Tieton River
Whitewater Rafting
The BEst Late-Summer Trip for Whitewater
The river only runs whitewater once a year while the rest of the time it is a creek so shallow you can walk across in places. Guests get the thrill of paddling down a flooded canyon watching the river banks and canyon walls fly past. During this time the river has a solid Class 3+ rating. Its path is small and narrow with the steepest gradient in Washington State, providing fast moving water and big waves.
Tieton River
Whitewater Rafting
• Season: September
• Class/Difficulty: Class 3 – 4 / Intermediate – Advanced
• Ages: 14+
• Duration/Length: 4 hours / 14 miles
• Gear provided? Yes. No extra charge!
• Price Range: Varies based on group size
• Meeting location: At milepost 168 on Hwy 12 turn on Tieton Rd towards Rimrock Lake, then turn right on Forest Service Rd 580. | See Map – Download PDF directions
• Meeting times: Mon – Fri 11am / Sat – Sun 10am & 2pm
Trip Description:
Fall brings the turning of leaves and a nice warm Indian Summer that gets us excited as the release of Rimrock Dam sets the Tieton River roaring. Its path is small and narrow with the steepest gradient in Washington State, providing fast moving water and big waves. On these whitewater trips, we raft 14 miles down river from our base camp near Rimrock Dam to the confluence of the Naches River. The river never slows down as you make your way through the likes of “High Noon” and “Waffle Wall.” We even run our rafts over a river-wide dam for a big splash that’s sure to get everyone in the boat totally soaked! Just before we reach the dam our rafts pull over on a small island for a river-side lunch. Unique oak forests and huge basalt cliffs give this trip a flavor all its own.
We meet for the Tieton river near the town of Naches outside of Yakima, WA. Instead of waking up early and having to rush to get there, you can leave the night before your trip and set up camp near our outpost next to the river.
How to Prepare
We’ll provide all the necessary equipment and gear, but here’s what you should wear and bring with you.
What to bring
Hot weather
- Bathing suit, or light weight clothes
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Cold weather
- Thin, non-cotton base layer
- Wool socks
- Water bottle
What we provide
All Weather, some optional
- 3mm Neoprene wetsuit
- Neoprene river shoes
- Splash Jacket
- Personal Flotation Device
- Helmet
- Shuttles To & From river
- Rafts & paddles
- River Guide(s)
Other preparations
Tips & Downloads
- Do not bring anything on the river that you are not willing to lose forever. It is not recommended to bring cell phones, wedding rings, extra baggage, dangly jewelry, etc.
- Waiver Form: Please click the button below to sign your waiver form in advance which will speed up your check-in process. You can also download a copy to print and sign if preferred but you must bring it with you. A Waiver Form must be completed by every person, and signed by a parent or a guardian for anyone under 18, who rafts with Alpine Adventures.
Please Note: Rafting and outdoor recreational activities involve risk; participants must read and sign the “Release of Liability” waiver linked to above. If the water on the scheduled river is too high to be safely run on the day of your trip we reserve the right to: change rivers, re-schedule another day, or cancel the trip (with 100% refund).
Refund Policy: A 100% refund can be processed if you cancel at least 30 days in advance. A 50% refund can be processed if you cancel 10-29 days in advance. No refund will be processed if you cancel less than 10 days prior to your trip or don’t show up on the day of your trip. If fewer people show up for the trip than spaces were reserved, you will be held accountable for all reserved spots. We raft rain or shine.
Where to Meet
Meeting Address
At milepost 168 on Hwy 12 turn on Tieton Rd towards Rimrock Lake, then follow PDF directions provided below. Download directions prior to arrival since cell reception can be spotty.
Meeting Location Map
Want driving directions from your specific location? Just click on the Alpine Adventures circular icon on the map, then click on the right turn arrow icon in the red bar in the popup window.