Rivers, Tubing & Water Safety
What's new this year
The rivers are the same year to year, but the level, weather, and advisories can change by morning.
Read the gauge before every float
The river you floated last month isn't the river today. Read the USGS gauge before you leave home — high, fast, muddy, or rising water is a no-go.
Reading river levelsLook up swim and algae advisories
Swim-beach postings and harmful-algae warnings change day to day. Look them up before you get in — a clean-looking gravel bar isn't a tested beach.
Water quality & getting sickCall your outfitter for today's conditions
The people who run the shuttle know the level, the put-ins, and whether the river is even running. A quick call beats a wasted drive — or a bad day on the water.
Know the floating season
Floating season runs roughly May to September. Spring water is higher and colder; by late summer, rain-fed rivers run warmer and lower and can get too shallow in a dry spell.
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