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Whether you’re craving a wet and wild adventure
or a relaxing family float, a rafting trip is
sure to renew your spirit.
Story by Scott Staats
Goin’ with
the Flow |
Any thoughts about the war
on terror, partisan politics, bills to pay, deadlines, or phone calls can wait—there’s a river to float. A river trip teaches self-reliance, builds new friendships, and provides a closer connection with nature. Once on the water, thoughts of the natural world flow as easily as the current.
Oregon
1 Winding Waters River Expeditions
My wife and I have been on several river trips, but our most recent—on the Grande Ronde River in northeastern Oregon—ranked near the top. Winding Waters River Expeditions in Joseph provided a memorable trip through a wild and scenic canyon.
The name of the game for Winding Waters is participatory trips, where people learn river skills such as how to read the water, run rapids, row a raft, and paddle an inflatable kayak. It’s an overall interactive river experience.
Most‑guides and outfitters use rubber rafts on their‑float |
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trips. They refer to the rafts as either paddle boats or oar boats. With paddle boats, visitors get their own paddles to maneuver the raft while a guide is usually in the back of the raft. On oar boats, the guide usually rows the raft while visitors sit back and enjoy the float. On our Grande Ronde float, we got to row the rafts ourselves while the two guides rowed their own gear boats.
Our four-day float trip started at Minam, where the Minam River meets the Wallowa River. Before pushing off, our guides showed the group how to maneuver the rafts and described some basic river-reading techniques as well as safety. Our group numbered 10, including the Field family from Salem.
As we set out down the river, we all realized that this trip would be a bit more unique than other river trips we had taken. Even though one guide boat led while the other brought up the rear, we felt like we were on our own—making our own adventure.
The few rapids (listed as Class II and III) were challenging enough to be fun, but not dangerous. Besides the three 12-foot rafts, we all took turns in the two inflatable kayaks. For Brent and Cassie Field, the kayaks were one of the highlights of the trip. “They were so much fun,” says Cassie, “that I felt I could go just about anywhere without getting into trouble.”
The 32-mile stretch of river we covered between |
Minam and the takeout just above Troy consists of evergreen forests and grasslands, alternating with deep basalt canyons and steep ridges. Congress designated sections as “Wild and Scenic” in recognition of the area’s unique natural character and outstanding resource values.
As with most outdoor trips, the meals were often as memorable as the adventure itself. Our guides even surprised us with pineapple upside-down cake made in a Dutch oven—nothing like roughing it along a scenic river. “The meals were fabulous, and I could not believe they even served appetizers,” says Lynette Field.
The highlight for her and her husband Charlie was being in the great outdoors with family and friends. They say this trip will be brought up at family gatherings for many years to come.
“We give our guests the opportunity to learn the ways of the river by becoming the captain of their own boat,” says Winding Waters owner Paul Arentsen. “People who take one of these trips come away feeling more connected to the land and appreciate the value of
a wilderness experience.”
Besides the Grande Ronde River, trips are also available on the lower Salmon River and the Snake River through Hells Canyon. (877-426-7238; www.windingwatersrafting.com) |
The consistent water levels, accessibility, and relative non-technical
nature of the river make the Deschutes desirable for
most river enthusiasts. |
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2 Sun Country Tours
When Dennis Oliphant started Sun Country Tours in 1978 in Bend, he had a few hundred clients. Today Sun Country Tours averages about 25,000 people a year. Day trips run seven days a week during the rafting season. Most of these trips cover about 13 miles of river in the Maupin area.
Sun Country Tours covers the Upper and Lower Deschutes River as well as
the McKenzie and North Umpqua rivers. From high-desert scenery to old-growth forest to canyons, all trips are fully guided through rapids up to Class III. The |
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company does all paddle rafting and no experience is necessary.
“The consistent water levels, accessibility,
and relative non-technical nature of the river make the Deschutes desirable for most river enthusiasts,” says Oliphant. “People with broad ranges of experience levels can enjoy the river since it’s rather forgiving.”
Visitors can expect to have good family fun in some great Oregon scenery. Sun Country Tours provides visitors to Central Oregon with convenience: Simply show up at their office, hop in a van, and head off to the river to have fun. |
“For those wanting a taste of the desert/canyon environment, the Lower Deschutes is an incredibly beautiful destination,” Oliphant explains. Most days in the summer are clear and warm. Rafters often cool off with a splash of a paddle or a swim through a short section of rapids.
The Lower Deschutes was designated an Oregon Scenic Waterway in 1970 and listed as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1988. The river is one of the most popular rivers in the entire country and the section around Maupin was rated one of the top 14 most popular day trips in the country, according to Paddler Magazine. (800-770-2161; www.suncountrytours.com) |
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Idaho
3 Hughes River Expeditions
Whitewater rafting in Idaho and
eastern Oregon has a world-class reputation. For over 30 years, Hughes River Expeditions, located in Cambridge, Idaho, has been outfitting rafting trips on the legendary Snake River in Hells Canyon, Idaho’s famous Middle Fork of the Salmon River and big Salmon River Canyon, and eastern Oregon’s beautiful Wallowa and Grande Ronde rivers. “People can expect to have a great escape from their regular lives and have a world-class vacation that’s not only challenging and exciting, but also something that’s relaxing and good for the soul,” says owner Jerry Hughes, who has worked as a professional guide for 42 years.
Hughes is the senior permittee on the Snake River and one of the senior permittees on the Salmon River, so visitors can be assured they are getting a quality trip based on three decades of experience.
Guests also have time for fishing, hiking, and exploring mines, American Indian cultural sites, and long-abandoned cabins—or simply enjoying a comfortable riverside camp. All trips last from three to six days. |
“If you like Dutch-oven cooking and eating outdoors, it’s also a great dining trip,” says Hughes. “We put on a good show with good equipment, experienced crew members and plenty of food.” (800-262-1882; www.hughesriver.com)
4 Barker River Expeditions
For more adventurous types seeking a unique river experience and some solitude, try a trip in the desert outback. Barker River Expeditions, out of Lenore, Idaho, specializes in the desert rivers of southwest Idaho and southeast Oregon, including the Owyhee, Bruneau, and Jarbidge rivers. “For those who want an extended trip on a remote section of river, this is the ultimate river trip adventure,” says owner Jon Barker.
“Most places out there on the high desert are so magical. It’s a four-wheel drive expedition just to get out there and put the boats in the river.”
Trips average from four to seven days and both oar boats and paddle boats are used. Barker designs his river trips to limit encounters with other groups, allowing guests to enjoy the pristine wild canyons with a minimum of human contact. The Owyhee and Bruneau canyonlands, he says, offer a sense of solitude and serenity rarely encountered in a lifetime.
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With specially crafted smaller rafts, he can run trips at lower water levels and go when and where other outfitters can’t. Most of his trips run in May and June and even into early July, but he’s never had to cancel a trip yet due to low water. Going a little later in the season provides warmer water and weather, fewer people on the rivers, and better fishing.
Although Barker has led river trips all over the world, the Owyhee and Bruneau continue to draw him back to the high desert again and again. Already the most remote area in the Lower 48 states, current proposed legislation would designate more than 500,000 acres in the Owyhee and Bruneau canyonlands as wilderness and include 284 miles of river as the newest addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
These rivers have tranquil stretches that alternate with Class IV and V rapids. There are also great hiking opportunities throughout the river corridor and side canyons including some intriguing caves and arches. Guests can also opt for a two-day extension on the Jarbidge River, which is a small, steep river that runs into the Bruneau.
“My goal is to take people out to a section of river that few have ever seen and have a fantastic time,” says Barker. (208-836-5551; www.barkerriver.com) |
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Washington
5 River Riders
If you’re looking for mild-to-exciting Washington whitewater, River Riders can set you up with a perfect trip. Located in Leavenworth, Washington, and Hood River, Oregon, the company hosts several thousand visitors a year on the following rivers: White Salmon, Klickitat, Tieton, Wenatchee, Skykomish, Methow, Nooksack, Yakima and Toutle. “We like to take out regular folks, whether it’s a family group or office group,” says owner Jim Behla. “Most of our trips are on intermediate rivers such as Class III and IV.” For those seeking some |
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additional excitement, they also offer Class IV and V rapids on the Skykomish River.
Most of their daytrips are paddle rafts, which provide people with more involvement on the rivers. “We are in our third decade of river rafting and focus on safety and the quality of the trip,” explains Behla. “Our schedule is also very convenient with morning and afternoon trips so people can fit a trip into their vacation schedule. We want everybody to participate, including families with kids.” (800-448-7238; www.riverrider.com)
6 Pangaea River Rafting
Although Pangaea River Rafting runs float trips on the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers in Montana, they also run trips on the Spokane River in eastern Washington.
These float trips start within the city limits and then head into a state park of ponderosa pine and sagebrush. The lower Spokane River carves its way through a steep, forested valley, snaking its way past spectacular volcanic rock formations. Wildlife seen along the river includes deer, coyotes, falcons, and ospreys. “Our goal is to make their trip be the best thing that they’ve done all summer, to create a lasting memory,” says owner, David Lawrence. “The variety of trips that we do makes us unique.”
Pangaea offers six different Spokane River raft trips, including whitewater (Class II and III), mild whitewater (Class II), bird watching, river wine float, geocaching, and scenic river float. Most trips run a half day and cover up to 8 miles.
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Their river wine float is a unique way to enjoy the river: sit back and relax in the splendor of nature and be pampered. This trip tackles a milder section of the river, making it a perfect outing for a group of intimate friends. (406-239-2392; www.pangaea-expeditions.net)
British Columbia
7 Kootenay River Runners
If your travels take you to Banff or Jasper national parks, be sure to add an exciting river trip to your vacation with Kootenay River Runners. Located in Radium Hot Springs for over 25 years, Kootenay River Runners leads float trips down the Kicking Horse River, Kootenay River, and Toby Creek.
The Kicking Horse River, which flows from Yoho National Park, provides one of the most popular river rafting tours of the Canadian Rockies. Floaters are rewarded with a wet and wild ride through Class III and IV rapids. The Kootenay River, which is just outside of Kootenay National Park, is more of a family float trip through pristine wilderness, with some rapids up to Class II. Toby Creek out of Panorama is a newer addition and has mellower whitewater.
Most trips are paddle rafts but some oar trips are available on the Kicking Horse River. Scenery is spectacular and wildlife abounds, especially along the Kootenay River. Rafters can view elk, bighorn sheep, black bear, and mule deer.
“On the Kicking Horse, floaters can |
expect heavy-duty whitewater adrenaline,” says Amy Bespflug, whose parents own the company.
“On the Kootenay, they can expect
a really good family trip that’s fun for all ages and they can see some very inspiring wilderness.”
Rafters down Toby Creek get a wilderness experience surrounded with snow-capped mountains. These trips
start at Panorama Mountain Village
two hours southwest of Banff. (800-
599-4399; www.raftingtherockies.com)
8 Canadian Outback Adventures
>Located in the town of Squamish just north of Vancouver, Canadian Outback Adventures has been in business since 1993 and takes out about 4000 people
a year on three rivers: Elaho, Squamish, and Cheakamus. The Elaho and Squamish rivers have more Class III and IV whitewater while the Cheakamus is more of a family rafting river with nothing over Class II rapids.
The whitewater rafting season lasts from April through September. Eagle floats begin November 15 and end February 15. About 4000 bald eagles winter along the Squamish River, and seals can also be seen near the boats. Most of the daytrips are paddle rafting with everyone getting involved in paddling. Some overnight trips are available.
“Our goal is to provide a safe and professional trip,” says Evan Phillips, director of operations. “Above that, we want to give everybody a unique experience and one of our mottos is ‘To live stories worth telling.’ ” (800-565-8735; www.canadianoutback.com) |
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A river trip teaches self-reliance, builds new friendships, and provides a
closer connection with nature. |
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Montana
9 Yellowstone Raft Company
When planning your next vacation to Yellowstone National Park, be sure to add an extra day for river floating. Based in Gardiner since 1978, the Yellowstone Raft Company runs half-day (8-mile) and full-day (17-mile) trips down the Yellowstone River just outside the park.
“Our goal is to run a great family trip,” says owner Julia Page. “Visitors can expect a fun couple of hours out on the river, get wet, and enjoy a beautiful free-flowing river.”
All trips begin in Gardiner. Rapids are up to Class III but can reach Class IV in high water. Most of the half-day trips are in paddle rafts. The full-day trips are usually in oar rafts since there is some flat water before reaching the canyon. These trips take visitors through the fun whitewater and towering bedrock walls of Yankee Jim Canyon.
The half-day trips usually last about two hours and parents can relax and not worry about kids through this easier section of river. Yellowstone Raft Company was the first rafting company on the river and has 28 years of experience. Their season runs from May through September, and they run about 6000 people a year down the river. (800-858-7781; www.yellowstoneraft.com) |
10 Glacier Raft Company
Glacier National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the country, so it’s easy to imagine what a float trip would be like along its western and southern boundaries.
Glacier Raft Company, located in West Glacier, has been taking visitors down the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead River for 32 years and is the old-est continually owned raft company in the state. “Most visitors go on half-day raft trips, and we try to provide an overall experience of going on a stretch of a wild and scenic river,” says co-owner Sally Thompson. “Our guides are trained, not only on all aspects of the rivers, but also on Glacier National Park. We want people to have fun but also to learn something about the area.”
The company offers half-day floats to multi-day trips of four days and longer. Catch-and-release fly fishing is popular on the calmer stretches of river. Elk, deer, bald eagles, osprey, and bear are often seen.
Glacier Raft Company’s season is from May through mid-September. They take about 15,000 visitors out each year. Water is everything from flat to Class IV. Needless to say, the scenery is outstanding.
“We’ve had people who came over 20 years ago on their honeymoon and now they return with kids and grandkids,” says Thompson. (800-235-6781; www.glacierraftco.com) |
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Other Recommended Rafting Guides and Outfitters in the Northwest |
IDAHO
Warren River Expeditions—Main Salmon River and Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Highly recommended. I took a lodge trip with them down the Main Salmon River and had a great time.
(800-765-0421; www.raftidaho.com) |
OREGON
Mah-Hah Outfitters —John Day River—Highly recommended for great scenery, excellent smallmouth bass fishing, and outstanding Dutch oven meals. (888-624-9424; www.johndayriverfishing.com)
Ouzel Outfitters—Since 1979, Ouzel Outfitters has offered fully outfitted, high-quality rafting adventures for families and groups. Ouzel offers half- and one-day trips on the Deschutes, McKenzie, and North Umpqua rivers and vacation-length, multiday adventures on the Wild and Scenic Rogue, John Day, Deschutes, Owyhee, and Idaho’s Lower Salmon. |
(800-788-7238;
www.oregonrafting.com)
MONTANA
Montana Whitewater—Trips
on the Yellowstone River
(Class II and III)), Gallatin River (Class IV+), and Madison rivers. Also offers combination trail ride and raft trips. (800-799-4465; www.montanawhitewater.com)
Montana River Guides—Whitewater rafting and riverboarding adventures on the Alberton Gorge and Blackfoot River as well as kayaking, canoeing, and scenic float trips on the Bitterroot and Clark Fork rivers. (800-381-7238; www.montanariverguides.com) |
WASHINGTON
River Recreation—Whitewater river rafting trips on nine of Washington State’s best rivers: the Wenatchee and Upper Wenatchee, the Skykomish,‑ Methow,‑ Nooksack, ‑Skagit, ‑Green River Gorge,‑ White Salmon, ‑Klickitat, and Tieton rivers. (800-464-5899; www.riverrecreation.com)
Northwest Travel Magazine March/April 2007 |
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