My wife and I are beginner rafters. This summer we are going on a road trip from Alaska to Jasper, the Bob, Jackson Hole, Moab, Steamboat Springs, and finally Minnesota. I have been doing some research, mostly using this site and Forrest McCarthy’s blog among others. My question is: when you see a river either on a map or just driving by it- what are your steps to setting up a plan to float that river? I am sure there are many different ways to do it- one main thing I am concerned with is getting on a river that looks calm, but turns into a canyon full of Class IV and no where to pull out.
I have seen alot on blogs and posts where people mention the CFS. Is there a magic number I should be looking for or does it all depend on the river?
Also, if you have any advice on some great bike/float or hike/float trips in one of the areas I mentioned, I would appreciate it. We will mostly be in the West in June and Minnesota in July.
Thanks!