PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMMIE SALMON
This story has been adapted from the summer 2025 issue of Magnolia Journal.
To float a river, any river, is to be moved by forces beyond our control. To float a river is to let go, even if just for an hour or an afternoon.
Last summer, we traveled to Alberta, Canada, for what was technically a work trip. An afternoon had freed up, and our youngest son, Crew, had the idea to go for a hike through Banff National Park. I can’t overstate how little hiking I’ve done in my lifetime, but with Crew as our fearless guide, the journey was fun and light. He made up some trail rules and had lots to show us along the way, until we stumbled upon a stairway that led toward a bevy of rafts, oars, and river guides. Honestly, if we hadn’t already been in a spontaneous state of mind, I’m not sure any one of us would have sought out this experience. But, we followed Crew all the way to the water’s edge, jumping into the inflatable raft that would carry us down the Bow River. That moment made its way onto the cover of this magazine issue. To me, the picture captures so much more than a cover-worthy location. It was the way the day unfolded, how one yes led to another, and then another—no destination in mind other than farther—that kept my gaze up and out at this big, boundless world. —Jo
FOLLOW THE LEADER: I think Crew inherited some of his curiosity and sense of adventure (and love of skipping rocks) from his dad, so when Chip and Crew are leading the pack together, there’s almost no stopping them.
WAITING TO BE EXPLORED
Here are a number of scenic waterways—from crashing cascades to lazy rivers—for your next adventure. Before you head out, ask local experts about current water levels, safety, outfitters to help you gear up, and guides who can lead the way.
THE WEST
ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAFT TOURS
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Adventure Style: Float On (Zero Rapids)
Since 1972, this outfit has guided more than half a million intrepid guests of all ages on river tours through Banff National Park.
YAMPA RIVER
Colorado
Adventure Style: Hang Tight (Rapids up to Class IV)
The wild waters of the Yampa River (part of the Colorado River system) are fueled by snowmelt from high up in the Rocky Mountains. Every summer, rafters of all ages float the Yampa, crashing over thrilling rapids, while passing through cinematic canyons en route to Dinosaur National Monument.
ROGUE RIVER
Oregon
Adventure Style: Make A Splash (Rapids up to Class III)
One of America’s original “Wild and Scenic” waterways, the Rogue winds through the forests and canyons of the Siskiyou Mountains in southwest Oregon. The river features waterfalls, wildlife, hidden woodland beaches, and white water—including a few more challenging rapids, so double-check your route before you push off shore.
THE SOUTH
GUADALUPE RIVER
Texas
Adventure Style: Take It Easy (Rapids up to Class II)
Located near New Braunfels, Texas, the clear waters of the dam-controlled Guadalupe River provide a dependable, easygoing river floating experience for all ages. A wide range of local outfitters can provide tubes, kayaks, and any other gear you need for a fun day on the river.
BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER
Arkansas
Adventure Style: Take It Easy (Rapids up to Class II)
A day trip floating down the Buffalo, America’s first National River, is an iconic wilderness experience in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. Depending on
seasonal water levels, there are several Buffalo floats that range from tranquil to thrilling.
THE MIDWEST
NIOBRARA RIVER
Nebraska
Adventure Style: Take It Easy (Rapids up to Class II)
This National Scenic River stretches east from Wyoming and across northern Nebraska before it feeds into the mighty Missouri River. The most stunning stretch of the spring-fed Niobrara—through the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge—features steep sandstone canyons, river islands, waterfalls, and rapids fit for all ages and skill levels.
PESHTIGO RIVER
Wisconsin
Adventure Style: Hang Tight (Rapids up to Class IV)
The Peshtigo hosts the longest stretch of white water in the Midwest, offering a range of laid-back spots for canoeing and paddling and more intense rapids for the more adventurous, including the famous 5-mile Roaring Rapids section.
THE NORTHEAST
KENNEBEC RIVER
Maine
Adventure Style: Hang Tight (Rapids up to Class IV)
Western Maine is home to several roaring rivers, but The Forks is the spot where the powerful Kennebec and Dead rivers converge, creating a high-volume, white water wonderland for those craving a thrilling plunge through New England.
(Never fear: Low-key tubing on the nearby Lower Kennebec is also available.)
YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER
Pennsylvania
Adventure Style: Choose Your Wave (Zero to Class V Rapids)
Pennsylvania’s Youghiogheny “Yough” River offers something for everyone, from tranquil tubing in the middle to tumbling down rapids with the pros in the upper section. Just an hour from Pittsburgh and not far from the Baltimore and D.C. metros, the Youghiogheny is a great destination for a mid-Atlantic getaway.
A POEM INSPIRED BY THE RUSH OF THE RIDE
UPON THE WILD WATERS
by Austin Sailsbury
Stepping off the shore and into the current, we are caught up and swept
away. We are passengers now. What can we do now but allow water and
gravity and chance take us where they will?
And away we go! Down, around, and through. Over, under, and beyond.
Pulled between silent shores and under watchful skies, passing in and out of
shadows, we are guests upon the river, travelers ushered along a path that
ancient waters patiently cut into stone and soil. Floating a river, we are pulled
through panoramas. Natural worlds unfold on every side, appearing suddenly
and then changing just as quickly. Around each boulder, a strange new world.
Under each canopy of trees, an undiscovered country of dappled light on
dancing water.
Whether floating slowly or swiftly, braving rapids or paddling around bends,
snaking through dark woodland or charging through wide-open canyons, to
ride upon the river’s back is not for the faint of heart. After all, these are
wild waters, and we are intrepid voyagers! Out here, on the river, the Earth is
alive in all directions.
You can hear it. Smell it. In summer, you can almost taste it.
Drop your hand over the side and touch it.
To float a river—any river—is to let wildness carry you forward through space
and time. Onward, outward, ever closer to the sea.
