Need a North American location with a large city and whitewater river for post-apocalyptic fiction

My story has several key locations that I would like to ground in a real place in North America. It takes place 50-60 years in the future after 97% of humanity has been wiped out. I'm having a hell of a time finding a location that fits my criteria.

Location-based requirements must include:

• A large city with a recognizable or impressive skyline (pop >300,000)
• Whitewater rapids that flow into, or very near, the city (the city must be downstream)
• Farmable land within 200 miles of the city
• Abundant flora and fauna (no arid locations)

Since this is set well in the future, population growth and climate change could alter existing populations and ecosystems so I have a bit more flexibility with different locations. As an example, weather patterns can shift (believably) to create stronger river swells, levies and dams may have been degraded enough that currents move much more quickly than present day, etc.

In regards to the rapids/whitewater, the rapids need to be intense enough that they could be life threatening. My characters need to fight their way out of the rapids within reasonable walking distance from a large metropolis. Most large cities have relatively sluggish waterways leading into them. Reno, NV and the Truckee river flowing out of the Sierras would be perfect only the arid landscape takes it out of the running.

Any suggestions on US or Canadian locations that fits the above criteria?

posted almost 5 years ago

CaseyKincade‭

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