North Platte River - Northgate Canyon Wilderness Tour
 We meet in a remote valley, miles from the nearest
small town where the North Platte crosses the highway. The river immediately
leaves the open valley and enters the canyon where steep and pine covered
canyon walls rise 400 to 1000 feet. In the cool mountain morning, a heavy
blanket of fog often comes off of the relatively warm river water and lends a
somewhat primordial atmosphere to this wildlife haven. Federal designation as
the "Northgate Wilderness Area" promotes healthy populations of deer, elk,
bighorn sheep, beaver, and coyote. Often, we encounter eagles, ducks, and
Canada Geese searching for food and raising young along the banks.
The trip starts off mild, but before long we encounter many
challenging rapids rated up to class IV on the international class scale of I
through VI. Rapids include Windy Hole, Cowpie, Stovepipe, and Narrow Falls
-alias OFR- (ask your guide what that stands for). Full-day trips include upper
Northgate Canyon, while two-day trips continue on
through forested canyon wilderness, emerging late on the second day into the
remote hill country of southern Wyoming.
Official 'wilderness' designation also guarantees that we
will have a primitive wilderness experience. Only a few outfitters have permits
to run this section of the river, taking a total of only about 1500 people
through Northgate Canyon each year. Compare this to the busy Arkansas River
where 250,000 people raft annually.
We finish the one-day trip while still in the canyon and
wilderness designation means vehicles cannot approach the river. We will carry
our equipment a short distance away from the river to protect the non-motorized
environment. We are indeed fortunate to have this national treasure in our own
backyard.
| Daily
Launches: |
Late May to late
June |
| Length: |
10 miles |
| Difficulty: |
Class III-IV
|
| Departure
Time: |
9:30 am |
| Adult Price:
|
$103.00 |
| Child Price (10 - 16):
|
$83.00 |
|
Please arrive at least
30-45 minutes prior to departure time. This allows you time to check in and
relax before your trip departs. |
|
Book a group and every
14th member of your group rafts for free! |
|
|
|
North Platte River Pre-Trip Information
General River Description
Sample
Itinerary
Gallery Photos
Maps |
