The temperatures have made it quite obvious, but just in case you did not know, summer has officially begun! To get you all just as excited as we are here at American Rivers for those long summer river days, we asked you to share your river photos with us, and let me say, you all did not disappoint.
From cute pets to epic whitewater shots to serene sunsets, we’ve got it all. Below you can see just some of the pictures we received. It was so hard to pick which ones to feature, so if you don’t see your picture, don’t fret! Keep following American Rivers across our platforms to see if your picture is featured.
Now, enough of the chitchat. Let’s showcase some photos!
Whitewater
If you have been in whitewater, you know just how unpredictable it can be. With crossing currents, strong eddy lines, rock gardens, and more, you never paddle the same river twice. Just ask Bekah Grim:
“I got up close and personal with Pinnacle Rock at 2,800 CFS, a prime level just before this hit is washed out. This is in Brown’s Canyon on the Arkansas River in Colorado. I somehow landed in the raft and resumed guiding.”
Sometimes you intentionally style yourself down some falls, which by the way, do not do without proper equipment, safety boaters around you, and knowledge of the river. Thankfully, Addison had all of those things when he decided to send Kanawha Falls on the Kanawha River in West Virginia on his paddleboard. Skill, precision, guts.
Paddling rivers and moving through whitewater also brings a sense of being part of something bigger. Mandela van Eeden shares what guiding on the Alsek River in Alaska means to her:
“I’ve guided rivers around the world for 20 years, but the Alsek remains one of the most powerful. From rowing across iceberg-studded Alsek Lake to preparing for the Turnback Canyon portage, every moment here reminds me: running rivers is a privilege, and with privilege comes responsibility. Wild places like this inspire awe, but more importantly, action. I guide to help protect them—because people fight for what they’ve experienced.” – Mandela van Eeden
Photos from left to right: Oceana Falls, Tallullah Gorge State Park | Robyn F. Baker, Wolf Creek Rapid on the Selway River, Idaho | Jake Blotter, Rackette River, paddling towards Long Lake in the Adirondacks of Upstate New York | Sarah Campbell
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Pets and Wildlife
Who doesn’t enjoy a walk or paddle with their best furry friend? I mean come on…that smile says it all.
“Majestic protector” is what I would use to describe this pupper.
“Deerfield River near Charlemont, MA. Chili, our little rescue, loves paddling the lower section below the Gap in our inflatable. She watches over all members of our group when we go.” – Deborah Spadaro
Even if they might not be sure of it at first, floating with your furry friend is always a special time!
Photos from left to right: “We float the beautiful Buffalo National River every weekend in the spring/summer! Located in Arkansas & it is the 1st National River. 10/10 ❤️” Geneva Stafford | “Eddy, our 2 year-old rescue, wasn’t sure about his first paddling trip on the Haw River near Cary, NC. Lucky for him, little sister Rosie was happy to show him the ropes.” Kerri Hable | Tubing on the Pine Creek in Pennsylvania | Joseph Womer
Bonus: Check out some pro tips to keep you and your dog safe on the river all summer long! Make sure to be aware of your surroundings, you never know who is slithering by…or flying by!
Fishing
Fishing…one of the greatest pastimes. Whether you’re spending time with friends and family or going solo to be one with the river, fishing is an experience that truly can be described as “ya never know what you’re gonna get.” It can take you to some scenic areas where you get some pretty sick drone shots:
You’ll also find yourself in places where you are lucky enough to witness the most stunning sunsets.
“Last casts on Mattawoman Creek in Maryland. The freshwater tidal portion of this coastal plain river is a favorite of largemouth bass anglers who can be reluctant to call it a day.” – Jim Long
Captivating Beauty
Honestly, rivers are just freaking beautiful.
The story of just how important rivers are to us across the country is clear — we depend on rivers, and rivers depend on us. Rivers flow through our communities, they flow through our lives, and they flow through our taps, providing most of our nation’s drinking water. So, while you’re out on rivers this summer, take some time to learn more about them, take care of them, and have fun! And remember: Life Depends on Rivers.
