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.
Yes, we are unable to accommodate walk-up businesses/customers due to trip planning and etc.
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.
Tipping is optional, but if your guide did a great job then feel free to thank him or her with a gratuity. The amount is up to you, but tips between 10% and 20% of the trip cost are customary. Gratuities are customarily presented to the Lead Guide and will be shared equally among all guides on your trip.
Our meals are 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. Dishes, utensils and cookware are cleaned after each meal using an approved four step dish washing 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 breads, 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 cheese cake, strawberry shortcake, Dutch oven baked brownies, apple crisp, and rhubarb pie.
Our menus are designed to be 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 add 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 breads, 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.
Beverage: 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, or spirits or other drinks, and we will endeavor to keep these on ice for you as needed. Please avoid glass containers when possible.
We offer trips along a variety of rivers. To view each map, click here.
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.
We provide top-quality professional rafting equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard Approved lifejackets, helmets, and other safety gear. Here’s what to bring and what’s included.
Please note that our policies vary for day trips and multi-day trips. See below.
Day Trips:
Deposits and payments: Half-day and full-day trips require payment in full when the reservation is placed. (Exception: If more than seven days remain before the trip begins, groups of ten or more may call to reserve with a $25 per person deposit.)
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:
7 Days or More Advanced Notice: Choose to receive a refund of your deposit or transfer your reservation to another trip, less a $25 per person cancellation fee.
6 Days or Less: No credits or refunds will be issued if you cancel 6 or fewer days prior to a day trip.
Please note that cancellation fees may apply to cancellation of the entire reservation as well as to partial cancellations (for instance, reduction in your party size from six to five).
We provide top-quality professional rafting equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard Approved lifejackets, helmets, and other safety gear. Here’s what to bring and what’s included.
Please note that our policies vary for day trips and multi-day trips. See below.
Multi-Day Trips:
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.)
The Lower Salmon River is the quintessential Pacific Northwest river rafting adventure that is perfect for families with kids. Known as the famous "River of No Return," it is the biggest river O.R.E. runs and many of our clients have said it's our most exciting trip. The river is in the second deepest canyon in North America, is the longest completely free-flowing, undammed river in the lower 48 states, and holds a wealth of history along its storied banks.
The Wild & Scenic Rogue River canyon is an enchanting blend of lush forests, fern grottos, beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waterfalls, lovely side streams, and cool clear swimming holes. The river boasts 35+ mainly Level III white water rafting rapids over 42 miles, in addition to historical sights, hikes, and peaceful riverside greens. This idyllic white water canyon provides our longest river rafting season from May through September.
Experience rafting and exploring a true wilderness river in Oregon’s Grand Canyon, the Owyhee River. With riverside hot springs, historic ranches, geological wonders, and many other hidden secrets, each journey down this river is a fresh experience for every boater. This is one of Oregon’s finest multi-day trips that truly shows a different side of the state.
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. The area is full of plenty of great camping, hiking, fishing, hot springs, and whitewater to enjoy.
With mellow white water and stunning desert canyons, the Wild & Scenic John Day River trip is our most relaxing multi-day trip. The easy days on the water, wide open beaches for camping, excellent fishing, and room to explore make this perfect for your family's first rafting trip and those wanting to try a new watercraft on a row-your-own cataraft.
Located in the Northeast corner of Oregon, the Wild & Scenic Grande Ronde River is considered to be on the "mild" side with many Class II+ rapids. It makes a great, relaxing whitewater river rafting adventure for the whole family. It journeys through the confluence of the Wallowa and Grande Ronde rivers and is home to forested river banks, high desert scenery, great wildlife, and bird watching, along with abundant fishing opportunities
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