John Day River Multi-Day

For over 35 years we’ve run whitewater rafting trips on ten of the best rivers Oregon and Idaho have to offer. Our safety record is excellent. Our guides are friendly, skilled professionals. We use only the best, professional quality rafting equipment. And we offer an unsurpassed variety of boats from which to choose: oar rafts, paddle rafts, inflatable kayaks, and our unique, custom designed Row-Your-Own catarafts.

For more about who we are please click or touch more about O.R.E.

Almost anyone can go. No prior rafting experience is necessary, and no prior camping experience is needed for our multi-day trips. We welcome children ages 7 and up on most of our rivers (some options can be 5 years old), and adults of all ages. While we recommend that our guests know how to swim, non-swimmers are free to join us on most trips (with the exception of certain high-water spring trips).

No, even if it’s your first time we have a trip that can work for you.

O.R.E.’s safety record is excellent. That’s because your safety is our number one priority. Running rivers, like other outdoor activities, involves an element of risk. But we work hard to protect your safety and well being. Our guides are trained in river safety and first aid skills. Each trip begins with a thorough safety orientation. Coast Guard Approved life jackets are worn at all times while on the river, and complete first aid and emergency kits are carried on each trip.

Yes, we operate trips even if it is raining. After all, it is whitewater rafting and we enjoy the water. On the rare occasion that conditions warrant it because of safety concerns, O.R.E. will cancel a trip.

Yes, we are unable to accommodate walk-up businesses/customers due to trip planning etc.  Day trips can fully book up for the weekends during the summer, so it is best to reserve early. Mid-week trips and spring/fall trips are not as busy.

We provide top-quality professional rafting equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard Approved lifejackets, helmets, and other safety gear. 

Your trip fare covers all expenses from the time we meet until the time we say goodbye. Tents, sleeping bags, pads, waterproof river bags and boxes for your personal gear, and transportation to and from the river from a designated meeting place is included.

We also provide outstanding, freshly prepared meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last. Juice, coffee, and tea are provided. Complimentary wine is provided with dinners.

Our meals vary depending on trip length, river, time of year, and the needs and preferences of our guests. But all are high quality, healthful, delicious, and freshly prepared by our guides.

Perishable fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products are packed on ice. After each meal, dishes, utensils, and cookware are cleaned using an approved four-step dishwashing system, including a sterilizing rinse.

Sample Menu – a Day on the River

Breakfast

• French toast topped with powdered sugar and warm peaches, with crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, juice, gourmet coffee, and tea.
• Other breakfasts include scrambled eggs, fresh-baked Dutch oven cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches, and eggs Benedict.

Lunch

• Assortment of whole wheat bread, deli meats, and cheeses, served buffet-style along with an assortment of additional sandwich ingredients such as onion, tomato, and pepperoncini. Accompanying these items are fresh seasonal fruit, cookies, and cold water and juice.
• Other lunches include curried chicken salad sandwiches, burritos, and pesto pasta salad.

Dinner

• Gourmet cheese and crackers or melon appetizer followed by grilled salmon served with Caesar salad and red potatoes topped with a light basil cream sauce.
• Other dinners include beef bourguignon, Thai green curry, enchiladas, and lasagna.

Dessert

• Chocolate fondue served with fresh seasonal fruit for dipping.
• Other desserts include cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, Dutch oven-baked brownies, apple crisp, and rhubarb pie.

Our menus are designed to enable us to accommodate a variety of medical dietary restrictions as well as personal dietary preferences. Our meals are prepared on the river rather than pre-made, so it is typically easy for us to prepare portions on the side that lack (for instance) onions you may be allergic to, or meat for those who are vegetarian or vegan.

If you have specific dietary needs or preferences then please let us know. And feel free to call or email us if you have any questions about meals.

Vegans and Vegetarians: All of our menus include ample fresh fruits and vegetables. When our guests let us know that they are vegetarian or vegan we can add hummus, tofu, and other protein sources to our meals. Also, meals that normally include animal or dairy products will be prepared so that separate portions are available without these ingredients.

Food allergies (including nut, gluten, and dairy): Meals will be prepared so that side dishes are available that avoid these items. As appropriate we will also provide substitutes such as soy milk or gluten-free bread, snacks, and pasta.

Youthful preferences: Children can be picky eaters. So we are happy to provide kid-friendly meal options upon request such as hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches. In addition, peanut butter and jelly is always available.

Beverages: Water is always available, and juice is available in camp and at lunch each day. Coffee as well as hot water for tea and hot chocolate is available in camp, and fruit juices are served in the mornings with breakfast. We are happy to serve wine complementary with dinner. This wine comes from our friends and partners at Goose Ridge Winery. We feature their Cascadian Outfitters label on our trips.

You are welcome to bring soda, beer, additional wine, spirits, or other drinks, and we will endeavor to keep these on ice for you as needed. Please avoid glass containers when possible.

Please note that our policies vary for day trips and multi-day trips. See below.

O.R.E. rarely cancels a trip, but we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule due to water level fluctuations, insufficient reservations, or other factors beyond our control. If we cancel, we’ll refund your fees in full, but we cannot reimburse you for other travel expenses you may have incurred.

A deposit, payable by check, or credit or debit card, confirms your reservation. Deposit amounts are $200 per person for all overnight/multi-day trips. Lodge trips may require an additional deposit. (Exception: Full payment is required at the time of reservation if less than 30 days remain before the trip begins.)

FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE 60 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR MULTI-DAY TRIP.

Cancellations, Transfers, and Refunds:

Please notify us as soon as possible if you find it necessary to cancel your reservation. Because we lose the ability to sell reserved spaces to other individuals or groups, we strictly adhere to the following policies:

• 60 to 31 Days in Advance: Deposit held. Any additional payments will be credited towards future trips.
• 30 Days or less: No refund. All payments are held.

(Rogue lodge and camp/lodge trips may incur additional cancellation fees if they are levied by one or more of the lodges.)

Yes! We partner with a local guide and offer this as an option for those looking to fish along their trip. Click here for more details, and be sure to read below for information regarding fishing license requirements. 

You will need to check the local fishing regulations as we operate in many different river locations. You will need a fishing license for the state that you are in. Both Idaho and Oregon offer daily passes and annual for in-state and out-of-state residents. Youth ages 12 and under in Oregon and 14 in Idaho do not require a license.

You will be able to fish from campsites and at lunchtime, but we cannot guarantee that you will be able to fish from the rafts while we are moving downriver. If you’re interested in having a fishing guide and an assigned raft for fishing let us know, we may be able to arrange on request.