Lakota
River Guides Scale
Ratings below are a general guide. Many conditions can greatly affect a river sections rating including water volume and remoteness of location. This table is to simply assist you in selecting the most appropriate trip.
Ratings below are a general guide. Many conditions can greatly affect a river sections rating including water volume and remoteness of location. This table is to simply assist you in selecting the most appropriate trip.
Rivers with Class I or flat water interspersed with occasional Class II rapids: waves 1-2 feet high. This is typically referred to as a scenic float trip.
*Best for young children and tentative adults.
Rivers with Class I - II water interspersed with Class III rapids: waves usually 2-3 feet high, passageways contain some obstacles. Rapids are challenging but not overwhelming.
Unintentionally falling out of the raft may mean an uncomfortable "swim".
* Best for adventurous first-timers, rafting for the widest range of people.
Rivers with Class I - IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering.
Falling out of the raft and "swimming" in a rapid will be difficult.
* Best for those with previous Class III experience wanting to "step-up" to Class IV, or for the athletic and very adventurous first-timers.
Rivers with Class I - IV+ water interspersed with long, tumultuous Class V rapids: 5-8 foot drops or greater and obstacles that must be avoided.
Falling out of the raft means an extremely difficult and potentially hazardous "swim".
* Best for very experienced rafters seeking a challenge. Typically all participants are swim tested in class III rapids. Able to self-rescue.