Wouldn't necessarily plan on being able to float the roaring fork. It'll be low. Shoshone is fun but very short.
We desperately need river time....not many other choices in our neck of the woods.wouldn't drive 7 hours to experience class 3 in alpine canyon. I paddled it last year around 7500 and I think it had a 100' section of big waves (lunch counter?) and the rest class I and II. Equally would not drive that far (hell it took me 3 years to do it and it's only 3 hours away) Shoshone because it's over in about 11 minutes.
Yeah, that is a huge draw to heading up there.Snake/Alpine Canyon, without a doubt, not even close for that time of year.
Spend some time on the river, and then head up to GTNP and Yellowstone. Makes for a great weekend.
Yeah, might consider that option more closely. Have always wanted to row it and not to mention the desire to get put in my place by an animal with a brain the size of my pinky nail.Take 'em down the Gunny Gorge. Manageable, low volume class III in a stunning place.
Everything scoutable, 98% portage able (though unlikely you'll need to), and long pools to collect gear after flips/swims.
Plus closer than both of your other options.
Lots of great campsites, total cost for the float/camping is something like $15/person for 3 days/2 nights.
Great fishing too, though the fish be highly educated.
That needs a lot more than 3 days to complete and significantly more $$$ to pull off. Love Cat but it in no way meets my needs right now, not to mention preferring to have a second qualified rig when way in the backcountry.Cataract Canyon is a closer option for Class 3 WW.
Its on the list as well.....with the added benefit that the friend wants to learn to raft and I want to catch trout ....Have you done the stretch of Green starting below the dam at Flaming Gorge. Borderline class 3 in a couple of rapids. Great scenery and good camping, along with crystal clear, cold water. Should still have good releases around Labor Day.