Experienced explorers agree that some of the best wilderness in the US “has no trail at all.”  So don your swim trunks and grab a paddle, water wizards.  Here are the 11 best, wild scenic river trips in America:

1.  The Klamath River, California

The 286-mile-long Klamath River has an exceptional upper section that is perfect for a family-friendly river trip.  It has bald eagles, exciting rapids, warm water, and waterfront camps.

The river flows with Class IV power out of Oregon.  If you’re looking for an introductory rafting run this then check out the 1981-designated Lower K trip.  Put in from April to August at Sluice Box.  This 20-mile trip to Happy Creek comes complete with jumping rocks, riffles, and Class II and III whitewater areas perfect for the kids.

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The Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Maine

The 92.5-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway was designated in 1970.  Try the popular 62-mile, six-day trip that runs from the Churchill Dam to the Allagash Village.  This run features lovely lakes, some Class II rapids, and a mandatory portage around the 40-foot-high Allagash Falls.

Keep an eye out for common terns, eagles, and moose.  Looks will serenade you to sleep every night, too.  Get your permit and book your trip sometime between May through September.  The foliage is especially colorful in September.

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The Middle Fork of the Salmon, Idaho

Designated in 1968, the 104-mile Middle Fork of the Salmon includes incredibly exciting rapids, and thus the trip from Boundary Creek to Cache Bar a very popular choice.  Required permits are during the May 23rd to September 3rd lottery window.  Our sources suggest aiming for late summer.

There are significantly fewer crowds and the trout are reportedly getting ready for winter.  Veteran visitors say the best part of this adventure is you can enjoy hot springs at camp every night.

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The John Day River, Oregon

The 147.5-mile was designated in 1988.  On this 70-mile river-trip from Clarno to Cottonwood Bridge, you’ll float through black, volcanic basalt gorges and colorful, ash deposits filled with fossils.  As you approach mile five you will hit some Class III and !V rapids.  However, the lower section is exceptionally leisurely.

Enjoy the views as you drift through the 1,200-foot-deep canyons and watch for golden eagles, river otters, mule deer, and red-tailed hawks.  For the best experience, schedule your trip between April and June.

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The Missouri River, Montana

Designated in 1976, this 10-day trip on the 149-mile Missouri River will leave you with no regrets.  If you can’t do the entire river book the three-day, 47-mile run sometime between May and September.  On this journey from Coal Banks to Judith Landing, you’ll float through a white eagle sandstone canyon that’s 800 feet deep.

You’ll travel across the wild plains, and through the layered badlands of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.  Pitch your tent at the Lewis and Clark campsites too.

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The Rio Grande, Texas

Enjoy this 20-mile overnighter from Lajitas to Santa Elena Canyon.  Designated in 1978, this stretch of the 191,2-mile Rio Grande offers an ample sample of the Texan terrain from soaring, scenic canyons to Chihuahuan landscapes.  Look for coyotes, and petroglyphs, and grinding holes from former indigenous encampments.

Be ready for some exciting Class IV fun as you run Rockslide Rapid at mile 15.  While you can ride this river all year, the flows reportedly peak around August so mark your calendar.

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The Chattooga River, Georgia

Have no fear!  The 58.7-mile, rain-fed Chattooga River isn’t as dangerous as the 1972 movie suggests.  This 20-mile run from off GA 28 to US Route 76 was designated in 1974 and is a “world-class” trip.  On this river, you’ll experience the full range of rapids from Class I to Class V.  Take the two-day trip which includes Sections 2 and 3 for a route that flows through Sumter National Forest.  If you like colorful, floral scenery then head out in June.

The Loxahatchee River, Florida

The Loxahatchee River is only 7.6 miles long.  This day trip, designated in 1985 offers you two options.  You can float downstream from Riverbend Park to Jonathan Dickinson State Park and book a shuttle, or head out and back from either location since the current is gentle year-round.  More importantly, this run will have you feeling like you’re in Jurassic Park because you’ll be paddling through a real primordial swamp complete with ancient cypress, ferns, mangroves, orchids, and palms.  Look for alligators too.

The Noatak River, Alaska

Take the gentle, 45-mile stretch of the 220-mile river.  Designated in 1980, this trip floats from Twelve Mile Slough to Lake Matcharak.  Take in the views of the surrounding Schwatka and Endicott Mountains.  Keep an eye out for Dall sheep, grizzlies, and wolves too.

The season is from June through September.  If you go in June you’ll have a great chance of seeing the annual caribou migration.  Go in September if you’re a fan of blueberries, fall colors, or the aurora borealis.

The Tuolumne River, California

This 83-mile-long river offers plenty of action.  Try the run through the 18-mile canyon.  Book this two-or-three-day-trip from Meral’s Pool to Ward’s Ferry between May and September.

Designated in 1984, it features Class III through Class V pool-drop rapids with enough breaks to catch your breath in between them.  Take time to fish for native rainbow trout but stay ready.  There are Class IV the Nemesis and Rock Garden rapids and the Class V Clavey Falls rapids too!

The Buffalo River, Arkansas

You can best enjoy this wet weekend-long, 15+mile route designated in 1992 between April and September.  Ride this undammed waterway from AR 74 to AR 7.  Here you will see high limestone bluffs. the Ozarks’ forested hills, the popular 550-foot-tall Big Bluff, and even flow into calm waters perfect for a swim stop.  Feeling athletic?  Briefly beach your vessel to take a side hike to the famous Indian Rockhouse, the cave where indigenous people once sheltered.

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