David Leonard Houde asked:


Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, white water rafting has something to offer for everyone. Maneuvering the rapids on your own, or with the help of a guide, the exhilarating rush is like no other feeling in the world. Maine has a reputation for world class white water rafting; the Kennebec River, the Dead River, and the Penobscot River have put Maine on the map. You owe it to yourself to pack up the family and head out for a thrilling summer vacation.

The Kennebec River

Sections of this river are for the extreme white water expert. If you have ever experienced a roller coaster, you will soon realize the similarities. Six miles of non-stop rapid action will have your head spinning and your heart thumping. Well trained guides do not hold back, giving you the rush of a lifetime. The milder middle section of the river gives you a chance to realize what just happened! For the novice and your family, the slower section give time for swimming, and water play, making it a great river choice for the family.

The Dead River

Like the Kennebec river, the Dead River has something for everyone. Those that are in it for the thrill of the ride will enjoy some amazing rapids, but will need to make sure and check your dates, as higher class waters are limited to certain times during the season. For the family, lower class rapids are in abundance and will give everyone a chance to get their feet wet, so to speak.

The Penobscot River

This river is more for experience white water rafters, with many higher classed rapids that keep your heart pounding. The Penobscot keeps its action a secret, starting with a calmer and more peaceful section of the river. This is a great wildlife and wilderness viewing river; with time to take in the whole package as you move down river. Then suddenly the river changes mood and you are rushed through adrenaline pumping rapids, holes and chutes; the tension mounts as you go further downstream with more challenging rapids. If you are a thrill seeker, the Penobscot river probably will be your choice.

Thousands of people flock to Maine, Spring through Fall, to take advantage of some of the largest and fastest rapids in the world. While most think white water rafting is only for experienced water sports enthusiasts, it actually is available for the whole family to enjoy.

Ready for the thrill of a lifetime?

Get more details and information on each of these rivers as well and more white water rafting resources through my web site. Consider white water rafting as the “new” family vacation and head east to Maine.



THURMAN

Ryan Hutchings asked:


Like all rivers across the US, the Salt River is unique. It’s beauty and grandeur are partly a result of it’s location on the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona. The Salt River is home to a large number of plants, animals and birdlife. It offers an outstanding adventure opportunity with world class rapids and stunning scenery. The Salt River Canyon is truly one of the southwest’s hidden treasures.

Salt River Geography

The natural flow of the Salt is 86.1 m³/s (3040 ft³/s) at its mouth, almost four times that of the Rio Grande River. The Salt River flows northwest through Salt River Canyon, then southwest and west through the Tonto National Forest. The river is formed in eastern Arizona, by the confluence (or coming together) of the White and Black rivers. The river acts as a natural boundary between the Fort Apache Indian Reservation to the north and the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation to the south.

The Salt River passes through a large valley between the Mazatzal Mountains and Superstition Mountains. The river drains into several reservoirs: Lake Roosevelt (formed by Roosevelt Dam), Apache Lake (Horse Mesa Dam), Canyon Lake (Mormon Flat Dam), and Saguaro Lake (Stewart Mountain Dam). The Verde river joins with the Salt river just south of this point. About five miles downstream, the Granite Reef Diversion Dam diverts all the remaining reservoir water into the Arizona and South canals. The water that comes from these reservoirs provide drinking and irrigations water for the Phoenix area.

The Salt Riverbed leaves the mountains and runs through various cities in Arizona: Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale, south of downtown Phoenix and then passing north of South Mountain Park. Keep in mind that is only the riverbed- and it stays dry during most of the year. Only when heavy rains and torrential downpours occur in Arizona will the Salt River run in these areas. When this happens, Stewart Mountain Dam will release extra water causing a rise in the water levels along the river. Flash floods occasionally occur in these areas during monsoon storms in late July and early August.

Salt River History

The river was originally used for irrigation by Native Americans. In 1929 Omar Turney did research work on the Salt River and the system as it was used anciently. According to Omar, the irrigation system “encompassed the largest single body of land irrigated in prehistoric times in North or South America, and perhaps the world. As seen by the map recreation on the left, the Salt River provided extensive drainage far inland for a large area of land. Mesa Grande is the modern day area of Mesa, AZ, with the river running down toward the Phoenix region.

It is currently still used as a primary irrigation source. Phoenix and surrounding areas use the river for their needs through the Salt River Irrigation Project.

The river’s water is currently distributed over more than 1,000 mi (1,609 km) of irrigation canals. These canals are used primarily for agriculture: the growing of cotton, alfalfa, fruit, and vegetables.

The regions that surround the Salt River are victim to occasional flash floods from heavy rainfall. The dry, hot desert geography of Arizona gives way to perfect flooding conditions. These floods can rise in a matter of minutes, without warning. They can cause damage to roads, bridges, parks, commercial and residential lands. The most notable flash floods that caused damage were in 1980, 1993 and 2005. However, except during floods, the Salt is dry below Granite Reef Dam. Previously you could navigate the Salt Rive in its entirety throughout the southern course by small raft. The river is still navigable in the majority of the area where it still carries a significant flow, but some areas now do not have high enough water levels.

Salt River White Water River Rafting and Recreation

The huge volume and rocky underground provide ideal conditions for recreational and adventure activities on the Salt River. The most popular of which is white water rafting. Many companies operate seasonal trips on the Salt River. Rafting trips vary depending on the section of river you choose to navigate and the time of year you go.

The Salt River is a class III and IV whitewater river that drops an average 25 feet per mile for over 50 miles through rocky, inaccessible canyons. It flows through oak and juniper woodlands down into striking Lower Sonoran desert. Amazing vegetation, giant multi-armed saguaro cactus and profusions of cactus of everywhere adorn the whitewater trip down the river. Several side canyons reveal oasis-like microhabitats that are a moist reprieve from the prickly cactus environment. Excellent scenic riverside campsites are abundant and accessible only by raft.

The Salt River white water rafting season goes from early March to late May. Because of the exciting and intense rapids during early run-off, whitewater rafting and kayaking are the main forms of recreation on the river. You can find outfitter information, rafting trips and contact info at Rafting America.



TERRY

Anisha Sharma asked:


White water rafting on Himalayan rivers is a great way to connect with the powers that be in nature.

Security in turbulence:

White water rafting (Shivpuri, Rishikesh)

I knew nothing about swimming.

To compensate for my lack of capacity to save myself in case disaster struck and my paddle or myself got ****** into whirl-pools in the racing river, I followed the river guide’s instructions religiously.

I paddled with all of my 40 kg frame and might, and dug my waterproof-sandaled toes into the base of the paddle raft. I should have been terrified at my fool-hardiness. I wasn’t.

Ganga cradled me in her playful arms and gurgled with delight, while its rapid waters frolicked around solid boulders and my red raft with equal vigour.

Ganga, the bubbly mother was young 22 km upstream of Rishikesh, yet her mothering instincts were not to be mistaken. She threw my raft up in the air as a mother throws her baby up in the air only to catch her again amidst dizzy laughter.

Frenzied waters of the ‘Golf course rapid’ embraced the lone river guide Bishnu in a paddle raft ahead of us. Bishnu’s fall in the river was not all; his bright raft came on my head obstructing view, but not sound of the encompassing river and cold splashes of Gangajal.

Now that you would say, should have positively scared me out of my skin if I was a novice, which I positively was. I’m happy to disappoint you…the turbulence of the moment did not incite fear but awe at the frothing power around me!

This security blanket amidst turbulence was wrapped around me by Ma Ganga herself. Staid black cormorants flapped their wings in encouragement. Swallows nestled in holes they dug in solid layers of sand at her sides.

Red-bottomed shiny green-black birds kept vigil for food near the fiercest of rapids with the peace of an enlightened Buddha. White-freckled wagtails danced alone or in pairs to the music of the river. This music-system worked 24 X 7, without changing CDs.

These birds knew experientially that Ganga may look fierce with white froth bellowing around boulders, yet it was mother, home, food and security. No bird flinched at its wrath.

Alien to this mothering, I was ridden with doubts before the raft took to the icy waters. Not after. I experienced security amidst turbulence.

In Bhagwad Gita, Krishna says, ‘Sthavaranam Himalaya, Strotsaam Asmi Jahnavi; in stability know me as Himalaya and in rivers know me as Ganga.’

Thank you God. Twice blessed by your parental form in the Ganga and Himalayas I renounced fear of insecurities in life and day to day frothy circumstances. Thank you for being in and around me always! And thank you for letting me know that. Love you.



AGUSTIN

Sanjog asked:


Are you are strong hearted to enjoy the adventure sport to its extreme? Go for the river rafting in Ladakh, the best location in the Himalayan region. Ladakh is the best known destination for adventure activities amidst the landscapes of spectacular, rugged beauty. It is the place where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the spectacular landscapes with deep gorges, towering snow-capped peaks, hilltop monasteries, hillside villages, and glimpses of the unique wildlife. There are a number of rivers and their tributaries that are known for gentle floating as well as the thrilling white water rafting.

Major River Rafting Routes In Ladakh

The Indus and the Zanskar rivers are quite exciting to try out rafting. The Zanskar seems to be quite risky as it covers the spectacular course through a gorge in the Zanskar Mountains, between Padum and Nimo. Other popular river rafting routes are:

-Phey to Nimo

-Nimo to Alchi

-Upshi to Kharu

-Phey to Saspol

-Kharu to Spituk

-Saspol to Khaltsey

-Hemis to Choglamsar Bridge

Rafting Grades

The rivers or the tributaries are generally graded from I to VI depending upon their flow and the risk involved. The waterways graded I to III are fine for the amateurs, but those graded IV to VI are specially meant for the experts. The Zanskar and the Indus rivers are graded between I to III, while the waterways in the southern areas like the Beas, Chenab and Sutlej are graded between IV to VI. These grades are listed as:

Grade I: Small, easy waves; mainly flat water

Grade II: A bit difficult but with clear passages

Grade III: Difficult passages; narrow in places and with high waves

Grade IV: Very difficult, narrow and requiring precise maneuvering

Grade V: Extremely difficult. Very fast-flowing waters which can be maneuvered only by the experts

Grade VI: For all practical purposes, unmanageable- even suicidal.

The rafters are suggested to carry sunscreen lotions, sunglasses, shorts, T-shirts suitable shoes-sneakers, windproof jacket, towels, flashlight and the first aid box with them. A few areas close to India’s international borders, such as Nubra, Sikkim, Lahaul and Spiti may require special permits from the government. But these are easily obtained from District Commissioners. Mostly people love to try out rafting in Ladakh in the months of June to October.



BRYANT

Ryan Hutchings asked:


 

Housatonic River Geography

The Housatonic rises from four sources in far western Massachusetts in the Berkshire Mountains.The Housatonic River flows 149 miles from its four sources in western Massachusetts. Following a south to southeasterly direction, the river passes through western portions of Massachusetts and Connecticut before reaching its destination at Long Island Sound at Milford Point. The Housatonic River has a total fall of 1430 feet (959 feet from the confluence of the East and West Branches). Its major tributaries are the Williams, Green and Konkapot Rivers in Massachusetts, the Tenmile River in New York, and the Shepaug, Pomperaug, Naugatuck and Still Rivers in Connecticut.

. The East Branch begins at Muddy Pond in Hinsdale and flows a distance of approximately 17 miles, dropping 480 feet before merging with the main stem. The West Branch starts from Pontoosuc Lake and joins the Southwest Branch at Clapp Park in Pittsfield. From there it flows a short distance until it is joined by the East Branch near Pittsfield’s Fred Garner Park.

The Housatonic River main stem, which flows in a southerly direction 132 miles to its outfall at Long Island Sound at Milford Point in Connecticut. The main stem of the river has an overall drop of 959 feet. The Housatonic River and its tributaries drain an area of 1,948 square miles. From its headwaters flowing south toward Great Barrington, the valley is narrow and the river flows quickly, characterized by several swift drops in elevation, before it emerges from the Berkshire Hills. In this section there is a good deal of commercial and industrial development. The lower region is rich in farmland, and through this section the river flows more slowly, meandering its way through the valley to Falls Village in Connecticut.

The Housatonic River estuary produces one-third of all the seed oysters which are a vital part of Connecticut’s commercial shellfish industry. In this lower 12 mile section of the river are tidal wetlands and salt marshes which provide important habitat for plants, birds, shellfish, finfish and other aquatic life. The Housatonic River enters Long Island Sound at Milford Point.

Housatonic River History

The river’s name comes from the Mohican phrase “usi-a-di-en-uk”, translated as “beyond the mountain place”. The Mohican family of the Algonkin Indians, who came from New York west over the Taconic mountains, were the first valley settlers. The river was sometimes known as “Potatuck”, or the “Great River”, until the 18th century. A large portion of the river basin was developed for agriculture in Colonial times.

The Housatonic River is located in a predominantly rural area of western Massachusetts, where farming was the main occupation from colonial settlement through the late 1800s. As with most rivers, the onset of the industrial revolution in the late 1800s brought manufacturing to the banks of the Housatonic River, in Pittsfield, MA. Water power played a prominent role in 19th century industrial development, and remnants of dams, mill races and iron ore furnaces can still be seen today. Northeast Utilities operates five hydroelectric facilities on the river today. Dams at three of these facilities - the Shepaug, Stevenson and Derby - form a chain of lakes, Candlewood Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Zoar and Lake Housatonic, from New Milford south to Shelton. Much of the upper section of the river in Massachusetts is still in agricultural use, however, past industrial discharges of PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls) into the river has created water quality problems. PCB’s still remain in the river’s sediments from Massachusetts to the Stevenson Dam in Connecticut. These synthetic organic chemicals can persist for decades and are a cause for concern and continued action.

Further down in the valley, in the areas of New Milford and Brookfield, tobacco farms flourished until the surge of 20th century development. South of Derby, industrial development, including steel mills and heavy manufacturing, characterizes the river. This stretch is also a tidal estuary, which supports a number of critical habitats for rare plants and animals and is a significant contributor to Connecticut’s shellfish population. The Housatonic estuary is the most consistent producer of seed oysters in the northeast as a public oyster bed, and generates over one-third of all oyster seed available to the state shellfish industry.

The United State Navy also named a ship for the Housatonic river. The USS Housatonic has the distinction of being the first ship in history to be sunk by a submarine, the confederate vessel CSS H.L. Hunley.

Housatonic River Rafting and Recreation

With more than 100,000 acres of public recreation land throughout the watershed, opportunities for swimming, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, sculling, boating, hiking, camping and cross-country skiing abound. The Appalachian Trail runs along the river for five miles between Kent and Cornwall Bridge, the longest stretch of river walk between Georgia and Maine. Farther north the trail again parallels the river for about one-mile in Sheffield, MA.

 

Since it is a mild river, boating is typically limited to canoes and floating-type trips. Many launch ramps are located along the river.



CLIFFORD

Stewart Palmer asked:


It’s easy to find an all inclusive vacation in Jamaica but the majority are for families. That’s great for people with kids and fine for those who don’t mind having kids around at their holiday resort. Many couples with grown up children, enjoy being freed from the demands of family vacations. The last thing these couples want is to have to spend their holiday with other people’s children around them instead of their own.

There are however, several very good couples-only vacation resorts in Jamaica that can be booked on an all inclusive basis. Three are owned by the same company and are called “Couples”. One is in Negril, one in Sans Souci and the other is in Ocho Rios. We enjoyed a glorious sixteen day holiday at Couples, Ocho Rios a few years ago. Being naturists, we were attracted to this hotel because it has a clothes-optional facility in the form of a tiny island, a hundred metres or so out from the hotel opposite the main beach. The island is served by a beautiful swim up bar and a boat to take you there and back at any time you want throughout the day. Most of the island is covered with decking on which sun loungers and hammocks are set out to furnish guests with comfortable seating. There is exactly the right amount of coconut palms to provide the sunbathers with a perfect combination of sun and shade at all times of the day. The island is an idyllic place to do nothing all holiday except sunbathe, swim and enjoy the drinks and snacks provided at the swim up bar. But even fanatical sun worshippers like ourselves will want to take some time out and see a bit of Jamaica during their stay.

Without any doubt, the most enjoyable excursion for us was a raft trip on the Rio Grande, Jamaica’s longest river that runs from the Blue Mountains into the sea. Tours,organised by the hotel, start with a fascinating coach journey to Port Antonio, calling in at the famous Blue Lagoon along the way. This was the setting for the film Castaways and it is indeed the most beautiful and peaceful place you could ever wish to swim in. Don’t expect a beach however. The Blue Lagoon hasn’t got one and the film’s beach scenes were shot elsewhere.

The starting point of the raft trip is at Berridale, six miles by road and nearly three hours by raft from the sea. The rafts are thirty two feet long and constructed from bamboo poles lashed together. The deck area has a seat for two passengers at the stern whilst a dreadlocked boatman, stands further forward and steers the raft with a long, bamboo pole.

You are taken at a leisurely pace for most of the way, occasionally picking up speed to cross stretches of the river that might be described as minor rapids. The boatman provides his own brand of constant entertainment, telling many far-fetched yarns about the rich and famous people he has transported in his raft or by singing some Bob Marley favourites to you.

The photo opportunities of the voyage are virtually incessant. As well as some beautiful scenery and wildlife in the form of vultures and other exotic birds, your navigator also creates many pictures worth snapping as he stylishly poles the raft, guiding it through its tricky course. There is always a colourful array of tropical plants to admire on the banks of the river and your guide is most eager to tell you their local names and provide interesting stories or folklore about their uses or associations.

Along the way, you will pass other rafts selling refreshments and the boatman will suggest that he stops for you to buy a can or two of Red Stripe lager or some trinket souvenirs. He is also likely to invite you to take a swim in a particularly inviting part of the river where it is perfectly safe to do so.

The big advantage of going on a trip organised by the hotel is that when you get to your destination at St Margarets Bay, your coach will be awaiting you. If you organised the trip yourself you would have to find some way of getting back to Berridale to pick your car up.

As well as rafting, there are many more wonderful places to visit and things to do in Jamaica but if you prefer not to go on excursions full of kids and want to enjoy your vacation as an exclusively couples only experience, my best travel tip is to book your vacation at one of the “Couples” all Inclusive Hotels. The best time to go is between December and April, when Jamaican weather is at its best and the waters of the Rio Grande are not too swollen or rapid.



ELOY

George Papas asked:


THE ACHERON RIVER

THIS RIVER WITH A LONG HISTORY FLOWS between mountains and is surrounded by giant trees that you can see but never touch. The Acheron River, a genuine Epirus water world, contracts and expands hides and surfaces, throughout its 68 km course, from its main source on the backside of the Dodoni Mountains, in the prefecture of Ioannina. Its second source springs from the Souliou mountain range, overlooking three Epirus prefectures (Preveza, Ioannina and Thesprotia), and ends in the Ionian Sea, at the beach of Ammoudia. The third source is Glyki, a village located five km from Kanalaki, near the turn to Mesopotamo from the central Igoumenitsa-Preveza road. There, the river flows across a narrow gorge, formed by the Paramythia and Souliou mountains (the Acheron Straits).

The river has two branches: Kokyto, which means lamen¬tation and springs from the Paramythia Mountains (Solace in ancient Greek), and the waters of the Pyriflegethonta River.

Acheron is also called Mavropotamos (Black River), because according to mythology, when the Titans drank from the river to quench their thirst, Zeus got so angry that he turned its waters black. In Rhapsody 11 of the Odyssey (the Underworld), Ulysses leaves the island of Kirkis to the Acheron, in order to locate Teiresias, the blind seer, so that he can help him find the way home. The Acheron was one of the most important rivers for ancient Greeks, who believed it was the river of souls.

The Acheron waters are home to nine species of fish, one of which is endemic, as well as the otter, a rare aquatic mammal that lives in clean waters, making fishing almost impossible, at least in these parts.

The flora of the Straits is composed of Phlomis fruticosa, gorse, bushes, fern, plane trees, willow trees, holms, as well as 180 species of plants and trees. There are also some very rare plants, some of which are found only in Greece, such as Cerastium brachypelatum ssp. pindigenum and Crepis hellenica ssp. hellenica. The area of the Acheron Straits is considered a challenging climb for lovers of the sport. The best time for climbing is April and May. It is possible to walk up to its estuary in the sea (about 20 km). In addition, the river is suitable for rafting from its point of exit froln the Straits, near the village of Glyki, to its estuary.

The Acheron River and the Tsaggariotiko Stream are best crossed during the summer months. This activity requires the appropriate equipment and a strict observation of safety rules for the protection of visitors, as well as the surrounding natural beauty.

PANVOTIS

THE CELEBRATED LAKE OF IOANNINA, Lake Pamvotis, captivates the traveler with its beauty. You can explore it either by walking to Molos, on the eastern side of the castle, or by strolling around the lakeside part of the city. This area has many nightclubs, bars and coffee shops, where you can enjoy a hot beverage or a drink. A visit to the island, in the eastern part of Lake Pamvotis (the only inhabited lake island in Europe), is a must. There is a regular boat service from and to the island (Nisi). Another interesting tour for visitors is circling the lake by car. It is the best way to admire the whole lake, as well as visit the villages around it. There are many places of interest, such as the Cave of Kastritsa and the Dourachan Monastery, in Drabatova. In the latter region, you will find many restaurants and taverns, where you can try local and Greek cuisine.

The small Monastery of Agios Pandeleimon, on Nisi, is the place where Ali Pasha was hiding during the last days of his reign. With him were a few loyal followers and his famous mistress, kyra-Vassiliki. According to legend, the castle of Ioannina was linked to the island with an underground tunnel.

His turbulent life was cut short, when a boat filled with Sultan soldiers was allowed to moor at the island, on a socalled pardon mission. This deceit led to his assassination. After a long period of fighting, a general massacre took place on 17 January 1822. Ali Pasha was shot and then beheaded by the soldiers, who sent his head to the Sultan. Kyra-Vassiliki was sent along, but she was later pardoned and set free by the Sultan. The hole made by the bullet which killed Ali Pasha can still be seen, and the monastery has a museum dedicated to him, which includes a number of his personal possessions.

PRESPES

THE PRESPES NATIONAL PARK INCLUD two lakes, Small Prespes and Great Prespes - at least a pal of it -, which are separated by a sandy island, made of alluviary deposits, and are surrounded by high mountains. Dense re d thickets, mainly Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia, Scirpus lacustris, Carex spp., cover the banks of the lakes. There are also many characteristic aquatic plants rooted in the bottom, with big floating leaves and an underwater layer (Ceratophyllum sp., Myriophyllum sp., Potamogetor1 sp.). The lake area boasts a rich fauna, mainly because or the diversity of biotopes and topography. It is also an important habitat for the reproduction of aquatic birds. More than 200 bird species have been observed on the lakes and in t.he surrounding forests. The most important are the colonie” of Pelecanus crispus (wild pelican) and Pelecanus onocrotalas. The lake waters are also rich in fish. In fact, 80% of the aquatic fauna is endemic. Finally, the region boasts a large number of historic and religious monuments.



TOMAS

Ryan Hutchings asked:


Colorado River Geography

The Colorado River is the main river in southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The actual headwaters of the river are located in Rocky Mountain National Park. The river flows through Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California and Mexico. The river is approximately 1,450 mi (2,330 km) long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains.

The Colorado River begins at an elevation of about 9,000 feet. Many other rivers flow into the Colorado River, adding to its volume and size. The river begins by flowing through Lake Granby along what is currently Highway 40. Shortly after Kremmling, the Eagle River meets up with the Colorado River. Then, after flowing through Glenwood Springs, the Roaring Fork River converges with the Colorado River. Past Grand Junctions, CO, the Gunnision river meets the Colorado river and flows into Utah and Westwater Canyon. After flowing through the Moab area, the Colorado River meets with the large Green River, forming a huge confluence of water. From there, the river flows into Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam. As the river flows down into Arizona, it is met by the Paria River and the Little Colorado River. Once it meets the Little Colorado, the river begins its decent into the Grand Canyon. Near Nevada, the river form another confluence with the Virgin River, flowing into Lake Mead. Finally, continuing south the river meets the Gila River and flows through southern California, forming the border between Baja California and Sonora. By then, the river has dwindled down to a small stream due to heavy irrigation usage in the southern regions. By the end of the flow, it is at sea level.

The Colorado River drains 242,900 sq mi (629,100 km²). Total flows of the river range, depending on the season and rainfall. The river levels can be anywhere from 20,000 cubic feet per second (570 m³/s) in droughts to 1,000,000 ft³/s (28,000 m³/s) in severe floods. The average flow of the total river before diversion is 42,600 ft³/s (1206 m³/s). Since dams have been put in place along the river, it is rare that extreme flooding occurs. The dams were constructed for making electricity and can control river flow. It is interesting to note that at full flow, more runoff volume exists in the Colorado River than any other in North America except the Mississippi and the Columbia.

Colorado River History

The Colorado River was originally named Rio Colorado or “Red River” by the Spanish. Originally, the river looked redish-brown from its natural flow through the deserts and mountain regions. But with the addition of Glen Dam, the water comes from the bottom of the lake, and appears more blue-green color. Before the dam, the river would carry 500,000 tons of silt and sediment per day through the Grand Canyon.

The river has constantly run from its natural headwater location in the Rocky Mountains down to the Gulf of Mexico for a very long time. However, it had previously altered its course at various times, such as 1884 and 1891, where it abandoned its former course through Mexican territory to the Sea of Cortez.

In 1904 it again diverted its course into a diversion canal just below Yuma, AZ. At this point the river re-created a large inland sea in the same area it had inundated before. As a result, in 1907 it was effectively dammed and returned to its original course.

Colorado River Rafting and Recreation

The Colorado River is so long and large that it offers plenty of opportunity for white water rafting and river trips. Most of the whitewater rafting opportunities are in Southern Utah and the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Moab, Utah and surrounding regions are home to world famous rafting destinations such as Westwater Canyon and Cataract Canyon. Cataract Canyon is where the Green River meets with the Colorado River and the river and rapid increase significantly in size.

The most notable and popular stretch of the Colorado River is of course the Grand Canyon. Rafting vacations in the Grand Canyon are truly unique experiences. The large volume and colder temperature of the Colorado River lends toward larger pontoon style white water rafting, rather than rowing. The larger boats can carry more people, have a small rear-mounted motor, and support more weight and gear. Usually white water rafting trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon run anywhere from 2-7 days long.

 



DAVE

Ryan Hutchings asked:


Arkansas River Geography

The Arkansas River headwaters source is near Leadville, Colorado. The river technically ends in the Mississippi, which leads out to the ocean. The river drops 10,000 feet in the first 125 mile stretch. Within this stretch, the River carves through a large canyon now called the Royal Gorge. Because of the rapid drop of elevation, this stretch of river is popular for whitewater rafting and other river recreation. In total, the river drops 11,400 feet and covers a total of 161,000 square miles. The Arkansas River basin drains 24,904 square miles.

From Colorado, the Arkansas River then runs through Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, before meeting up with the Mississippi River. In total the river runs 1450 miles, which makes the Arkansas River the longest tributary in the Mississippi-Missouri water system.

Carving out many canyons and gorges, perhaps one of the most well known is the Royal Gorge. With a width of 50 feet at its base and a few hundred feet at its top, and a depth of 1200 feet in places, the 10-mile-long canyon is a narrow, steep crevasse through the granite of Fremont Peak.

The Arkansas River is now used as a main waterway for commerce, with the system being formerly called the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System or MKARNS. This specific stretch of the river is 445 miles. It takes a commercial towboat 5 days to travel the MKARNs distance. The commercial stretch of the river has multiple dam and lock systems allowing for greater control over the navigation efforts. The Arkansas River is used for waterway commerce, recreational activities (such as whitewater rafting) and wildlife preservation.

Arkansas River History

The Arkansas River was first discovered by Europeans before the Mississippi River in 1541. After Francisco Vasquez de Coronado forded the river, Hernando de Soto was on the lower river, when he later discovered the Mississippi. The Arkansas River had long been used by native Indians, who relied on the river for a source of food and shelter.

The Arkansas River was claimed in 1682 by La Salle in the name of the king of France. A few years later, a fort was established on the banks of the mouth of the Arkansas. The river fort was called “poste Aux Arcansas” otherwise known today as the Arkansas Post. This became part of the Louisiana territory, which transferred to the hands of Spain after the Treaty of Paris in 1763.

Perhaps the most important part in recent history for the Arkansas River came in 1787, when George Washington claimed that the navigable waters leading to the Mississippi and St. Lawrence.. shall be common highways and forever free…without any tax, impost or duty…” making the Arkansas River free for all future commerce and business. After that, many foreign countries began using the waterways to transport goods inland. In 1803 the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory, including the Arkansas River basin. The Arkansas River also became a very popular route for steamboats transporting people inland from the Mississippi. Many settlements had already been established along the banks and surrounding areas of the river. By 1890, 20,818 acres of land in Kansas were being irrigated by the Arkansas River. From there on, irrigation projects and wells began expanding from the river into the Arkansas valley.

The largest flood happened in 1927. The Arkansas flooded due to huge amounts of rainfall, creating a 6-8 foot wall of water shooting down the river. Every levee broke as the flood made its way to the Mississippi River. Since that date, many dams and locks were built for a total commerce and control solution for the Arkansas river. On December 30, 1970 the water was opened and ready for use. All locks and dams are still in operation, and have been successful ever since.

Arkansas River Rafting and Recreation

One of the most popular recreational activities on the Arkansas River is whitewater rafting. Popular rafting trip are commercially run through the Colorado regions of the Arkansas River. Brown Canyon, Narrows, Bighorn Canyon, Numbers, Royal Gorge are all popular section and spots on the river that whitewater rafters often hit. The river is often too large to run your own private trip through unless you have previous experience and proper equipment.

Outside of river rafting, the Arkansas River is also lined with campground, RV parks and recreational facilities for planning vacations and trips along the river.



WALLACE

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Chattooga River Geography

The Chattooga River is the main tributary of the Tugaloo River. The actual headwaters (origin) of the river is located in North Carolina, just south of the town of Cashiers. The river forms the boundary between Georgia and South Carolina, after flowing out of North Carolina. Originating at the base of Whitesides Mountain, a massive, 4,800 foot tall granite wall, multiple creeks and streams converge, creating the Chattooga River.

The Chattooga watershed is made up of 180,000 acres in three states (SC, GA and NC) and composed of private and public lands. The river flows about 57 miles, until it runs later into Lake Yonah. Technically, the Chattooga River has been separated into various sections according to its “Wild and Scenic” designation. The majority of the river has been designated “wild” while only 14.6 miles of the river have been designates as “recreational”. The Chattooga is home to more than a hundred types of fish, including three species of trout. The Walhalla State Fish Hatchery regularly releases trout into the local Rivers, creeks and streams.

The North Fork of the Chattooga River is what most people refer to when they simply say the “Chattooga River”. The Chattooga is separated in the North Fork, East Fork and West Fork.

The river flows around three National Forests. The Chattahoochee, Nantahala and Sumpter National Forests which add to the overall beauty of the riversides.

Chattooga River History

The original inhabitants of the Chattooga River basins and areas were the Native Americans, specifically the Cherokee Nation. One of the more recent discoveries was in the 1990’s when a 1700’s era Cherokee Village, known as Chattooga Town, was discovered along the banks of the Chattooga River.

Originally, the river was not the boundary between the two states. South Carolina technically did not stretch down the Chattooga River before the 1800’s. The treaty of 1816 changed the boundary of South Carolina to where it is currently, which then made the river act as a boundary line between the two states.

Before the Treaty of 1816, the river belonged to the Cherokee Nation.

There are locations in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness area, which the Chattooga is a part of, that have remained relatively unchanged from their earliest known history. In the East, the Chattooga River is banked by the Sumter National Forest; in the west, the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Chattooga River Rafting and Recreation

The Chattooga River is one of the only Class V option whitewater rapids in the region. During the high-water months, you can experience the best whitewater rafting around. There are also multiple options for horseback riding, including bringing your own mounts to designated trails within the National forest. Since many of the scenic areas along the river contain waterfalls and side trails, hiking and exploring are popular activities along the river.

If you want to spend time fishing, you have your pick from many lakes, ponds, streams and creeks.



MOHAMMED