The Lower Methow Full-Day is a late-season family favorite! It is a lower-valley float that is mellow and beautiful, an enjoyable, introductory stretch of river. This trip can be done in rafts (ages 6+) and/or inflatable kayaks (ages 16+ with experience). You will meander below the rolling golden foothills of the North Cascades and float through a few small rapids. Its season begins once the Winthrop Scenic is over for the year (usually mid to late July). Thirty-five minutes from both Winthrop and Chelan, its convenient yet rural location is prime for spending your day out river rafting and still allows you to get back to town by dinner time. 

During late July and early August the Methow River enters yet another unique and enjoyable time of year. As the river flows drop and the waves shrink in size, the water temperatures soar (often 75 degrees or more) and the deep pools in between the rapids grow. The guides are excited to show off their technical prowess as the channelized and boulder-filled version of the Methow River is more challenging; get ready for lots of paddle commands! The warm pools are a fantastic place to snorkel and observe salmon, white fish, and trout; leap off rocks large and small; and simply relax in the calm currents under the hot summer sun. Don’t let the lack of huge waves deceive you…there really is no better way to spend the hottest days of summer than rafting the Methow River. Book a late-season trip with Methow Rafting and you and your family will love it.

This trip meets at the Methow Rafting boathouse in the town of Methow. After getting geared up (all river gear is provided), you will hop on the bus and drive five minutes up-valley to the put-in. Your guide will give you a safety talk and review paddling techniques. After that you will push off and begin floating down the beautiful Methow River. Once done, the bus will pick you up and take you right back to the Methow Rafting boathouse, a quick five minute drive, where you will return your gear and be on your way.

Meeting time and location: 10:00 am at the Methow Rafting boathouse in the Town of Methow (not the Winthrop office)