Quick Details
A true mountain river!
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.
Included in your trip
- All boating equipment/life jackets/drinking water.
- All on-river meals (lunch day 1 through lunch last day).
- By arrangement prior to the trip, rain jacket with pants.
- Eating utensils, plates, and complimentary Dvorak souvenir cup.
- Waterproof dry bags (3.3 cu. ft) for personal gear.
- Rain tarps for shelter in the kitchen area.
Your responsibilities
- Transportation to the arranged meeting point or put-in (see below)
- Pre and post-meals and lodging near the agreed meeting point
- Personal clothing and other sundry items (see list below and in confirmation email)
- Possible shuttle of personal vehicle to take out locations. (Add during checkout and call afterward to confirm)
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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.
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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.
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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.
- Compact synthetic filled sleeping bag (not down) – rentals available
- Sleeping pad (backpack size) inflatable/insolite – rentals available
- Small backpack style tent w/ fly & ground sheet – rentals available
- Long john style wetsuit/boots for cold months* – rentals available
- Long pants (one light weight to block the sun & one warm wool or pile/fleece type*)
- Nylon shorts or swimsuit under wetsuit
- Long sleeved shirts (one warm*/one light weight)
- Non-cotton shirt or poly propylene top (fleece top)
- Warm jacket*, wind proof or Fleece, water resistant
- Pair of tennis shoes – tie on preferred or wet boots
- Wool socks will help keep feet warm in tennis shoes
- Sunglasses with loss protector/keeper (with UV protection)
- Sun block (over 5,000′ altitude – lots of UV exposure)
- Hat for sun protection (tie-on)
- Rain gear by request from DVK or bring your own – rentals available at no cost (add Splash Jacket when adding rentals)
- Small towel / biodegradable soap / shampoo / lotion etc.
- Flashlight and extra batteries with new bulb or head torch
- Bandana and a pair of lite gloves for sun protection
- Personal items kit (hygiene) medicines etc.
- Waterproof camera or a very good waterproof case
- EXTRA BEVERAGES – PLASTIC containers of liquor, BYO canned beer or soda. An adequate supply of soft drinks is provided. If you prefer diet drinks, please request them in advance. Complimentary wine is provided with evening meals.
- OPTIONAL ITEMS: Field glasses with waterproof protection, Journal notebook, book, pliers (for use in taking things from fire i.e. coffee, hot water, etc.), Day pack for side hikes & Extra Zip Lock Bags. Small travel pillow or use stuff sac with your extra clothing.
*Can be excluded during warmer weather
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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.