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DAY TRIPS

OREGON RIVER EXPERIENCES 1/2 DAY & 1 DAY WHITE WATER RIVER RAFTING

OUR DAY-TRIP EXPERIENCES

With day trips spread throughout the state, Oregon River Experiences has the perfect adventure you’re looking for. The Lower Clackamas is only 45 minutes from downtown Portland and the more adventurous Upper Clackamas is the secret of Portland boaters for its great Class III rapids and mountain beauty.


Are you looking for lots of sun and splash? Check out our classic Deschutes adventures. Or, maybe you’re looking for the perfect family/beginner rafting adventure? Take a look at our North Santiam and McKenzie River trips.


Whether you are a novice or expert rafter, we have a trip for you.


We provide the whitewater experience you’re seeking; offering easy trip planning, skilled and professional guides, and a variety of river adventure options. Let us get you on the river for your own Oregon River Experience.

Half-Day and Full-Day Options

Oregon River Experiences offers a variety of thrilling river adventures with both half-day and full-day options, allowing you to choose the perfect trip to fit your schedule. Whether you're looking for a quick escape or a full-day of excitement, we've got you covered.

5 incredible rivers

Explore the unique character of Oregon's waterways with trips running on five distinct rivers, each offering its own set of breathtaking vistas and thrilling rapids.

We build on 45+ years of experience

With 45 years of experience guiding adventurers through Oregon’s rivers, we bring a depth of knowledge and a commitment to safety that ensures an unforgettable experience on the water.

Experience your own Oregon river adventure

For over 40 years, at O.R.E. we believe that nothing renews mind, body, and spirit better than a river adventure. The thrill of challenging the rapids, the quiet joy of exploring a scenic side stream, the warmth of sharing stories around a campfire – these experiences enrich our lives. Once you’ve joined us we think you will agree.  

 

We believe that in sharing the rivers of the Pacific Northwest, everyone can find their own river experience and share in the common bond of river running.  It is a privilege that we find ourselves on these magical river trips that provide so much more than just having fun.  Through our trips we share in special places that we hope everyone can learn to appreciate and want to keep protected for future generations to enjoy.  

 

As an owner-operated company, we are focused on the customer experience.  Our many different trip options means that we can help you make sure your choosing the right river adventure.  Being a smaller company means that many of our guests have become more like our river family than a guest.  We enjoy seeing families and groups return year after year, being a part of their vacation experiences.

 

Join us today for a life-changing trip on one of Oregon’s amazing rivers. 

FEATURED TRIP

The closest whitewater rafting to Portland

Clackamas River Rafting – Day Trip

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.

DAY TRIPS

Great trip for families

Santiam River Rafting – Day Trip

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.

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Close to Eugene

McKenzie River Rafting – Day Trip

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.

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Early season rafting

Sandy River Rafting – Day Trip

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.

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The sunny side of Oregon rafting

Deschutes River Rafting – Day Trip

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.

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CUSTOMER STORIES

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RIVER

A wide shot of guided river rafters navigating mild white water on the Clackamas River.

Clackamas River

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 III+ whitewater 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!

Deschutes River

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 two hours from Portland and offers lots of sunshine and swimming even when Western Oregon is cloudy.

McKenzie River

The beautiful McKenzie River is located just East of Eugene 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 white water to enjoy.

Santiam River

The North Santiam River offers a great introduction to white water 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.

Sandy River

The Sandy River in Oregon is a picturesque waterway known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. Flowing from the slopes of Mount Hood, it offers scenic vistas, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Need help finding the right river and the right trip for your specific needs? Contact Us to speak with one of our trip coordinators.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Plan a perfect river excursion with all the right information at your fingertips. Learn about our stunning locales, explore gear rental options, and get quick answers from our FAQs to make your trip as smooth as possible.

MORE TRIPS

Multi-Day Trips

Extend your adventure with our multi-day river trips. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Oregon’s rivers, camping under the stars and paddling through breathtaking landscapes. Perfect for those who crave a deeper connection with nature.

Specialty

Oregon River Experiences offers a diverse array of unique trips designed for those seeking a fresh way to explore Oregon. From raft-supported hikes and kayak adventures to tailored opportunities for seniors, we provide exceptional experiences for every type of adventurer.