The Naches River is a popular spring run with numerous Class 2 and a handful of Class 3 rapids. This full-day run takes you from cool conifer forest down into a rocky desert canyon. The toughest rapids are Cottonwood at just past 7 miles, Sticks and Stones at 19 miles, and Horseshoe Bend at 23 miles. There is also a small dam at 24 miles which might require at portage. Be sure to take out at the Route 12 bridge, as there is an unrunnable dam not far below there.

The Wenatchee River is probably the most popular whitewater run in the state, particularly this section from Peshastin to Cashmere, which features several challenging Class 3 rapids with waves, holes, drops, and eddies. The first rapid is Rock 'n Roll at 0.75 miles, lasting for over a quarter mile. Below these, right after the confluence of Peshastin Creek, is a mandatory portage to the right around a large dam with a nasty hydraulic. Next up is Gorilla Falls just under the Route 2 bridge. Other Class 3 rapids include Drunkard's Drop at 6.2 miles and Snowblind at 8.4. Parking at the put-in requires a Department of Fish and Wildlife permit.

The middle portion of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie is characterized by miles of huge boulder gardens that provide a sort of slalom at moderate flows but build to dangerous holes at very high flows (above 3,000 cfs.) Generally speaking, the boulders get bigger as you go downstream. The toughest section is at 5.5 miles where giant boulders called House Rocks sit right in the main channel. The best route is usually to the right, but be sure to scout first. Rafting trips sometimes combine this section with the one immediately below it (the Club Stretch.)

The Wenatchee is probably the most popular whitewater run in the state, with numerous kayakers and rafters, including several commercial companies, flocking to the river each spring, especially near Memorial Day. This top section after Leavenworth is often combined with the run from Peshastin to Cashmere for a full day of whitewater. This section has several fun and challenging rapids, including Boulder Bend, Rock and Roll, and Satan's Eyeball, a major hole in the center-right of the top of Rock and Roll. The difficulty level varies based on the flow, with higher flows approaching Class IV.

This section of the Skykomish is one of the most famous and popular rafting trips in Washington. One of the major draws is the spectacular scenery, including not only the clear, greenish water and giant granite boulders of the river, but also the towering and snow-capped mountains like Mt Index that loom above it. The run starts on the South Fork but quickly enters the main channel and heads into the first rapid, Class III Cable Drop. Several more small rapids pass before the main event, called Boulder Drop, which happens in three sections. The second section, called Picket Fence, offers the greatest choice in lines, as you must pick between 6 passages in between large boulders. Mercy Chute, on the far right, is often selected. Boulder Drop can be portaged on the right. Many people rest at 2.25 miles near Lunch Hole. The trip is rounded out with several more Class III rapids. The hazard level varies significantly with the water level, up to potential Class V at flows above 5,000 cfs.

The upper portion of the Klickitat is a classic whitewater run with incredible scenery and fun rapids. Much of this trip goes through a deep and fascinating canyon with tall walls of columnar basalt. At the high water levels when it is typically run, there are few eddies, so the paddler needs to pay constant attention. There is a small dam at a fish hatchery at 8.1 miles. Watch for a waterfall on the right side of the river just beyond the hatchery.

The White Salmon River from BZ Corners to Northwestern Lake is often known as the "BZ Section" and is very popular with rafting groups and kayakers. The first drop is found immediately after putting in and there are small (less than 3 feet) drops spaced fairly regularly until the largest drop, Husum Falls, at 4 miles. Husum Falls is 10 feet high and can be portaged on the right 150 yards before the falls. After Husum Falls, the run finishes with a few more miles of rapids not above Class II.

This classic rafting trip delivers a wide variety of Class III and some Class IV rapids, ranging from boulder slaloms to standing waves. The scenery varies from spruce and alder forests to basalt canyons and wide gravel bars with spectacular views of Tongue Mtn. Flooding in the 1990s and 2000s scoured out parts of the lower section, leaving braided channels and possible log jams.

The Green River Gorge is an incredibly beautiful river trip commonly run by both rafters and kayakers. There are a wide variety of whitewater features on this run, including boulder gardens, ledges, pools, and play waves. The gorge above Franklin Bridge is mostly Class IV, while the section below the bridge is Class III at most water levels. Just after the bridge is a hot spring on the left side of the river. The last 2.5 miles of the trip are devoid of rapids. The gorge is highly scenic, with waterfalls pouring down out of side creeks.

The Toutle River has become one of the most popular rafting trips in the state because of its exciting and constantly changing rapids and unique environment carved from the mud and ash deposited by the 1980 eruption of Mt St Helens that irreversibly altered the river channel and surrounding lands. The unstable material around the river means that its course, challenges, and hazards are never the same. However, this stretch has consistently good rapids, especially in the section known as Hollywood Gorge, where the channel narrows between basalt cliffs. When the river is not in a tight spot, it is highly braided with constantly shifting channels.