Top River Trips for Whitewater

Cherry Creek is the nickname for the section of the Upper Tuolumne that is the most difficult commercially run whitewater in the country. All other expert rafting runs are compared to Cherry Creek as it is the definition of Class V.

"The Creek" is best known for big vertical drops, tight manuevers between granite bolders, and huge hydraulics. The Tuolumne flows out of Yosemite so the scenery is stunning, but you won't pay attention to anything other than the whitewater.
The Cal Salmon is fun river full of steep, complicated rapids. This is a great warm-up for Cherry Creek.
The Tuolumne River is usually done as a two or three day trip, but it makes a challenging one day trip when the water is high.
The North Fork of the American is similar to the Cal Salmon with steep rapids requiring tight manuevering.
The White Salmon in Southern Washington boasts nearly continuous Class III and IV rapids as well as a ten foot waterfall.

The Forks of the Kern is the ultimate whitewater overnight trip with over 40 Class IV rapids and 3 Class Vs. You'll have to hike in 2 miles and go when the water is just right.
The Illinois River in Southern Oregon has awesome whitewater, but you'll have to do it soon after it rains.
The Tuolumne River has 18 miles of Class IV rapids and reliable flows all summer long.
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho has 100 miles of nearly continuous whitewater. Whitewater enthusiasts will enjoy the higher June flows.
The Grand Canyon has big water rapids that are scary but not too difficult.