Who Can Go on a Guided Tour?

Destination Wilderness is proud to offer a variety of family rafting trips and other adventures. Many, many of our trips are ideal for families, as they offer fun but not threatening rapids, tranquil campsites with lots of room to roam, guides who are parents themselves and understand the nuances of wilderness travel with youth, activities that are geared specifically to kids, and so much more. We offer discounts for youth on every applicable trip, and also run specially-priced family trips. Rivers such as the Salmon, Rogue, Owyhee and Klamath are perfect for any family looking for an extended wilderness getaway. The McKenzie offers shorter trips for those families looking to try rafting without investing a lot of time. Simply put, we feel that our family trip offerings are unsurpassed!

For a great family vacation consider spending time in Oregon's Cascade mountains at the Adventure River House, a charming vacation home that comes with rafting trips, mountain bikes, fishing gear, and so much more. Located next to the McKenzie river, approximately 45 east of Eugene, Oregon, the Adventure River House comfortably sleeps twelve.

Here is a list of some of the trips we offer that are great for families.

For more information, please click on the trip name!

• Idaho's Main Salmon (5 & 6-Day Trips; Class III-III+)
  Idaho's Salmon river, running through the heart of the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, is a classic river. Broad, sandy beaches, roller coaster class III-III+ rapids, riverside wildlife such as moose and Bighorn sheep, emerald waters, hot springs, ranch sites from days of yore, and one of the deepest canyons in the world combine to form an unparalleled setting for a wilderness rafting journey. As Bill Cross, one of our guides and coauthor of Western Whitewater, states, "of all that I've boated, this is the nicest all around river I've ever been on." Our Main Salmon journeys are perfect for everyone! Salmon trips include all personal camping gear and air shuttle from McCall to Boise at the end of the trip. Minimum age: Six during normal water levels; 12 at high water levels.

• Rogue (3 to 5-Day Trips; Class III-III+)
  Oregon's Rogue river flows through one of the most poetic canyons on earth, and serves up classic white water. It is perfect for first-time river runners, families, and experienced rafters. Pine and oak blanket the canyon walls. Sandy beach campsites abound. Wildlife often ambles along shore. Sparkling side-canyon waterfalls cascade into the river. Osprey and eagle soar through the sky. World-class fish cruise the emerald waters. And, the Rogue's rapids are among the west's most appreciated: enjoyable, challenging, but not extreme class III-III+ rapids. Min age: Six during normal water levels; 12 at high water levels.

• Lower Klamath (3 & 4-Day Trips; Class III)
  Northern California's Lower Klamath river is a superb wilderness waterway. It offers endless vistas of spectacular scenery, sparkling water, excellent side hikes, and a wealth of wildlife. In particular, the Klamath's fun and bouncy class II and III rapids and warm weather and water are perfect for younger children and families seeking their first wilderness river trip. Minimum age: Five years.

• Clackamas (1/2 and 1-Day Trips; Class III)
  Only one-half hour from Portland, Oregon, the Clackamas is a great family river. In the summer, when flows decrease, the Clackamas features fun class III rapids in a beautiful mountain canyon. Convenient to Mt. Hood and Portland, this river is a great addition to any Pacific Northwest vacation, or just a great getaway for those living in Oregon or Washington. Minimum age: Six years in summer months; 12 in spring.

• McKenzie (1/2 to 2-Day Trips; Class II-III)
  Central Oregon's McKenzie river is a crystal clear alpine jewel with an abundance of dancing class II and III rapids. Our McKenzie trips take place on the upper McKenzie, where the rapids come in quick succession and the river winds through a verdant forest, or on the middle McKenzie, where fun class II and III rapids are mixed with scenic calms. We take inflatable kayaks on this stretch. These trips are great for those looking for fun but not overwhelming rapids and great mountain scenery. Minimum age: Five years.

  NOTE: For a great family vacation consider spending time in Oregon's Cascade mountains at the Adventure River House, a charming vacation home that comes with rafting trips, mountain bikes, fishing gear, and so much more. Located next to the McKenzie river, approximately 45 east of Eugene, Oregon, the Adventure River House comfortably sleeps twelve.

• Grand Alaska Adventure (5-Day Multi-Activity Alaska Adventure; Class II-III)
  Taking place the heart of Alaska and the world's largest national park, this five-day trip features a spectacular flightseeing trip, walking on a glacier, hiking around a huge ghost copper mine and a mild wilderness river trip. It is common to see lots of wildlife in this huge wilderness area. We recommend this trip for families seeking a great wilderness getaway in the "Last Frontier". Minimum age: 10 years (provided the kids are familiar with camping; otherwise the minimum age is 12).

• Discover Alaska (8-Day Multi-Activity Alaska Adventure; Class II-III)
  An unparalled opportunity to experience the best of Alaska, our Discover Alaska trip features numerous wildlife viewing possibilities for whales, bear, seals, eagle, and more. Plus glacier exploration, hiking, rafting, kayaking, boating, and delightful and deluxe lodging and motor yacht accommodations. This is a great trip for those wishing to experience the highlights of Alaska with creature comforts left and right. Minimum age: 10 years.

• Baja Kayaking and Whale Watching (Six-Day Trips; Moderate Adventures)
  Combining the solitude of central Baja with creature comforts such as comfortable bungalows with solar showers and flush toilets and a complete kitchen from which we serve you scrumptious hot Mexican meals, this trip provides time to relax in the warm Baja weather, kayak coastal waters, and watch California Grey Whales. It is a perfect six-day spring break trip, with hassle-free logistics! Minimum age: 12 years. Note: The Baja trip is offered only on a charter trip basis for groups of eight or more.

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We are honored time and again to be the company that provided someone with their first rafting experience, their first time seeing a whale in the wild, their first time sea kayaking, their first time watching a glacier calve, and so on. Most of our trips both near and far are ideal for first-time adventurers, so much so that the easiest items to list here are the trips that may not or are not suitable for those considering their first outdoor adventure. In fact, only the California Salmon River Adventure and Iceland High Adventure (the second day of rafting on this trip is very challenging. It can be substituted with another activity) are not suited to first time adventurers. All others are ideal!

All of our adventures can be found on our Trips page. We highly recommend any of our trips except for those listed above for anyone seeking a classic day trip or an unforgettable multi-day journey. Our experience tells us that your trip should render great memories. In fact, this quote, from a recent client, sums up how first- time adventure guests feel about their Destination Wilderness' trips:

"As a first timer, I had my concerns. First are we all safe on the water? Then, will we connect with the crew and other guests? Finally, will we be comfortable? By the end of day one I had great confidence in the guides. I knew we were in experienced hands. That experience extended to my second area of concern, social interactions. You all skillfully pulled together 12 strangers to form a team of people who worked and played comfortably together and grew fond of sharing time and stories. And my final concern-comfort-WOW! Fresh coffee in the morning, great food, warm days, cool evenings, music around the campfire (every nature lover's dream), not to mention laughter, warmth, and silliness. Thank you all for a fun, safe, and memorable journey."

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Over the years thousands of seniors have enjoyed and celebrated great trips with Destination Wilderness. We are especially proud of our trip formats and selection as they relate to mature travelers. In particular, we feel we have created trips that are perfectly designed for those seeking fun, scenic, and rewarding adventures at an age where creature comforts and seamless logistics are appreciated. While each of our trips are suited to individual mature travelers depending on experience and fitness, we have prepared the following list as a way to recommend certain trips that may be of most interest to seniors. These trips are arranged in order of trip length, starting with the shorter trips.

For more information, please click on the trip name!

• Clackamas (1/2 and 1-Day Trips; Class III)
  Only one-half hour from Portland, Oregon, the Clackamas is a great family river. In the summer, when flows decrease, the Clackamas features fun class III rapids in a beautiful mountain canyon. Convenient to Mt. Hood and Portland, this river is a great addition to any Northwest vacation, or just a great getaway for those living in Oregon or Washington. Minimum age: Six years in summer months; 12 in spring.

• McKenzie (1/2 to 2-Day Trips; Class II-III)
  Central Oregon's McKenzie river is a crystal clear alpine jewel with an abundance of dancing class II and III rapids. Our McKenzie trips take place on the upper McKenzie, where the rapids come in quick succession and the river winds through a verdant forest, or on the middle McKenzie, where fun class II and III rapids are mixed with scenic calms. We take inflatable kayaks on this stretch. These trips are great for those looking for fun but not overwhelming rapids and great mountain scenery. Minimum age: Five years.

  NOTE: For a great family reunion or friends getaway consider spending time in Willamette National Forest at the Adventure River House, a charming vacation home that comes with rafting trips, mountain bikes, fishing gear, and so much more. Located next to the McKenzie river, approximately 45 east of Eugene, Oregon, the Adventure River House comfortably sleeps twelve.

• Rogue (3 to 5-Day Trips; Class III-III+)
  Oregon's Rogue river flows through one of the most poetic canyons on earth, and serves up classic white water. It is perfect for first-time river runners, families, and experienced rafters. Pine and oak blanket the canyon walls. Sandy beach campsites abound. Wildlife often ambles along shore. Sparkling side-canyon waterfalls cascade into the river. Osprey and eagle soar through the sky. World-class fish cruise the emerald waters. And, the Rogue's rapids are among the west's most appreciated: enjoyable, challenging, but not extreme class III-III+ rapids. Min age: Six during normal water levels; 12 at high water levels.

• Lower Klamath (3 & 4-Day Trips; Class III)
  Northern California's Lower Klamath river is a superb wilderness waterway. It offers endless vistas of spectacular scenery, sparkling water, excellent side hikes, and a wealth of wildlife. In particular, the Klamath's fun and bouncy class II and III rapids and warm weather and water are perfect for younger children and families seeking their first wilderness river trip. Minimum age: Five years.

• Grand Alaska Adventure (5-Day Multi-Activity Alaska Adventure; Class II-III)
  Taking place the heart of Alaska and the world's largest national park, this five-day trip features a spectacular flightseeing trip, walking on a glacier, hiking around a huge ghost copper mine and a mild wilderness river trip. It is common to see lots of wildlife in this huge wilderness area. We recommend this trip for families seeking a great wilderness getaway in the "Last Frontier". Minimum age: 10 years (provided the kids are familiar with camping; otherwise the minimum age is 12).

• Discover Alaska (8-Day Multi-Activity Alaska Adventure; Class II-III)
  An unparalled opportunity to experience the best of Alaska, our Discover Alaska trip features numerous wildlife viewing possibilities for whales, bear, seals, eagle, and more. Plus glacier exploration, hiking, rafting, kayaking, boating, and delightful and deluxe lodging and motor yacht accommodations. This is a great trip for those wishing to experience the highlights of Alaska with creature comforts left and right. Minimum age: 10 years.

• Owyhee (4 and 5-Day Trips; Class III)
  The Wild and Scenic Owyhee river, tucked quietly into Oregon's southeast corner, is a relatively undiscovered jewel. Towering desert canyon walls, rare birds, fun class III whitewater, and quiet isolation await adventurers seeking a wilderness river less traveled. This is truly an exceptional solitude-spangled journey. Minimum age: 12 years.

• Idaho's Main Salmon (5 & 6-Day Trips; Class III-III+)
  Idaho's Salmon river, running through the heart of the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, is a classic river. Broad, sandy beaches, roller coaster class III-III+ rapids, riverside wildlife such as moose and Bighorn sheep, emerald waters, hot springs, ranch sites from days of yore, and one of the deepest canyons in the world combine to form an unparalleled setting for a wilderness rafting journey. As Bill Cross, one of our guides and coauthor of Western Whitewater, states, "of all that I've boated, this is the nicest all around river I've ever been on." Our Main Salmon journeys are perfect for everyone! Salmon trips include all personal camping gear and air shuttle from McCall to Boise at the end of the trip. Minimum age: Six during normal water levels; 12 at high water levels.

• IIsle of the Midnight Sun (6-Day Trip)
  The Journey to the Edge of Earth takes place on Norway's Lofoten Islands, an above-the-arctic-circle razor back archipelago that affords some of the most dramatic views and scenery on earth. The mountains are so steep and the views so endless that it truly does feel like you are at the edge of the earth. The transportation on this trip are first rate, as we travel by modern ferry, planes, whale watching boats, and pleasant Norwegian roads in order to take in all of the grandeur. The lodging is equally charming and sophisticated, as we spend each night in waterside rorbu cabins, replete with classic Norwegian comforts. Minimum age: 12 years.

• Iceland Adventures (7-Day Trips)
  Our Iceland Adventures trip combines incredible scenery culture, birdlife and wilderness with charming amenities and comforts. A series of mild to moderate day adventures take in the essence of the Icelandic outdoors: wide open dramatic spaces with fascinating natural history.When you add to that the comfortable and cozy farmhouse lodging and hotel rooms, you are left with a trip for the ages. Minimum age: 12 years.

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Every Destination Wilderness is ideal for those traveling on their own. The vast majority of our trips are booked by individuals, pairs, or small groups, who come together to form a bigger group, with most trips having groups of 12 to 15 people total. It is very common for trips to consist of people from all walks, who have joined the trip as individuals.

Our trips are formatted to provide each person with the type of experience they are seeking. Whether it is the opportunity to socialize and get to know others or to be able to spend time alone with a good book or just plain old peace and quiet, Destination Wilderness trips provide the structure for you to do as you choose.

Here are a few of the trips we offer that regularly appeal to and are joined by individuals. Please remember that all of our trips are ideal for independent travelers.

For more information, please click on the trip name!

• Idaho's Main Salmon (5 & 6-Day Trips; Class III-III+)
  Idaho's Salmon river, running through the heart of the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, is a classic river. Broad, sandy beaches, roller coaster class III-III+ rapids, riverside wildlife such as moose and Bighorn sheep, emerald waters, hot springs, ranch sites from days of yore, and one of the deepest canyons in the world combine to form an unparalleled setting for a wilderness rafting journey. As Bill Cross, one of our guides and coauthor of Western Whitewater, states, "of all that I've boated, this is the nicest all around river I've ever been on." Our Main Salmon journeys are perfect for everyone! Salmon trips include all personal camping gear and air shuttle from McCall to Boise at the end of the trip. Minimum age: Six during normal water levels; 12 at high water levels.

• Rogue (3 to 5-Day Trips; Class III-III+)
  Oregon's Rogue river flows through one of the most poetic canyons on earth, and serves up classic white water. It is perfect for first-time river runners, families, and experienced rafters. Pine and oak blanket the canyon walls. Sandy beach campsites abound. Wildlife often ambles along shore. Sparkling side-canyon waterfalls cascade into the river. Osprey and eagle soar through the sky. World-class fish cruise the emerald waters. And, the Rogue's rapids are among the west's most appreciated: enjoyable, challenging, but not extreme class III-III+ rapids. Min age: Six during normal water levels; 12 at high water levels.

• Umpqua (1 to 3-Day Trips; Class III-IV)
  Flowing from headwaters near Crater Lake, the Umpqua stairsteps its way west, reaching the Pacific Ocean some 250 miles from its origin. Along the way, it serves up some of the best whitewater, scenery and fishing found anywhere in the world. Dozens of class III and IV rapids, idyllic scenery, aqua velva blue water and scenic calms define the Umpqua. Many feel that this is the best one and two-day trip in all of Oregon. Minimum age: Eight years.

• Undiscovered Hawaii (7-Day Trip)
  Warm tropical water, towering volcanoes, soothing trade winds, expansive Hawaiian wilderness, playful marine mammals, and comfortable cottages highlight this incredible island adventure. A series of day hikes and an overnight sea kayak trip along the Kona coast fill the days and cozy family-owned bed and breakfasts and cottages highlight each night. Minimum age: 12 years.

• Isle of the Midnight Sun (6-Day Trip)
  The Journey to the Edge of Earth takes place on Norway's Lofoten Islands, an above-the-arctic-circle razor back archipelago that affords some of the most dramatic views and scenery on earth. The mountains are so steep and the views so endless that it truly does feel like you are at the edge of the earth. The transportation on this trip are first rate, as we travel by modern ferry, planes, whale watching boats, and pleasant Norwegian roads in order to take in all of the grandeur. The lodging is equally charming and sophisticated, as we spend each night in waterside rorbu cabins, replete with classic Norwegian comforts. Minimum age: 12 years.

• Copper River Expedition (6-Day Trip)
  From towering Alaska mountains to the sparkling Prince William Sound, the Copper River Expedition takes in the best of Alaska's wilderness. Each trip offers chances to view grand Alaska wildlife, hanging glaciers, deep and broad canyons that are Alaska big, good company, and time to enjoy the peace of this very wild place. Five-days long, these expeditions are classic wilderness getaways that provide a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Minimum age: 16 years.

• Discover Alaska (8-Day Multi-Activity Alaska Adventure; Class II-III)
  An unparalled opportunity to experience the best of Alaska, our Discover Alaska trip features numerous wildlife viewing possibilities for whales, bear, seals, eagle, and more. Plus glacier exploration, hiking, rafting, kayaking, boating, and delightful and deluxe lodging and motor yacht accommodations. This is a great trip for those wishing to experience the highlights of Alaska with creature comforts left and right. Minimum age: 10 years.

• Iceland Adventures (7-Day Trips)
  Our Iceland Adventures trip combines incredible scenery culture, birdlife and wilderness with charming amenities and comforts. A series of mild to moderate day adventures take in the essence of the Icelandic outdoors: wide open dramatic spaces with fascinating natural history.When you add to that the comfortable and cozy farmhouse lodging and hotel rooms, you are left with a trip for the ages. Minimum age: 12 years.

• Heart of Norway Trek (6 -DayTrips)
  The largest park in Scandinavia, Jotunheimen National Park, awaits. As do towering alpine peaks, hanging glaciers, powerful rivers, thick forests, open meadows, and endless vistas. Our Heart of Norway trek offers all of these exceptional wilderness features and more, plus the comfort of remote mountain lodges in which we eat, sleep and reflect on the grandeur of this place, which hosts the tallest mountains in northern Europe. This is a classic backpacking trip for those seeking wilderness at its finest. Minimum age: 16 years.

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Destination Wilderness offers a great variety of trips and destinations. As such, our offerings appeal to a broad number of people, including those with lots of adventure travel experience as well as thrill seekers. We differentiate between these two groups as many veteran outdoor enthusiasts like their travels spectacular but not too crazy, and others like it wild and wooly.

Those who have travelled extensively and want to experience yet another dramatic, rewarding, and exceptional outdoor adventure can choose from any of our trips. We feel confident that all of our trips are well suited to veteran adventurers. Please visit our trips page for a complete list of our offerings.

Those looking for the greatest thrill may consider the following trips for their adrenaline-causing effects!

For more information, please click on the trip name!

• Clackamas (Spring and early summer: 1- and 2-Day Trips; Class IV; Summer: 1/2 and 1-Day Trips; Class III)
  In the spring and early summer the Clackamas river rocks and rolls. Big holes, swirling eddies, and the biggest waves in the Cascades are found on the Clackamas in from March through mid-June. Rapid after rapid fills the day. Only one-half hour from the greater Portland, Oregon, area, the Clackamas is a great white water bash in the spring. Convenient to Mt. Hood and Portland, this river is a great addition to any Northwest vacation, or just a great getaway for those living in Oregon or Washington. Minimum age: Six years in summer months; 12 in spring.

• California Salmon (2 and 3-Day Trips; Class V)
  The California Salmon has long been regarded as one of the west's best whitewater runs. Class IV and V rapids, requiring strong paddling, roar around every corner. In many cases their names say it all, such as Gaping Maw, Cascade, Airplane Turn and Last Chance. Big waves, long rock gardens, powerful holes, and narrow chutes abound! This whitewater wonderland is recommended only for experienced and fit rafters. Due to the intensity and frequency of rapids the minimum age is 16.

• Upper Klamath River Adventure (1 and 2-Day Trips)
  Classic and continuous class III, IV and IV+ whitewater awaits experienced and thrillseeking rafting enthusiasts. Over 40 rapids pepper this remote and scenic river, with a true wild west feel. From Hells Corner Rapid, to Bushwacker and Stateline, the Upper Klamath packs a wallop! Minimum age: 14 years.

• Iceland Adventures (7-Day Trips)
  Our Iceland Adventures trip combines incredible scenery culture, birdlife and wilderness with charming amenities and comforts. A series of mild to moderate day adventures take in the essence of the Icelandic outdoors: wide open dramatic spaces with fascinating natural history.When you add to that the comfortable and cozy farmhouse lodging and hotel rooms, you are left with a trip for the ages. Minimum age: 12 years.

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Simply put, every trip we do is great for friends to share. From our half-day trips on the McKenzie river to ten-day expeditions in Alaska, there may be no better way to spend time with your friends. So, we invite you to take a look at our wide variety of offerings as a start to a great adventure vacation with your buddies! Please visit our trips page for a complete list of our adventures.

In addition to our trips, you and your friends may want to consider spending a weekend or a week at the Adventure River House along the McKenzie River in the Oregon Cascade mountains. The Adventure River House features a charming vacation home that comes with rafting trips, mountain bikes, fishing gear, and so much more. Located next to the McKenzie river, approximately 45 east of Eugene, Oregon, the Adventure River House comfortably sleeps twelve.