REMEMBER! This scale is subjective. Rapid classes will vary seasonally, due to changes in waterflow. They can also change as quickly as overnight! This scale is meant only as a guideline for how easy or difficult a rapid, river, or river trip may be. It is best to speak with one of our knowledgeable reservations team to find out what the river level may be like at the time when you would like to raft with us, and assist you in choosing the best trip.
Plan Your Trip
Rapid Classes: Whitewater Rafting Classification Guide
An international scale that rates individual rapids from class 1 (easy) to class 6 (nearly impossible) is used in all our river descriptions. A rapid may vary in terms of time from just a few seconds to 20 seconds or more.
The Chinook Definitions
Rapid Classes at a Glance
- Class 1
- Very relaxing.
- Class 2
- You may get splashed.
- Class 3
- You will get wet!
- Class 4
- You’ll get soaked… like a 9 or 10 on the ‘fun scale’!
- Class 5
- Adrenaline junkies only!
- Class 6
- Niagara Falls in a barrel!
Class I Rapids
“Chinook definition: Very relaxing.”
Gentle, moving water. Very small waves requiring little or no maneuvering.
All of our raft trips include some amount of gentle Class 1 waters.
Class II Rapids
“Chinook definition: You may get splashed.”
Regular waves, easy to see, may reach 3 to 4 feet in height. Avoiding rocks, river bends, or other obstacles may require simple maneuvering.
All our rafting trips have some Class 2 rapids at various stages of the rivers.
Class III Rapids
“Chinook definition: You will get wet!”
Large, continuous series or sets of waves, some can be in excess of 6 feet. “Holes” or “hydraulics” may be present and can be run or maneuvered around them. Small drops, ledges or waterfalls may be present. Don’t worry, your Chinook Rafting mountain river rafting guide will be there to guide you through them!
All our rafting trips will experience some Class 3 rapids.
Class IV Rapids
“Chinook definition: You’ll get soaked… like a 9 or 10 on the ‘fun scale’!”
Powerful and intense waves or holes. Large obstructions need to be avoided or require technical navigating. Very difficult and scouting by your experienced rafting guide is required. Your guide will tell you everything you need to do for a fun and safe experience!
The Horseshoe Canyon Raft Trip includes some Class 4 rapids.
The Kicking Horse River Raft Trip is predominantly a Class 4 rapid trip.
Class V Rapids
“Chinook definition: Adrenaline junkies only!”
For most people, class V goes off the “fun” scale and enters the “kinda scary” scale! Very challenging for even the most experienced river persons. High risk of capsize or injury. Limit of navigation and scouting is essential.
Class VI Rapids
“Chinook definition: Niagara Falls in a barrel!”
Virtually non-navigable, or navigable only at particularly favorable river levels.
Not sure which river is right for you?
Compare our trips side by side, or speak with our knowledgeable reservations team to find the best trip for your group.