The Lake Fork River is one of the many tributaries of the Gunnison. The river runs south of the Curecanti Recreation Area, flowing 16 miles by Hinsdale and Gunnison, and runs north of Lake City in southwest Colorado. The river is deeply cut into its floodplain, forming a canyon within a canyon. Lake Fork River is fed entirely by snowmelt from the San Juan Mountains. The rafting season for this river runs from May to July.

The upper Lake Fork River is a mellow float with Class II rapids, making it a fun family trip. Suddenly the river shifts abruptly to a precipitous gorge, plunging through a steep box canyon with wild Class IV - Class V rapids. This beautiful forested canyon contains the wild Surprise, Big Drop and Rattlesnake Rapids, dropping at an average rate of 50 feet per mile. The final decent brings you into Blue Mesa Reservoir. To raft this section of the river, you must be at least 12 years old and have previous white water experience..

The International Rapid Rating Scale:

• Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles, small waves.
• Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids, wide, clear channels.
• Class III: Intermediate. Rapids, moderate, irregular waves.
• Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids, precise boat
handling.
• Class V: Expert. Long, obstructed, violent rapids.