Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are some of the most common questions that groups have before a rafting adventure. If your questions are not answered on this page please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-888-281-1561 or email us at rafts@fairpoint.net.


Where is the location that we meet?
  • For the Tj Meenach Whitewater Adventure click here
  • For the Peaceful Valley Family Trip Adventure click here
Which Spokane River Adventure should I choose?
  • Is your group uncomfortable on the river? Are there special needs guests? Would you prefer a shorter trip filled with jokes and laughter, and aren’t sure if you want to navigate whitewater? If so, then the Guided Class II Adventure is for you!
  • Is your group looking for a longer time on the river? Are guests excited to face whitewater and paddle hard? If so, then the Guided Whitewater Adventure is for you!
Can I bring my own Personal Flotation Device (PFD)?

We encourage you to wear use a PFD provided by Spokane River raft, but if you have your own and would like to use it, we will check to ensure that it fits correctly before you get on the river.

How long does a Spokane River Adventure last?

It depends on which Spokane River Adventure you decide to embark on.

  • On the Peaceful Valley Family Trip you will be on the river approximately 1-2.5 hours.
  • On the Tj Mennach Whitewater trip you will be on the river approximately 3.5-4.5 hours

The actual duration of your trip depends on how much water is running through the river, how much your group paddles, and how long your group plays river games.

Do I have to know how to swim?

We recommend that every guest be able to swim unassisted and without a life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) before they participate in water sports.

What should I wear?

Swimsuit, sun hat, sunglasses, shorts and shoes that strap to your feet such as old tennis shoes, water socks or sandals. Check the weather before you come and plan accordingly. If it is supposed to be cold or windy we recommend a wind breaker and warm clothing. NO COTTON on cold days.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Yes. We do not have a permanent storefront for either option on the Spokane River. If you show up without a reservation there is no guarantee that we will be at the river or that we will have any equipment left. Make reservations through the website here: RESERVE TODAY You can make last minute or day of reservations at 1-888-281-1561 and we’ll get you on the river ASAP.

When should I show up for my reservation?

Show up at the shuttle location 15-30 minutes before your reservation.

Can I take young children?

Spokane River Rafting recommends that all children be able to swim on their own before they go rafting, usually around 5 years old. We require all participants of the Whitewater trip to be at lest 12 years old.

What about senior citizens?

Spokane River Rafting does not have a maximum age limit for rafting on the Spokane river. We recommend that all individuals be able to swim on their own before they go rafting but leave the final decision up to the discretion of the individuals. The rule of thumb is if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t go.

Is alcohol permitted in the rafts?

IT IS ILLEGAL TO CONSUME ALCOHOL ON THE RIVER according to RCW 66.44.100.
Our top priority is your safety on the water. We take alcohol from groups when we deem the amount of alcohol to be a hazard to Spokane River Rafting employees and rafting participants. No alcohol will be allowed on the Tj Meenach whitewater trip, limited drinks will be allowed on the Peaceful Valley family trips. Please drink responsibly on the river and remember glass and Styrofoam are strictly prohibited.

When do you stop rafting for the year?

The rafting season on the Spokane varies a little due to snowpack and weather, the season is generally from April to August.

Should I tip my guide?

Guides never expect tips but they are always appreciated. If you think that your guides did an exceptional job go ahead and give them a little extra as a way to say thank you.

Is fishing permitted on the Spokane River?

The Spokane River is available for fishing from the beginning of June until Mid-March when the season closes to protect spawning areas. For specific regulations and updated information information go to www.wdfw.wa.gov

How do I get back to my car?

A shuttle for the drivers is included with every full-service reservation. However, our buses only hold 15 people so we only guarantee space for drivers, if there is room we always try to take your whole group. If you have multiple cars you can do your own shuttle at the beginning of the trip.
On the Guided Whitewater Adventure drivers drop their group off ______, directions are here, and continue to take out. On the Guided Class II Adventure drivers drop their group off ________, directions are here, and continue to the take out.

What is a good trip for a first-timer?

If you have never gone rafting before and are a little nervous we recommend that you try out the Peaceful Valley Family Trip. The water is slower, and there are only straightforward low-grade rapids.
If you want a little bit more adventure and are feeling confident in your paddling skills, choose the Guided Whitewater Adventure for intense rapids and faster flowing water.

How fast is the Spokane River?

The Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) of the Spokane River varies throughout the year. You can find the current CFS at waterdata.usgs.gov.

What is the cancellation policy?

Credit cards are held for security deposit and cancellation fees. 
Cancellations made 30 days before the trip will receive a 100% refund.
Cancellations made 10 days before the trip will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made within 10 days of the reservation will not receive a refund. Credit cards are held for security deposit and cancellation fees.
Rafting will take place regardless of rainy or windy weather, only in the instance of real weather hazards, such as lightning storms or flooding, will reservations be cancelled. Weather hazard determination is at Spokane River Rafting discretion. In the event of a cancellation by Spokane River Rafting, there will be no fees charged.

How are rivers classified for difficulty?

The difficulty of a river is classified on a scale of Class I to Class VI with I being very easy and VI unrunnable.
Class I: Waves small, passages clear; no serious obstacles. (A.k.a. the inner tube float. Barely moving water with hardly any rapids!)
Class II: Rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear. (Great rafting for families with very small children or for people looking for an introduction to kayaking.)
Class III: Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies; rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering. (This is the most popular classification for whitewater, and is the recommended level for beginning rafters)
Class IV: Long rapids; waves powerful, irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required. (Rivers such as these should be run by athletic, experienced rafters who are looking for more action.)
Class V: Exceedingly difficult, long and violent rapids, following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent currents; very steep gradient. (Paddlers must have prior Class IV or better whitewater rafting experience. You should also be athletic with the mental attitude for high risk activities…
Class VI: Commercially unrunnable. (A.k.a. the guide’s run! No commercial outfitter will take a commercial client on this type of rapid.)