Illinois River Rafting Testimonials

  • "We just returned from an amazing 4-day trip on the unspoiled and seldom rafted Illinois River. We enjoyed a very small group of 7 guests and 4 guides on this trip which made for a very personalized vacation. Excellent food, great company, plenty of action as well as time to appreciate the untamed beauty of this wilderness river. As always, Momentum provided a first-class adventure experience and some of the very best river guides we have ever traveled with. This is our 2nd trip with Momentum and we will most certainly be booking again next season. Looking forward to conquering the next ‘Fluffy Box of Kittens’!"
  • "Just got back from a four day trip down the Illinois River with Momentum. Obviously, the scenery and rapids were amazing. But going with Momentum took the experience to the next level. Our guides – Anthony, Alan, and Mike – were three of the most professional river guides I’ve ever traveled with. In fact, I learned that the MOST junior guide at Momentum has eight years of experience! These guys worked their buns off to give us a fun and safe trip down the river. I always felt that the guides were in control – even when our boat joined the Illinois “swim team!”… I have now become a lifelong customer and fan of Momentum, and I fully intend on doing their entire menu of trips over the next few years (Cal Salmon next year!)."
  • "Momentum is a first class outfit from start to finish. This trip was an amazing experience for all from the office staff to the guides to the food to the scenery words can’t describe how amazing this trip was. Andy, Vikram and Lorenzo are world-class guides who’s river knowledge is exceptional, their cooking skills are tremendous and overall just phenomenal people. I can’t wait to take another trip with Momentum."
  • "I can't say enough about my recent trip with Momentum on the Illinois, it was an adventure in the truest sense of the word. We caught heavy rain at our first campsite (Pine Creek) which spiked the river flow; we basically waited 2 days for the flow to normalize before proceeding into the class IV section. Cooper and Andy were fabulous, hard-working guides with big hearts and a strong commitment to maximizing the experience for the guests. Early in the trip, I had commented that my wife collects stones from various places we've been. Andy remembered that and gave me a cool one to bring back home to my wife at the end of the trip. I was shocked - who does that sort of thing these days? The Klondike Creek campground was like paradise; I did not want to leave! This was not my first trip with Momentum, so I know how good the food is. But this was my first multi-day, and I was astonished how good and varied the food was over the 4 days. I have traveled a ton and have had a multitude of outdoor experiences. In my experience, Momentum provides exceptional service. I would highly recommend Momentum to family and friends, and am eager for my next multi-day with you, perhaps the Cal Salmon."
  • "We just returned from an epic 4 day Momentum rafting trip down the Illinois river. This was a fantastic experience and an incredible bargain based on all we got for our money. We were led by 2 awesome guides who made us feel pampered even though we were in the middle of a wilderness area. Cooper is a natural leader with a charismatic personality combined with outstanding technical skills. He was a wealth of knowledge about the natural history of the area and was also a great teacher of rafting and paddling technique. Andy is a perfect southern gentlemen who is so strong he should be on the cover of a box of Wheaties. I had complete confidence in these 2 fine young men who kept us safe and made this one of my favorite trips ever. We are already planning our next Momentum trip. WTG Andy and Cooper!"
  • "This was by far the most exciting whitewater I'd ever been on, the meals were both tasty and healthy and the guides highly qualified and personable. I give them and the river 5 stars, but the weather only 2."
  • "What just might be the best commercial rafting company in North America. The trips are spectacular beyond description, the guides are the best of the best, the food is incomparable, and the customers are treated like royalty."
  • "Thanks, Anthony – I had a fantastic time. Have a great summer. Best, Jason "
  • "I am really glad you guys got the Illinois permit as that is a perfect fit for your company. I am DEFINITELY going to try to make that trip next year; the Illinois has been on my "must do" list for some time now. And as someone who has rafted on commercial trips all over the western U.S. for over 15 years now, I can say without hesitation that your company is the FINEST outfit I have rafted with. "
  • "I just wanted to thank you again for the great Illinois trip a few weeks ago, it was definitely one of the best multi-day trips I have ever been on and, as usual, the attention to detail that you and your guides adhere to is astounding and very much appreciated. "
  • ""I've traveled with Pete on 4 river trips, 3 of them covering multiple days. In every case, his professionalism shines and in each case, my experiences have been nothing less than brilliant." "
  • "Pete Walstrom, the owner of Momentum River Expeditions, puts his years of experience and expertise into the management of what just might be the best commercial rafting company in North America. The trips are spectacular beyond description, the guides are the best of the best, the food is incomparable, and the customers are treated like royalty. I especially would like to recommend the Cal Salmon trip and the Illinois River trip. The Illinois is one of the most incredible canyons I have ever seen, let alone rafted on. The combination of lush flora, thundering rapids, and isolation make it nearly indescribable."
  • "Pete, We appreciate you ordering the perfect weather for this Illi trip. It is a wonderful river that I would absolutely do again. We enjoyed your great skills as a group leader and guide. You run a top notch company and should take great pride in doing things the right way. I have been paddling for over 40 years and can honestly say that I would experience any river anywhere with you. We look forward to enjoying another river with you soon. Thank you for a great time on the Illi. Kim"
  • "Pete, If I had to pick one word to describe our trip down the Illinois River last week (with Mike and Mara), the subject line of this email would be it. I knew going in that it was likely to be a good trip, and that we would have fun. I didn't realize that it would be one of (if not THE) best trip/vacation/experience we've ever had. Mike and Mara were nothing short of phenomenal. They were friendly, great guides (Mara's safety instructions would later come in handy to me when I became a member of the Illinois Swim Team), good cooks and now - counted amongst our friends. Mara went above and beyond to make sure our anniversary was celebrated (seriously - a private romantic dinner for two at the Klondike Creek camp? how awesome is that?!), Mike kept all of our gear dry and intact and both kept us safe and wholly entertained. I can say for certain that Ann and I *WILL* be back to run more rivers with your company - and we really hope to cross paths with Mike and Mara again in the future. Ann actually cried as they drove off after dropping us off. We miss them. (Feel free to share this with them, even if it will inflate Mike's ego ;-) ) On a scale of 1-10 we're rating this a perfect 10. We've never done that before. Thanks again for an amazing run down the gorgeous Illinois - it was one experience I know I won't forget. Oh - and Tell Mike and Mara we miss them! -John"
  • "Pete, Yesterday I completed a trip on the Illinois with Arden and Simon as my guides. It was a great four days and they are both extremely competent professionals. I would recommend Momentum without hesitation to my friends. I look forward to my next trip with your company. With best regards, Sam Miller"
  • "Thanks, Simon, Mike and Anthony for a great trip! We had a wonderful time and are still talking about how lucky we were with the weather and all."
  • "Anthony - Thank you for such an amazing trip! I still can't believe this was my first white water rafting experience...it was ridiculously beautiful and SO MUCH FUN! And you all are such great guides/hosts. I hope the rest of your season goes well and I hope to see you on another trip soon! "
  • "Simon, it was an incredible trip and you guys did a fantastic job of keeping us amused, well fed and safe. "
  • "We had a fabulous time on the Illinois. Thank you for being so knowledgeable, patient and supportive. We also really appreciated the great meals, especially for vegan, lactose intolerant folks."
  • "We had a fabulous time and will recommend Momentum enthusiastically!"