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The Sandy River is a great II+/III early-season rafting trip for those who are looking for something more exciting than a float, but not a full-blown high-water rafting trip. Our 8-mile section begins with one of the harder rapids on the trip with Pipeline a class II+ that gets you excited for the rest of this scenic float.
The soaring cliffs hold the dripping walls and the occasional waterfall splashing straight into the river. Along the way keep an eye out for the Osprey’s soaring above looking for their next meal swimming below the surface. The Sandy River is well known for the many different seasonal fish runs it contains, such as spring chinook salmon.
The many islands and braided channels provide enough whitewater to keep things fun, while still allowing you to take in the forested hills and think that the water you are on was on Mt Hood just the day before. The sweeping views often hold mink, otters and the springtime usually means lots of waterfowl arriving on their way north for the summer.
With only a short window that the Lower Sandy is a fun level to raft, make sure to explore this Columbia River Gorge area classic.
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.
In general, you will only need to bring your own river-appropriate clothing, footwear, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a water bottle for day trips. Full-day trips include a freshly prepared deli lunch.
Please note that our policies vary for day trips and multi-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:
Please note that cancellation fees may apply to cancellation of the entire reservation as well as to partial cancellations (for instance, a reduction in your party size from six to five).
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.
Plan a perfect river excursion with all the right information at your fingertips. Learn about our stunning locales, explore our detailed gear book, or reach out with any other questions so we can make your trip as smooth as possible.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Experience the allure of the Deschutes River with an easy multi-day rafting trip. Choose from the upper section's thrilling rapids and starlit nights, starting at Warm Springs or Trout Creek and ending at Maupin, or opt for the lower section's serene stretches and dynamic last-day rapids, starting at Buckhollow and concluding at Heritage Landing. Both trips offer stunning canyon views, ample wildlife sightings, and excellent conditions for fishing and swimming in one of the West Coast's premier rivers.
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
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.
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.
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.
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