Book Now
At the doorstep of the iconic Columbia River Gorge lies the Sandy River, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. A mere hop from Portland, this area embodies the essence of Oregonian adventure, offering a mosaic of experiences within arm’s reach.
Venture further to Sandy, the gateway to Mt. Hood, where endless seasonal pursuits beckon in the backyard of Portland. Dive deeper into “The Gorge” to uncover Hood River’s windsurfing mecca or wander through idyllic orchards strewn across the valleys. With three towering Cascade Mountain peaks nearby, this embodies the essence of the Pacific Northwest.
Beyond the exhilarating river rafting experience on the Sandy, the surrounding area offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts. From exploring the pristine landscapes of Mt Hood National Forest to marveling at the stunning vistas of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy.
After a thrilling day conquering the rapids of the Sandy River, it’s time to unwind in comfortable accommodations nearby. From quaint cabins to modern hotels, Portland’s vicinity offers a range of options to suit your preferences.
In Sandy, good eats are never far away. From mouthwatering donuts to eclectic food carts, there’s something to satisfy every craving. After a day of rafting on the Sandy River, make sure to refuel at these local hotspots:
The North Santiam River offers a great introduction to whitewater rafting. Conveniently located near Salem and Portland, it's a great river to raft year round. Our half-day and full-day options include lots of swimming opportunities, crystal clear water and mild, splashy rapids like Spencer's Hole, Carnivore and Mill City Falls. It's a river rafting trip suitable for everyone, whether they be novices or a veteran rafter.
The beautiful McKenzie River is located just East of Eugene and is one of our favorite rafting runs in the Willamette Valley. Swift, crystal clear water moves along a tree-lined river bank and is full of fun Class II+ rapids. With half-day to two-day trips available, there is plenty of great camping, hiking, fishing and whitewater to enjoy.
The Wild & Scenic Sandy River is an early season delight, as the water generally starts to drop by early June. It courses its way down the slopes of Mt Hood and drops into the Cascade foothills before joining the Columbia River. A great option to see the lesser known portion of this surprising scenic trip that is still close to town.
Oregon's #1 most popular one-day white water rafting trip. The Wild & Scenic Deschutes River rafting trip flows through high desert with consistent and exciting Class III-IV white water rapids. Suitable for beginners, your rafting trip also features world-class fishing and lots of wildlife. This river is only 2 hours from Portland and offers lots of sunshine and swimming even when Western Oregon is cloudy.
The Wild & Scenic Clackamas River is rated as one of the best rafting adventures in Oregon and is only a 45 minute drive from Portland's East side. An unbeatable combination. Three thrilling Class II or Class III+ white water rafting trips are available to choose from. Our half-day trips on the Lower Clackamas are perfect for those new to rafting or with smaller kids. The Upper Clackamas offers a more thrilling rafting adventure. The full-day Upper Clackamas Experience is the most thrilling white water rafting trip we offer. This river has it all.
Our office is open 7 days a week during the months of April–October from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are available for reservations and customer support during these hours. During the months of November-March are open Monday through Friday.
Oregon River Experiences offers trips launching from various points across Oregon. Detailed departure information for each river trip can be found on our individual trip pages.
1978-2024 Copyright © Oregon River Experiences. – All Rights Reserved. O.R.E. is an equal opportunity recreation service provider. O.R.E. operates under special-use permits granted by the U.S.F.S., B.L.M, O.S.M.B & I.O.G.L.B