River Crossing
Overview
A river crossing is the act of fording or traversing a river or large stream while on foot. It requires evaluating water depth, speed, hazards, and safe entry and exit points.
Key points
- Influenced by snowmelt, storms, and seasonal flows.
- Requires selecting safe crossing locations.
- Involves assessing depth, current, and underwater obstacles.
- May require group coordination or alternative routes.
- One of the most hazardous elements of backcountry travel.
Details
River crossings vary from shallow walks to chest-deep, fast-moving fords. Timing is important, as morning crossings are often safer due to lower meltwater flow. Hazards include strong currents, hidden rocks, slippery surfaces, and cold temperatures.
Hikers choose alternative routes, wait for levels to drop, or use tools such as trekking poles for stability. Safety practices include unbuckling pack straps and crossing at the widest, shallowest section available.
Disclaimer: thruhikingwiki.com is an independent, informational reference only. It is not an official source for any trail association, land manager, park, agency, or guide service. Nothing on this site is legal, safety, medical, navigation, or professional advice, and it does not replace formal training or certified instruction. Thru-hiking and backcountry travel involve significant risk. Local regulations, land manager rules, and manufacturer instructions always take priority. You are solely responsible for your planning decisions, safety practices, and compliance with applicable laws. Use this site at your own risk.
Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.