Wenatchee River Rafting: Family Float Trip, No Rapids

Drift past apple orchards and find hidden swimming spots without fighting whitewater

A 4-hour family float trip on the lower Wenatchee River near Chelan, Washington, where you drift past fruit orchards into the Columbia River with a certified guide, round-trip shuttle service, wetsuit and safety gear included. Minimum age is 5. The mild current and no rapids make it suitable for young children and anyone seeking a relaxed river day. A basecamp with restrooms, changing rooms and picnic tables is your starting point.

The experience

You start at a fully-functional rafting basecamp that has restrooms, changing rooms, Wi-Fi and picnic tables. The kind of setup that means you can change before and after without scrambling. The guide fits you with a wetsuit, booties and personal flotation device, then you board the raft and push off into the lower Wenatchee. The river here has no whitewater or rapids. Instead you float past working apple, pear and cherry orchards that line the banks, and the current carries you toward the Columbia River confluence.

The trip runs 4 hours total, which leaves room for a full morning or afternoon without eating your whole day. Along the way the guide points out swimming spots and what locals call the hidden gems of this stretch: the places most people miss because they're looking for the adrenaline section upstream. Kids as young as 5 can come as long as an adult is with them. The shuttle service picks you up at the end and brings you back to the basecamp, so you don't have to arrange a second vehicle or figure out a return on your own.

Everything you need to float safely is included: the wetsuit and booties keep you warm in the water, the guide carries all the safety gear and knows the river, and the Forest Service and state user fees are already paid. You bring a bathing suit, sunscreen and a water bottle if you want one, but the raft and the expertise are covered.

What’s included

• Round-trip shuttle service back to the basecamp.
• certified guide with all safety equipment.
• wetsuit, booties and personal flotation device for everyone.
• Forest Service and state user fees.
• access to the basecamp facilities including restrooms, changing rooms and picnic tables.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 13 Jun 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by River Recreation

Is this one for you?The 4-hour float leaves your morning or afternoon open for other plans, and the no-rapids current means you can bring young children or anyone who wants a calm day on the water without the intensity of whitewater sections.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What's the Wenatchee River like on this float trip?

The lower Wenatchee has no whitewater or rapids. It's a gentle float past fruit orchards with a mild current that carries you toward the Columbia River. The guide stops at swimming spots and points out quieter sections locals favor.

Can my five-year-old do this rafting trip?

Yes, the minimum age is 5 and children can come as long as an adult accompanies them. The mild current and no rapids make it suitable for young kids. The basecamp also has changing rooms and restrooms so families can get ready and clean up easily.

How long does the float trip take?

The trip is 4 hours total, including the time on the water and the return shuttle to the basecamp. That leaves you a full morning or afternoon free on either side of the float.

What gear and safety equipment do I get?

A wetsuit, booties and personal flotation device are provided for everyone. The certified guide carries all safety gear and the Forest Service and state user fees are included in the price.

Does the trip include transportation to the river?

Yes, round-trip shuttle service is included. You meet at the basecamp and the shuttle brings you back there at the end, so you don't need to arrange a second vehicle.