What to Expect While Rafting the Upper Green River with your Kids?
As a mother of three rambunctious little kids getting outside is a necessity in the summer. We love playing in the dirt and going swimming on hot summer days. We are lucky to live in Vernal, Utah with so many beautiful outdoor opportunities close to town. We have Dinosaur National Monument, multiple state parks, lots of incredible desert and the gorgeous Uinta mountains all outside our backdoor. One of our families most favorite things to do is visit the Flaming Gorge area and go whitewater river rafting. We really enjoy going on Section A of the Green River, launching our raft right below the dam. A day on the river gives us the chance to play in the dirt and get wet! Utah and Colorado have a lot of white water river rafting opportunities, but for a great Utah one day raft trip this is a wonderful place to go.
Safety
I have been guiding on whitewater sections for over 15 years. Safety is my number one priority when it comes to playing on the river. We wear personal flotation devices and talk about the important safety precautions needed while being near bodies of water, especially moving water. We do a safety talk and check for understanding. My kids have been going with me on this section of river below Flaming Gorge Dam since they were tiny tiny. This particular area on the Green River is a great spot to introduce newbies to the adventure of river travel.
Feel Goods
I have two little boys who love to be involved with all things rafting and river. Our little girl loves the rush of fun. We make sure to bring our water bottles, swimsuits, sunscreen, fishing supplies, rain gear and water guns. We row down the river and splash the other boats as we go by, the kids laugh and duck for cover.
Having a picnic on the side of the river at one of the beaches is one of the kid’s favorite things to do when we go. Though the yummy lunch is great, the kids are actually really looking forward to being able to run the beach, throw rocks, inspect bugs, bury their feet in the sand and try to catch minnows in their hat.
My middle son, age 6, loves using his hat to swipe through the water swirling in the eddy at the lunch spot trying to catch as many minnows as he can. His efforts often get countered by his 3-year old sister who runs into the water laughing, splashing and throwing sticks! My oldest son, age 8, usually pulls out his fishing pole and patiently watches the beautiful Rainbow Trout hovering in the water. He is hopeful that it will bite!
Rapids
Let’s not forget the exhilarating rollercoaster ride through the swift water. My kids love the thrill of the faster moving water with white caps rolling backwards. They hoot and holler, “Go big Mom, hit that one, wahoo!”
My kids know what it means to T-UP. It means to straighten the boat up, so it forms a T to the wave rolling backward. It is so the boat pushes through the big wave and stays up right!
Scenery
This section of the Green River has a beautiful crisp clear color because the water is being released from the bottom of the Flaming Gorge Dam. The dark purple Precambrian Uinta Mountain Group block canyon walls are staring down at you from up high. The beautiful ponderosa pine trees create shady break spots. The sun glistens on the water. At times we see Great Blue Herons lurking on rocks and waiting to be startled to flight. Sometimes a deer or two will pop out of the tall green grass off the banks of the river. Kids love seeing the different animals making their way through the canyon on their own time.
Lessons Learned
I am naturally a venturesome person and have such a great desire to pass along this adventure of rafting to my children for them to enjoy as they grow up. We spend a lot of time on the water and in the outdoors and I try to teach my kids the Leave No Trace principles to help maintain the beauty of the environment.
From picking up our crumbs after eating lunch to being gentle to the surroundings. My kids know that we are supposed to leave things as we found them.
After a few beginner trips down this fun and mellow section, my kids now feel like they need to row the boat. We let them with my assistance! I help them learn how to read the water and use the oars. They especially love being able to row through the little rapids. It makes them feel accomplished and builds their confidence as I guide them through the process.
What Can You do?
If you are looking to take your kids on a river trip in the summer. I can attest that a guided tour of the Upper Green River will be beautiful, exciting, and something you and your family will never forget. Come join us with your kids and rest easy and know you are going to have fun.
Dinosaur River Expeditions and a Utah single day rafting trip is a great way to introduce your family to a new vacation favorite!
