Best Rafting Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Rafting books are a must-have for anyone interested in this exhilarating water sport. These books offer valuable insights into the techniques and strategies used by experienced rafters, as well as tips for navigating different types of rapids and water conditions. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced rafter seeking to improve your skills, there's a rafting book out there for you. From instructional guides to thrilling memoirs, these books offer something for every level of interest and expertise. So why wait? Dive into the world of rafting today with one of these exciting books!

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride Cover#TOP 1
The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride
ftb score rating icon9.9
Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6 Cover#TOP 2
Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6
ftb score rating icon9.8
Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5 Cover#TOP 3
Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5
ftb score rating icon9.6

Top 10 Rafting Books

The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride

Fedarko, Kevin
Scribner
Jul 1, 2014
The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride Cover
The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon
ftb score rating icon9.9
FTB Score

The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko is a thrilling true story of the fastest boat ride ever, down the entire length of the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon, during the legendary flood of 1983. The book recounts the journey of Kenton Grua, who intended to use the flood as a kind of hydraulic sling-shot to nail the all-time record for the fastest boat ever propelled. The author's flowing prose makes you feel like you are lurching along with the characters on wooden boats, beneath cobalt skies, into the frenzied thrashings of the Colorado river. Overall, The Emerald Mile is an engrossing meditation on the eternal struggle between man and nature and is a must-read for adventure lovers.

Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6

Mayhew, Bradley
McCarthy, Carolyn
Pitts, Christopher
Walker, Benedict
Lonely Planet
Mar 16, 2021
Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6 Cover
Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide)
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide) is a comprehensive guidebook that provides up-to-date information on what to see, where to eat, and what hidden gems to explore in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The book is user-friendly and offers insider tips to help travelers save time and money while avoiding crowds and trouble spots. The guidebook also includes contextual insights on the history, geology, wildlife, and conservation of the parks. With over 45 full-color trail and park maps, this guidebook is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5

Benchwick, Greg
Pitts, Christopher
Lonely Planet
Mar 16, 2021
Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5 Cover
Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5 (National Parks Guide)
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

Lonely Planet's Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5 (National Parks Guide) is an excellent travel companion for anyone planning a trip to these US national parks. The guidebook offers up-to-date information on what to see and skip, insider tips to save time and money, and user-friendly highlights and itineraries tailored to personal needs and interests. With over 60 full-color trail and park maps and contextual insights on history, geology, wildlife, and conservation, this guidebook offers a richer and more rewarding travel experience. Overall, Lonely Planet's Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks is a must-have for any traveler looking to explore these beautiful national parks.

Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6

Clark, Gregor
Grosberg, Michael
McLachlan, Craig
Feb 8, 2022
Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 Cover
Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide)
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide) is an essential travel guide for exploring the Canadian national parks. With up-to-date information, insider tips, and user-friendly itineraries, this guidebook helps travelers tailor their trips to their personal interests and needs. The book covers various topics, including history, geology, wildlife, and conservation, and provides honest reviews for all budgets. With over 52 full-color trail and park maps and images throughout, it is a comprehensive guide for exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

Fodor's The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises

Fodor's Travel Guides
Apr 12, 2022
Fodor's The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises Cover
Fodor's The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises (Full-color Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon9.2
FTB Score

Fodor's The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises is the ultimate travel guidebook for anyone planning a cruise to Alaska. This comprehensive guide is packed with expert recommendations, detailed reviews of all the cruise lines and their ships, and more than 22 maps to help you navigate the area confidently. The guide also includes beautiful color photos, trip-planning tools, and practical tips on everything from when to go to saving time and money. The book's historical and cultural insights provide rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, geography, and more. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone planning a cruise to Alaska.

#TOP 6

Fodor's Arizona & the Grand Canyon

Fodor's Travel Guides
Fodor's Travel
Mar 23, 2021
Fodor's Arizona & the Grand Canyon Cover
Fodor's Arizona & the Grand Canyon (Full-color Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

Fodor's Arizona & the Grand Canyon (Full-color Travel Guide) is an ultimate guidebook for those who want to explore Arizona and its natural wonders. The book is filled with maps, recommendations, and practical tips to help travelers plan their itinerary effectively. It also provides insights into the local art, architecture, cuisine, and culture. The book's "Best Of" features highlight the top attractions, including the best hikes, day trips, and places to eat and drink. The book is written by local experts and is up-to-date with the latest information. Overall, Fodor's Arizona & the Grand Canyon is an excellent resource for travelers who want to experience the best of Arizona.

1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die

Schultz, Patricia
Workman Publishing Company
Nov 29, 2016
1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die Cover
1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die (1,000 Places to See in the United States & Canada Before You)
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

"1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die" is an extensive travel guide covering North America's most compelling and unforgettable places. The book includes full-color photographs and over 1,000 entries, featuring everything from pristine beaches and national parks to world-class museums and scenic byways. The author, Patricia Schultz, provides readers with essential information about each location, including how and when to visit. The guide also includes new attractions such as Miami's Pérez Art Museum and Manhattan's High Line, making it a must-have for any traveler exploring North America. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to discover the beauty and diversity of the United States and Canada."

Epic Journeys: 245 Life-Changing Adventures

National Geographic
National Geographic
Oct 22, 2019
Epic Journeys: 245 Life-Changing Adventures Cover
Epic Journeys: 245 Life-Changing Adventures
ftb score rating icon8.8
FTB Score

Epic Journeys: 245 Life-Changing Adventures is a comprehensive guide that offers trips of a lifetime for explorers and adrenaline junkies alike. This beautiful book reveals over 225 of the planet's best destinations for hikers, skiers, divers, rafters, and more, accompanied by more than 300 vivid photographs. Combining adventure with cultural experiences, this one-of-a-kind collection will lead you to new heights of exploration. This National Geographic coffee table book is perfect for adventurers and makes an excellent gift. Overall, Epic Journeys is an awe-inspiring guide that showcases the wild beauty of the natural world and offers unforgettable experiences for those willing to step out of their comfort zones.

#TOP 9

The Raft

LaMarche, Jim
LaMarche, Jim
HarperCollins
May 28, 2002
The Raft Cover
The Raft
ftb score rating icon8.8
FTB Score

The Raft, a children's multigenerational family life book by Jim LaMarche, takes readers on a magical summer adventure in the Wisconsin woods. Nicky, the protagonist, finds a raft covered with drawings of wild animals, which brings him and his grandmother closer together and sparks his imagination. The exquisitely rendered pastel drawings create a bewitching glow, and the figures of the animals are lively and direct. The book is an artistic triumph that celebrates the natural world and the joys of exploring one's own talents. This HarperTrophy book is perfect for children aged six and up.

#TOP 10

Lonely Planet Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 6

Grosberg, Michael
Bremner, Jade
Grosberg, Michael
Lonely Planet
Mar 16, 2021
Lonely Planet Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 6 Cover
Lonely Planet Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide)
ftb score rating icon8.8
FTB Score

Lonely Planet’s Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide) is the ultimate travel companion for those planning a trip to these stunning US national parks. The guidebook provides practical advice on what to see and skip, insider tips to avoid crowds, and highlights for all budgets. It also includes contextual insights on the history, geology, wildlife, and conservation of the parks. With over 40 full-color trail and park maps and images throughout, it's perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled. Overall, this comprehensive guidebook is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to these breathtaking national parks.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Level 4 rapids hard?

Rivers with Class I - IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering. Falling out of the raft and "swimming" in a rapid will be difficult.

2. What are Level 2 and 3 rapids?

Class II: Easy rapids with smaller waves, clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering might be required. Class III: Rapids with high, irregular waves. Narrow passages that often require precise maneuvering.

3. What are level 3 and 4 rapids?

Class III – Difficult: Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks, eddies, rapids with passages that are clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering. Class IV – Very Difficult: Long rapids, waves powerful and irregular; dangerous rocks, boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required.

4. Are Class 1 rapids hard?

Class 1 (Easy): Fast-moving current with small waves and few obstructions that are easily avoided. Low-risk. Easy self-rescue. Class 2 (Novice): Straightforward rapids with wide-open channels that are evident without scouting.

Editor's Notes

During our rafting book research, we found 1,200+ rafting book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,045 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rafting books list. We found that most customers choose rafting books with an average price of $14.84.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.