowhead River Adventures: 3 day, 2 night trip, 2026. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Oregon and California
Klamath River
From $695per person with High Country Expeditions: 2 day, 1 night trip, listed as $695 to $795; year not shown; $30 fee extra. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Oregon · Lower Deschutes
Deschutes River
From $425per person with River Drifters: 2 day, 1 night trip, listed as $425 to $450 plus Boater Pass; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Utah · Green River
Desolation Canyon
From $1,499per person with Mild to Wild Rafting: 4 day, 3 night trip, 2026. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Utah · San Juan River
San Juan River
From $1,150per person with Holiday River Expeditions: Upper, 3 day, 2 night trip, plus a $22 BLM fee; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Idaho · River of No Return
Main Salmon
From $2,750per person with Mackay Wilderness River Trips: 6 day, 5 night trip; 87 miles. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Idaho · Salmon River to the Snake
Lower Salmon
From $1,395per person with Idaho River Adventures: 4 day, 3 night trip; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Oregon · Northeast Oregon
Grande Ronde
From $1,085per person with Winding Waters River Expeditions: 3 day, 2 night trip, 2026, plus a $30 fee; 5 day $1,755 in 2027. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Oregon · Wild and Scenic Rogue
Rogue River
From $1,099per person with Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures: 3 day, 2 night camping trip; BLM and Forest Service fees extra. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Colorado and Utah · Dinosaur
Gates of Lodore
From $1,279per person with Dinosaur River Expeditions: 4 day, 3 night trip, 2026. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Idaho · Frank Church Wilderness
Middle Fork Salmon
From $3,299per person with ARTA: 6 day, 5 night trip. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.
Each card shows the youngest listed minimum age we found on that river, the outfitter that lists it, and that outfitter's lowest listed adult price, from its own site. Ages often rise at high water.
Side by side
The family rivers side by side
| River | Trip length | Whitewater | Season | Private permit | Outfitters | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Day River | 3 days, 2 nights to 9 days, 8 nights | Class II to IV, per the BLM | May to early July | Reserved in high season, no lottery | 6 | $1,099 |
| Klamath River | 2 days, 1 night to 5 days, 4 nights | Upper Class IV+; Lower Class II to III | March to October, by section | None for private trips, per the BLM | 10 | $695 |
| Deschutes River | 2 days, 1 night to 4 days, 3 nights | Class III, per American Whitewater | Year round, busiest in summer | Boater Pass, no lottery | 9 | $425 |
| Desolation Canyon | 4 days, 3 nights to 7 days, 6 nights | Class II to III, per American Whitewater | April to September, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | 11 | $1,499 |
| San Juan River | 3 days, 2 nights to 8 days, 7 nights | Class II to III, per Recreation.gov | April to October, by outfitter | Lottery April 15 to July 15 | 6 | $1,150 |
| Main Salmon | 4 days, 3 nights to 6 days, 5 nights | Class III to IV-, per American Whitewater | May to October, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | 22 | $2,750 |
| Lower Salmon | 2 days, 1 night to 5 days, 4 nights | Class II to IV, per the BLM | June to September, by outfitter | Free self issue, no lottery | 19 | $1,395 |
| Grande Ronde | 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights | Class II to III, per the BLM | March to July, by outfitter | Free self issue, no lottery | 7 | $1,085 |
| Rogue River | 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights | Class III+, per American Whitewater | April to October, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | 18 | $1,099 |
| Gates of Lodore | 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights | Class III and IV rapids, per the Park Service | May to September, by outfitter | Lottery for private trips only | 7 | $1,279 |
| Middle Fork Salmon | 4 days, 3 nights to 7 days, 6 nights | Class III to IV+, per the Forest Service | Late May to September | Lottery for private trips only | 25 | $3,299 |
Prices are per person on outfitters' own sites, checked September 2026, and each river page shows the year and trip behind them. Confirm when booking.
How to choose
How to choose a family river
How young are your kids?
Under 5: the John Day, the Lower Klamath and the Deschutes have outfitters that take kids from 3 or 4. From 5, the choice opens up to Desolation, the San Juan, the Salmon rivers and the Grande Ronde.
John Day RiverHow much whitewater?
Desolation, the San Juan and the Grande Ronde are Class II to III. The Rogue, the Main Salmon and the Lodore have bigger rapids, and the Lower Salmon's Slide can reach Class V at high flows, per the BLM.
Desolation CanyonHow many nights?
A 2 day, 1 night trip on the Deschutes or the Klamath is a good first test. Desolation and the Main Salmon run 4 to 6 days.
What trips costQuestions
Family rafting questions
What age can kids go on an overnight rafting trip?
It depends on the river and the outfitter. On the rivers we compare, the youngest listed minimum ages are 3 with Arrowhead on the John Day, and 4 on the Lower Klamath and the Deschutes. Many outfitters set 5 to 7.
What is the best river for a family rafting trip?
For young kids, look at gentle Class II to III rivers with low minimum ages: Desolation Canyon, the San Juan and the Grande Ronde take kids from 5. For older kids who want bigger water, the Main Salmon, the Rogue and the Gates of Lodore take kids from 5 to 6 with some outfitters.
Why do minimum ages change during the season?
Water level. At spring high water, outfitters raise minimum ages: Northwest Rafting Company sets 16 in June on the Middle Fork and 7 in July and August, and Hells Canyon Raft sets 10 at high water against 7 otherwise.
Do kids have to meet a weight minimum?
Some outfitters set one. Imperial River Company and Ouzel Outfitters on the Deschutes list 50 pounds along with age 6, and Mild to Wild lists 5 and 50 pounds on Desolation.
Are there discounts for kids?
Some outfitters list youth rates. On the Main Salmon, Action Whitewater lists a youth rate for 14 and under, Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures a child rate for 12 and under, and Rocky Mountain River Tours a child rate for 6 to 18.
Can families book a private trip?
Yes, with several outfitters. Some trips run only for private groups: Canyonlands Field Institute's San Juan trips are for groups of 6 to 25.
When is the best time to go with kids?
Mid to late summer, when outfitters lower minimum ages on rivers like the Middle Fork, the Main Salmon and Hells Canyon. See when to go rafting.
Do kids need special gear?
Outfitters supply life jackets on the trips we compare. Ask about child sized jackets and what to pack; our river camping guide covers nights at camp.
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Keep planning
Related trips and guides
- Best time to go raftingAges rise at high water
- River campingNights at camp, the groover and food
- Rafting trip costYouth rates and what is included
- All outfittersEvery company, A to Z
- Utah overnight rafting tripsDesolation and the San Juan
- Oregon overnight rafting tripsThe John Day, Deschutes and Rogue
- Idaho overnight rafting tripsThe Salmon rivers
- Plan a rafting tripEvery planning guide
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