|
"Everyone who went on the trip
just raved about how much fun it was. Destination Wilderness is a first
class company and I would highly recommend your organization. You were so
pleasant to work with..."
--L. Pruden, McKenzie River Whitewater Trip,
2004
|
 McKenzie
River Rafting Overview
McKenzie river
rafting trips provide fun at every turn. Flowing through the heart of the
Cascade Mountains and just two hours from the Oregon Coast, the McKenzie River
is a classic alpine river. Cascading down through a canyon blanketed in pine,
this river is a crystal clear jewel with an abundance of dancing rapids.
From its headwaters of the
glaciers and snowfields over 10,000 feet above sea level to the confluence with
the mighty Willamette River, the McKenzie River is rich in history and scenery.
Combined with world class fishing and classic whitewater, the McKenzie is a place of recreation
and wilderness splendor. For a great family and friends getaway, consider
spending time at the comfortable and charming Adventure
River House, located in the heart of the McKenzie
River Valley.
|
Additional
McKenzie River Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Half-Day,
Full-Day and 2-Day rafting trip
options are available. The minimum age for McKenzie River whitewater
rafting trips is five years old. For families with children as young as four or
groups seeking a scenic and quieter river trip should consider the Float and
Feast trip on a less challenging stretch of the McKenzie River.
Start Planning Your
Trip
More About McKenzie River Rafting Trips
- Location: Midway Between
Eugene and Bend, OR
The McKenzie River is located
about three hours southeast of Portland, Oregon and two hours east of the
Oregon Coast. It's midway between Bend and Eugene, on the western slopes of the
Central Oregon Cascade Mountains. With easy access from several metropolitan
areas and the coast, the McKenzie River remains relatively isolated in the
heart of the Cascade Mountain Range. McKenzie River rafting trips are a perfect
weekend getaway and ideal for vacationers looking for a unique way to
experience Oregon's fantastic high country.
- River Difficulty: Class III
The McKenzie River is rated Class II - III. McKenzie
River rafting trips are suitable for all levels of experience including first
timers and families with smaller children. In the upper reaches, the McKenzie
River has a gradient of approximately 60 feet per mile with fun, technical yet
forgiving Class II & III rapids. The lower section has a gradient of 10
feet per mile with easy Class I & II rapids.
|
River Difficulty
Scale:
- Class I: Flat water.
- Class II: Current with small
waves and few obstacles.
- Class III: Rapids with
medium sized waves and few obstacles. Trips are fun and thrilling, ideal for
first-time and experienced rafters.
- Class IV: Rapids with medium
to large sized waves and hydraulics and increased obstacles to avoid.
- Class V: Rapids with large
waves and boat stopping hydraulics. These rapids require several maneuvers to
safely navigate. Class V is very difficult and recommended for experienced
rafters only.
- Class VI: Virtually
unrunnable... for highly skilled experts only!
|
- Gourmet Meals:
On all of our Full-Day McKenzie River rafting trips we
stop around mid-day for a gourmet deli-style lunch which includes sandwiches
with all the fixings, fruit, beverages, cookies and more. After the break, we
get back on the river for more whitewater. We reach our take-out between 3 and
4 p.m. Our Half-Day trips include a snack and beverages at the end of the
run.
Why Choose Destination
Wilderness For Your McKenzie River Rafting Trip?
Destination Wilderness offers the most complete
McKenzie River whitewater rafting trips available. We are the only outfitter
with a full-service store, office and lodging options in the McKenzie River
Valley and are proud to be a member of the McKenzie Community and Chamber
of Commerce.
Consider and compare all that we provide on this
great river:
- Your Choice:
It's Your Trip, Not Ours. We've been running the McKenzie River for
years and years and believe that the best trip is the trip you desire. We
provide a foundation of safety, seamless logistics and have a wealth of
knowledge about the McKenzie River. From there we create the trip you want,
adjusting our style to your wants and needs rather than asking you to fit our
agenda.
Appropriate Size Rafts and Number of Guests Per Raft. Destination
Wilderness does not use rafts that are too big which can reduce the amount of
fun on the river. Our fleet of 12-foot to 16-foot long rafts allows us to
adjust the raft size to the water level in order to make sure we are maximizing
your fun and safety. We also offer both paddle and, when requested, oar powered
rafts.
Lodging and Multi-Activity Vacation Options. In conjunction with our
affiliate company, the Adventure
River Center, we offer vacation home rental lodging and a full plate of
outdoor activity options such as rafting, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing
and more!
- Your Safety:
At Least Two Boats and Two Guides Per Trip. All of our McKenzie River
rafting trips have at least two licensed guides on the water. We believe that the
safest possible trip starts with appropriate staffing and that just one guide
on the water is not as effective as two or more. Therefore, we always have at
least two boats and two guides on each trip. We also have the highest guide to
guest ratio than you'll find with others, helping to make your whitewater
rafting trip more enjoyable.
Full Safety Orientation and Gear. Before each McKenzie River rafting
trip we provide a thorough safety and instructional presentation. As part of
our full safety gear ensemble wetsuits and waterproof paddle jackets are
provided free of charge when needed. We also have four different sizes of
lifejackets, from children's to XXL in order to provide you with maximum
comfort.
Experienced Crew. Each and every year Destination
Wilderness is among the leaders in terms of the number of guests rafting the
McKenzie River. We run trips virtually every day in the summer. We are the
only outfitter with a guide house and base of operations on the river,
resulting in a team of guides that knows the characteristics of McKenzie River
rafting trips.
- Your Comfort:
Secure Parking Areas. Since we meet at our store and office your vehicle
won't sit on the side of a lightly used highway. Valuables may be stored in our
office.
Indoor Changing Room and Bathroom. Our store provides space for you to
change into and out of your river wear. In addition, you have full access to a
bathroom.
- Your Convenience:
Shuttle Options from Central Oregon and Nearby Resorts. Our base in
Sisters, OR and on the river allows us to provide transportation for groups
from nearby resorts and communities. Please contact our office for details.
- Your Satisfaction:
We are confident you'll find your experience with Destination Wilderness to be
exceptionally rewarding!
Trip Dates and Prices
|
We offer Half,
Full and 2-day trips on the McKenzie River. For 2-day trips, consider
overnighting at the
Adventure River
House. Note: Youth is under
16 years. Minimum age is five.** Please add 6% land/government use fee to
the below prices. |
|
LENGTH |
ADULT |
YOUTH |
DATES |
|
Half-Day Trip |
$65 |
$45 |
March-October. |
|
Full-Day Trip |
$95 |
$75 |
March-October. |
|
2-Day Trip |
$295 |
$265 |
March-October. |
|
Raft, Draft and Cast |
$395 |
N/A |
March-October. Offered on a charter trip
basis for groups of four or more. |
Space is limited: RESERVE YOUR MCKENZIE RIVER RAFTING TRIP
|
NOTE: Discounts are
available for groups of ten or more on all McKenzie River trips. Other dates
may be available. Please contact our office for more information. Prices
include all river equipment, food, guides and transportation between the
rendezvous and the river.
**For those with children as young as four
or those seeking a scenic and quieter river trip, consider our Float and Feast
trip on a less challenging stretch of the McKenzie River. Please contact our
office for details.
Destination Wilderness proudly and appreciatively
operates trips on the McKenzie River under special use permit from Willamette
National Forest. We are an equal opportunity recreation service provider.
Return to
Top
|
|
Start Planning Your
Trip
Return to Top
|
