River Roots Expeditions
world-class river experiences
At River Roots Expeditions, we curate world-class river experiences designed for those who seek more than just a trip — they want a story.
From the thundering rapids of the Grand Canyon to the turquoise waves of Patagonia’s Futaleufú, our expeditions combine unparalleled whitewater, breathtaking landscapes, and seamless logistics.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury charter, remote first descent, or a custom instructional clinic with elite paddlers, we handle every detail so you can fully enjoy the experience.
Each journey is crafted to blend adventure, comfort, natural and cultural connection — creating memories that last a lifetime.
Here are a few of the river expeditions and adventures we are offering.
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Get in touch to discuss how we can make your trip a reality:
Grand Canyon (Arizona, USA)
4-16 DAYS
Arguably the most famous river trip on earth, the Grand Canyon offers 277 miles of breathtaking scenery and iconic rapids. Floating through one of the seven natural wonders of the planet, worldclass whitewater pairs with unimaginable scenery.
Our private charters combine some of the best whitewater in the world with side hikes to hidden waterfalls, slot canyons, and ancient archaeological sites. We’ll camp at expansive beaches, eat incredible food, and experience river lifestyle at its best.
We handle every detail of the logistics from airport to airport, ensuring maximum flexibility and comfort.
Note: These trips are in high demand and ideally booked 1–2 years in advance.
Best season: April - September
Middle Fork of the Salmon (Idaho, USA)
3 - 5 days
The Middle Fork is Idaho’s crown jewel — 100 miles of continuous whitewater through pristine wilderness.
Highlights include natural hot springs, exceptional trout fishing, and riverside camps under starry skies.
In June, the river runs big and powerful; by late summer, flows drop for more technical rapids and warmer swimming.
Charter fly-ins are available for fully customized itineraries.
Best season: June - August
MAIN Salmon RIVER
(Idaho, USA)
5–7 days
Where the Middle Fork of the Salmon leaves off, the Main Salmon begins.
Known for its friendly whitewater accessible for all skill levels, beautiful sand beaches, wildlife, and deep wilderness, the Main Salmon is one of our pinnacle whitewater/lifestyle expeditions, the experience of a lifetime.
Note: Both Middle and Main Salmon trips can be combined to make a 10-14 day trip.
Best season: May - September
Rogue River
(Oregon, USA)
2–4 days
One of America’s classic wilderness river trips, the Rogue winds through lush temperate rainforest, rugged volcanic gorges, and wildlife-rich canyons.
Fun, splashy Class II–III rapids make it approachable for all skill levels, yet still exciting for seasoned paddlers. Camps feature sandy beaches, star-filled nights, and occasional black bear sightings.
Trips can be lodge-to-lodge, fully wilderness camping, or a mix of both.
Best season: April - August
Futaleufú River (Chile)
2–10 days
The "Fu" is South America’s most famous big-water river — turquoise rapids set against the dramatic mountains of Patagonia.
Think Grand Canyon-sized waves, sheer granite cliffs, and remote luxury camps.
Trips can include horseback riding, glacier trekking, or helicopter-access fly fishing for a truly immersive Patagonian experience.
Best season: December–March
Zambezi River (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
2–10 days
Below Victoria Falls lies the world’s most legendary Class V day stretch, with massive rapids and warm water.
Our multi-day expeditions venture deep into the Batoka Gorge, offering beach camping, African sunsets, and cultural encounters.
Can be paired with luxury safari extensions in Botswana or Namibia.
Best season: August–December
Additional Offerings
- Deschutes River (Oregon)
- Lower Owyhee (Oregon)
- Middle Owyhee (Oregon)
- Upper Owyhee (Idaho/ Oregon)
- Jarbidge-Bruneau (Idaho)
- Lower Canyons of the Salmon (Idaho)
- South Fork of the Flathead (Montana)
- Middle Fork of the Flathead (Montana)
- San Juan Sea Kayaking (Washington)
- Tatshenshini River (British Columbia)
- Alsek River (Alaska)
- Marañón River (Peru)
- Karnali River (Nepal)
- Trekking in Nepal with Tshiring Lamla – In search of elusive snow leopards in the high Himalaya (Nepal)
- Burning Man & Black Rock Desert (Nevada)
Otter Bar Kayak School
Private Clinics
(California, USA)
2–10 days
For clients seeking whitewater skill development, we offer exclusive bookings at Otter Bar Lodge — one of the most respected kayak schools in the world.
Instruction with Ben Morton, riverside gourmet meals, and private lodge accommodations.
Pair with nearby Klamath River adventures for a skill + expedition combo.
Best season April - July
Ottawa River Kayak School
Private Clinics
(Ontario, Canada)
3–10 days
For paddlers seeking world-class whitewater training, we offer exclusive bookings at the Ottawa River — one of the most renowned playboating and big-water training grounds in the world.
Receive expert instruction tailored to your skill level, with gourmet riverside meals and comfortable accommodations.
Pair your clinic with nearby Canadian river adventures for a skill + expedition combo.
First Descents
The Ultimate Adventure
3–10 days
Looking to run a river no one else ever has? We can design and guide expeditions to the most remote corners of the globe for this very purpose.
From scouting uncharted headwaters to navigating seldom-seen canyons, we specialize in pioneering trips that combine exploration, safety, and world-class logistics.
Perfect for adventurers who want to make history — and name a rapid or two along the way.
Create your dream Expedition
3–120 days
What have you always dreamed about doing?
A Source to Sea Descent of the Nile? A journey through the deep jungles and waterways of the Amazon? An expedition to cross oceans, deserts, mountains, or continents?
We love mapping out hard-access, complex expeditions at exactly the magnitude you can dream.
Our access to some of the most accomplished and capable modern day explorers allows us to draw from the deepest depths of knowledge and expertise.
Join River Roots Expeditions for a transformative experience where DREAMS AND adventure collide in THE WORLD’S WILD RIVERS
Sharing our passion for rivers while delivering unparalleled experiences
Lifelong friends and expedition partners, Rush Sturges and Tyler Bradt have dedicated their lives to exploring and documenting the world's rivers.
With a combined half-century of experience in navigating some of the most remote and challenging whitewater on Earth, Rush and Tyler established River Roots Expedetions with a singular mission: to share their profound love for rivers through unforgettable, custom-tailored expeditions.
