The Río Blanco in the Los Lagos Region of Chile is fed by glacial meltwater, giving it a distinctive azure color that sets it apart visually from other rivers in the area. The river flows through dramatic mountain scenery with hanging glaciers visible from the water, making the setting a notable part of the paddling experience.

The Hornopirén area Río Blanco is characterized by smooth granite boulders and blue glacier meltwater, contrasting with the nearby Río Negro, which features steep basalt drops. Access to the river requires some logistical planning — the Hornopirén area itself is reached by ferry from Puerto Montt, and at least one account notes that a landowner's permission and keys to locked gates were needed to drive a 4x4 vehicle to the put-in. Paddlers should plan accordingly and make local inquiries before attempting the run.

A separate Río Blanco in the same region, known as the Río Blanco de Calbuco, flows off the southwestern flank of Volcán Calbuco and sits within the Reserva Nacional Llanquihue, above Lago Chapo. Access involves driving east from Puerto Montt toward the Puelche Ferry, turning north before Puente Chamiza toward the small town of Correntoso, then following signs to the river. From a parking area near a pisicultura, paddlers carry their boats along a boardwalk trail through forest of Tepa, Alerce, and Cipress for roughly 10 to 25 minutes to reach the river. A 30-meter waterfall is located at the base of one trail fork and should be noted as a significant hazard. The first recorded descent of this section was made in January 2012.

A third Río Blanco in the region, near Puerto Varas, is described as offering a class III+ boulder garden section and is used as a stepping-stone run between the Río Petrohue and the Río Futaleufú on multi-day paddling itineraries.