A wild and untamed back country river
North Platte River Rafting

About North Platte River Rafting
The North Platte River begins as a trickle in the mountains surrounding Walden, Colorado and flows north through the Northgate Wilderness Area. The North Platte is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets and one of Colorado’s only remaining free-flowing white water rivers. This white water gem combines untracked wilderness with an abundance of Colorado’s finest rapids to deliver an outstanding early season adventure.
This river would have surprised those pioneers had they followed it into the mountains. It is here, deep in the Medicine Bow Mountains, that our guide will take you on an unforgettable North Platte River rafting trip.
The North Platte is located west of Fort Collins and east of Steamboat Springs near Walden, Colorado. It is also within easy driving distance of Laramie, Wyoming.
• Difficulty: Class II-IV (What does this mean?)
• Season: May – June
Recommended Rafting Trips on the North Platte River:
Paddle fast-paced rapids and take in the rugged remote scenery of the North Platte River on this full day adventure. Depart near Walden, CO close to the CO/WY border and tackle ten miles of fantastic whitewater. Suitable for those ages 10+ and all skill levels, raft from late May-June. Join us on this wonderful adventure into the wilderness!
Adult price : $175
The fast-paced North Platte River runs wild and free as the high mountain snow melts in late May-June. Rarely visited and full of wildlife, you will raft the stunningly beautiful and isolated stretch of river from Colorado into Wyoming near Walden, CO. This 2 Day trip is suitable for all skill levels and kids ages 10+.
Adult price : $509
More North Platte Float Trip Info
The canyon begins near the border of Colorado and Wyoming where the river spills from its source in North Park. Completely inaccessible, the “gate” of Northgate Canyon stymied French trappers in their upstream efforts to reach North Park. The French Trappers named the North Platte ‘Riviere de Plat’, meaning “Flat River”. That name characterizes much of the rivers 618 mile course before joining the South Platte River in Nebraska. Early travelers on the Oregon Trail followed it to near the present day town of Casper, Wyoming. They considered it too shallow to float, too deep to ford, and too wide to bridge.

north platte river sections
Northgate Canyon
Class III-IV
Fast-paced, fun and splashy rapids dot this remote wilderness section of the North Platte River.
Six Mile Gap to Bennett Peak
Class I-II
Peaceful and packed with abundant wildlife, this section of the North Platte makes for a wonderful float trip.
Information for North Platte River Self-Guided Boaters:
The North Platte River is in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and is managed by U.S. Forest Service.
- Boating Permit Required: NO
- Permit Details: No fee of any kind is required to float the river within the National Forest on public lands.
- River Manager: US Forest Service – Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District
2171 Highway 130, Po Box 249, Saratoga, WY 82331
307.326.5258
Shuttles:
If shuttle service is available, information is listed under the specific section page.
Directions to the
North Platte River
Our North Platte River trips meet at Routt Access area near Walden, CO.
Packing List and
Pre-Trip Information
Complete lists of what to bring, what we provide, where to meet, policies, rental costs and info.
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