Poudre River Whitewater Rafting, Fort Collins | AVA Rafting
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Cache La Poudre River White Water Rafting

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Just outside of Fort Collins, Colorado, the Cache la Poudre River offers pristine wilderness and fun whitewater. The Poudre is Colorado’s only river designated “Wild and Scenic”. First-time rafters will enjoy the fun Class III whitewater of the Lower Poudre while more experienced paddlers can challenge themselves on the Class IV excitement of Mishawaka Falls.

 

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Fast Facts about the Poudre River

  • Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
  • Drive time from Denver: ~1 1/2 hours
  • Best time to raft: May – September
  • Ages: 7 years old and up
  • Duration: 1/2 day, & full day
  • Other Activities: Instruction and Rental Equipment
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Poudre River Rafting Trips

  • Lower Poudre

  • Age Minimum: 7 years old
    Rapids: Class III
    Best Time to Go: May – September
    Location: Fort Collins, CO
    Price: Starts at $90/person

  • Mishawaka

  • Age Minimum: 13 years old
    Rapids: Class IV
    Best Time to Go: May – July
    Location: Fort Collins, CO
    Price: Starts at $100/person

  • Mishawaka Lunch

  • Age Minimum: 13 years old
    Rapids: Class IV
    Best Time to Go: May – July
    Location: Fort Collins, CO
    Price: Starts at $150/person

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Rafting on the Poudre River

Family-Friendly Adventure

Grab the family and head to Fort Collins for an adventure on the Cache la Poudre! Our 1/2 day Poudre River rafting trips are for ages 7 and up.

Getting Here

Your Cache la Poudre rafting trip meets in the northern Colorado town of Fort Collins. Just about an hour north of Denver you will head to the RMA Fort Collins Office on US-287.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear a swimsuit that you can wear under your wetsuit, and make sure to apply or bring sunscreen. Wear shoes that will be secure to your feet. Old tennis shoes work great. You can wear a hat and sunglasses, but be aware that they could fall off.

WHAT TO BRING

We recommend that you bring a water bottle, sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen. You can bring cash to tip your rafting guide, but other than that, it is best to travel lightly.

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Frequent Questions about the Poudre River

  • When can I raft on the Poudre River?

    You can raft the Poudre river between the middle of May and typically through August. Certain trips during certain years will not be available after July, but typically you can find a great rafting trip on the Poudre all summer long.

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MORE INFORMATION

POUDRE RIVER WHITEWATER RAFTING DETAILS:

  • Convenient to Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Fort Collins, and Denver
  • Lower Poudre is half day with morning and afternoon start times 
  • Wetsuit, splash jacket, and booties are available for rent

POUDRE RIVER RAFTING

Whether you opt for mild or wild, the Cache la Poudre River will provide a whitewater experience you’ll never forget. After your trip, take your Colorado vacation to the next level; head up the road and upstream to river’s birthplace in famed Rocky Mountain National Park where you’ll be treated to even more sweeping vistas, rugged peaks, wildflowers, wildlife, and gorgeous waterfalls.

A rafting trip on the Poudre and a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect way to experience Colorado. You’ll have easy access to the wilderness of the Rockies while still remaining close to Denver, Fort Collins, and Boulder.

THE LOWER POUDRE 

Looking for family-friendly whitewater? The Lower Poudre’s exciting Class III rapids will still be appropriate for the kids while providing thrills for the whole group. Between rapids, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery. Minimum age 7, minimum weight 50 lbs.

MISHAWAKA FALLS

Looking for heart-pounding exhilaration? The intense whitewater of Mishawaka Falls will challenge even the most adventurous as you navigate this narrow, technical stretch. Stop mid-trip to refuel with a hearty riverside lunch. Good physical fitness recommended. Minimum age 13.

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