Quick Details
Rapids: Class II-IV
Set in a narrow canyon at over 8,000 feet, the North Platte River runs crystal clear with the power of melting snow from Rocky Mountain National Park and other mountain ranges. One of the last true discoveries of river runners, the Northgate section offers a combination of intense whitewater rapids like Northgate Falls, Stovepipe, Windy Hole, and the Narrows.
The trout fishing is hard to beat due to some highly inaccessible sections we raft through. The surrounding area has a long history of Wild West stories of cattlemen who have made millions from the fertile land and still run some of the largest cattle operations in the country in these valleys. Because of its mountain setting, it offers clear water, pristine river corridors, and solitude combined with the excitement of some of the best whitewater in the West.
The meeting place for this trip is the Routt National Forest access site, located approximately 8 miles north of Cowdrey, CO on Hwy #125. We will rendezvous with you at 8:00am the morning the trip begins. There is primitive camping available there if you would like to arrive the night before the trip starts.
By Plane: Fly into Denver, Colorado (served by most major airlines) and rent a car for the drive to the Routt National Forest “River Access”, approximately 3½ hours. Another option is to fly to Steamboat Springs airfield. With advanced notice and a transport fee, pick up at the airport can be arranged. Add this at checkout and then call to confirm with us. Rental cars are available in Steamboat Springs. It is about 1½ hours from Steamboat to the put-in point.
By Car: From the North: From Riverside, Wyoming follow Hwy #230 south to the Colorado State line where it changes to Hwy #125. It is a 2-3-mile drive from the state line to the (white) Routt Forest Access turn off sign. From the South: From Walden, Colorado follow Hwy #125 north 4 miles beyond Cowdrey to a “T” junction. Continue north west on Hwy #125 about 4 miles to the (white) Routt Forest Access turn off sign.
Sleeping bags and pads, tents, wetsuits – we’ve got it all!
After you add your trip to your online cart here, you will be prompted to add Raft Trip Equipment Rentals. Choose your trip start date and time then choose your trip length.
Please limit your gear to 30 pounds in weight. The provided drybag is 3.3cu-ft. It should be able to be packed into a standard duffel bag. This list should cover everything for a safe, comfortable trip.
*Can be excluded during warmer weather
Gratuities are not included in your trip cost. While tipping is done at your discretion, tipping is one of the gauges we use in terms of customer satisfaction. If you are ever not satisfied, please let us know so that we can adjust our expeditions in the future.