Here are five places where you could tube today:
1.San Juan River. Pagosa Springs, Colo. Float the scenic San Juan River through this historic small town known for its rich geological and cultural history. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, the Southwestern Ute originally called the town Pagosah that means "healing waters." If you enjoy your first one-hour float, circle back for another turn. Shuttle and rental prices are good for the day. Later stop by for a soak in the hot springs. Contact: PagosaOutside.com; VisitPagosaSprings.com.
2. Salt River. Mesa, Ariz. Blue herons, soaring hawks, majestic saguaros and rust colored canyons serve as your scenic backdrop while floating through the Tonto National Forest on the lower Salt River. Located near Mesa and Scottsdale Ariz., locals talk of enjoying a "floating picnic" on hot summer days. Two, three and five-hour floats are possible. Tube rentals are available on site. Children must be eight years old. The desert sun is intense so be sure to hydrate and wear plenty of sunscreen. Contact: www.saltrivertubing.com
3. Madison River. Near Ennis, Mont. Widely known as a destination for fly fisherman, during the warmest months of summer a wide and relatively shallow stretch of the lower Madison River garners attention for its "bikini hatch".Families slather on the sunscreen, flop into a tube and enjoy a float under the big sky. Expect spectacular mountain scenery, puffy, white clouds and hawks, herons and eagles overhead. Contact: www.madisonrivertubing.com; visitmt.com.
4. Boise River. Boise, Idaho. Visitors to Idaho's capital can enjoy a scenic six-mile float through the city's well-preserved river habitat. Cranes, hawks and deer are as plentiful as those who relax and cool off on the waterway during the summer season. The Boise Parks & Recreation Department has established rest stops along the main floating route. River tubers can rent tubes, rafts and safety gear from Boise River Raft and Tube. Discounts on Salmon River rafting trips are also possible from the same outfitter. Contact: www.cityofboise.org/boiseriver/; http://boiseriverraftandtube.com/shuttle-services-hours-of-operation/
5. Plantation Float. Kauai, Hawaii. Join Kauai Backcountry Adventures for a float through ditches and tunnels hand dug more than a century ago by plantation workers on the former Lihue sugar plantation. The water flow originates high in the mountains and enables adventurers five and older to relax and enjoy a unique experience while taking in views of the ocean, coastline, mountains and valleys of this picturesque tropical island. End the experience with a picnic next to a natural swimming hole. Contact: www.kauaibackcountry.com/tubing.html
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(Lynn O'Rourke Hayes (www.LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com)
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