The Franklin River flows through Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, within the Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area. The full expedition runs approximately 125 km (72 miles) from the Collingwood River confluence to Sir John Falls, typically taking 6 to 10 days. A shorter 5-day lower river option covers the final 45 km of the river. The standard put-in is at the Collingwood River Bridge, where paddlers self-register at a kiosk and must purchase a parks pass. Takeout options include Heritage Landing on the Gordon River (adding 21 km of paddling) or Sir John Falls, where West Coast Charters can be arranged for pickup. A 4WD road via Mt. McCall provides an alternative river access point to the lower section, requiring a steep descent of approximately 350 meters on foot.

The river is rated Class IV+ (rising to Class V at high water), with recommended flows between 10 and 15 cumecs, measured in ML/day divided by 86.4. Flows above 200 cumecs are considered too high. Water levels can fluctuate rapidly at any time of year. The river contains numerous grade 2–5 rapids, with some grade 6 conditions at high water, along with significant hazards including log jams and strainers that require compulsory portages. The river is considered suitable only for experienced paddlers or those accompanied by a qualified guide.

Key features along the route include the Great Ravine, the narrowest section with towering cliffs on both sides; Rock Island Bend; Pig Trough (Class V), which has a portage route; Newlands Cascades; and Rafters Basin, a large camping area. The Cauldron is another significant portage point. The water has a distinctive tannin-rich, cola-colored appearance from the surrounding vegetation.

The primary paddling season runs from December to March. The river passes through remote temperate rainforest with no phone reception and no road access for most of its length. Kutikina Cave along the river contains Aboriginal artefacts of significant historical importance, representing one of the most southern indigenous settlements to survive the last ice age. The Franklin River was also the site of a major Australian conservation campaign in the early 1980s, which successfully prevented dam construction and preserved the river in its current wild state.