While the internet is a great resource there is nothing like flipping through a whitewater guidebook while lounging on the couch dreaming of your next boating road trip. Or flipping through it on your extended road trip figuring out how to find put-in when there is no cell service. Scroll to books on California, Grand Canyon, Idaho, Oregon, International and Instruction.
Western Whitewater Guidebook
California
Less in-depth than California Whitewater but covers way more runs.
Thorough descriptions of classic California rivers
Best New Book on paddling California with a focus on Norcal.
Best Field Guide to the Sierra
Oregon
Classic Guide to Oregon and WAY better layout than “Paddling Oregon“
Comprehensive Field Guide for the Pacific Northwest
Illinois River
Handbook to the Illinois River – Overhead photos of all the rapids with detailed routes.
Information about hiking in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area and along the Illinois River
Rogue River
The preferred guide to the Rogue for Professional River Guides
Nice topo map guide to the Rogue River
Idaho
Amaral’s classic guide, Idaho – The Whitewater State, still does the job.
Great field guide for Idaho!
Middle Fork of the Salmon
Most popular guidebook for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
Historical Guide to the Middle Fork Salmon
Selway River
Pete From writes about wintering along the Selway River
Best Guidebook for the Selway River
Fun stories about the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Area
Best historical information on the private in holdings along the Selway River.
Topo Map of the Selway River Section of the Wilderness Area.
Stories about early workers in the Selway Bitterroot
Story about growing up in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Area
Great field guide for Idaho!
Washinton – Olympic Peninsula Kayaking
Grand Canyon – Colorado River
Does it all: mile by mile guide with an excellent field guide and geology information
Nice write-up on hikes from the river
Good book on Powell’s journey through the Grand Canyon
In depth information on plants of the Grand Canyon
History – Grand Canyon
Interesting adventure that gives a good feel for river and canyon conditions before Lake Powell
About Buzz Holmstrum; Self taught, he soloed the Rogue, Salmon, and Grand Canyon.
International Rivers
Vlad tells entertaining and mind blowing stories about rafting in throughout Soviet Union in the 1970’s and 1980’s while also providing information about how to run trips.
An fantastic guide to New Zealand’s amazing whitewater rivers.
A surprisingly in depth overview of whitewater rivers throughout the world.
Instructional Books
Bennett covers all the important fundamentals of rafting in a concise manner.
Nate Ostis has put together the best and most current book on river rescue.
William Nealy’s hilarious and informative book on how to kayak. Book is also good for rafters.
Franco’s offers another current prospective on whitewater safety and rescue. He does a nice job with his focus on preventative practices.
