Extreme sports enthusiasts and people looking for outdoor adventure can try the 10 most dangerous rivers to kayak in USA and dare to stare death in the eye. For those who’ve experienced kayaking, it is one of the most dangerous and thrilling outdoor activities one can encounter. You just have to know the basics and have the right equipment to get started. You’ll also have to invest some money to ensure safety. Finances invested here can get a good guide of the river, have a guide boat, or even bring you more durable equipment.
Due to the nature of these dangerous rivers, commercial organizers are often very strict about safety. They let people be aware of the fact that you can actually die in one of these runs if you’re not careful. This requires briefing and a lot of tests to ensure that you can get back to your raft if ever you fall off. The United States isn’t the only place where you can encounter these types of rivers. There are many rivers around the world that prove dangerous. You can find out more about these in the 10 Most Dangerous Rivers in the World.
What rivers do you think are included in this list? Rapids are often classified according to the danger and power they can produce. The higher class rapids are reserved for experienced kayakers and there are some sections in rivers that need a guide in order to ensure that you avoid the deadly parts of your navigation. Let’s find out more as we start this list:
10. Cache La Poudre River
The Cache La Poudre River is Colorado’s only federally designated Wild and Scenic River. It contains a lot of sections that cater to both newcomers and experienced kayakers. There are different sections of the river ranging from Class II to even Class V. There is even a class VI waterfall that is considered dangerous and impossible for a run as it ends in a rocky and deadly place.
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9. New River
The New River in Ohio is considered an ancient river and is one of the oldest rivers in the country. It is a popular destination for white water rafting and a number of commercial companies can be found in the area. The location is also popular for other outdoor activities including base jumping, hiking, and mountain biking.
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8. Moose River
This mountain waterway in New York is a destination that is frequented by kayakers from different parts of North America and Canada. It has different sections with different class rapids ranging from easy to dangerous. There are a lot of extreme paddlers that frequent the site for the Class V white-water run that has a varying degree of difficulty.
7. Potomac River
This river is the fourth largest river on the Atlantic coast of the United States. It is a long river that has a good number of people living along the area. The river branches out to other waterways and there is a section of the river where the tidal river begins. The difficulty of the river ranges from Class II to Class V+.
6. Ocoee River
Ocoee River has been known to cause a few deaths in recent years though it isn’t necessarily a dangerous river to kayak. The site was formerly the 1996 Olympics challenge course classified under Class III to Class IV. The river is considered dangerous due to a lot of challenging areas to pass through including drops and large descents.
The most difficult and dangerous rivers are yet to be mentioned. Let’s continue this list of 10 most dangerous rivers to kayak in USA.
5. Forks of the Kern River
This part of the Kern River is located near Mount Whitney and is the first to receive large white water through the flow of the mountain. In order to reach these areas kayakers must first hike 2.5 miles with mules carrying their rafts. There is a sign near the highway that lists how many people have been killed by the river. There is a very dangerous 10-foot waterfall that could easily kill if you hit it the wrong way.
4. Upper Yough River
Predominantly a Class IV to Class V run, even experienced kayakers have to be wary of this river. It features a number of sections that are called death slots and could spell death if you bring your raft the wrong way.
3. Deschutes River
This river is generally known as a class V – VI run and has sections that are sure to cause personal injury according to reports. You’ll rarely find any guides or organisations promoting the dangerous river. It still frequented by a few who dare to encounter it.
2. Lochsa River
Pronounced as Lock-Saw, the name literally means Rough River. It has 63 rapids graded Class III or higher. The river has been known to take lives and is reviewed by many as dangerous and explosive even for hard-core rafters.
1. Cherry Creek
With 15 Class V rapids, Cherry Creek is considered as the most dangerous and most difficult river to navigate in the US. Despite its difficulty it is commercially run and the management does a good job of ensuring that kayakers have the strength and knowledge to survive the river.
This has been the list of 10 most dangerous rivers to kayak in USA. If you’re a fan of dangerous and extreme activities, then consider these 10 rivers.
