Paddle Class II–III rapids with river games and old-growth scenery
About 7 hours
Guided rafting, gear, lunch
Paddle 20–22 miles of the McKenzie River through continuous rapids and old-growth forest. Join your guides for river play, local ecology, and a chance to surf a wave when river and crew conditions allow.
Check-In & Gear Fitting
Arrive at the meeting location 15 minutes before departure. Meet your guides, complete check-in.
Safety Orientation & Shuttle
After a brief overview of the day, and you get fitted with wetsuits (when needed or requested), neoprene booties paddle jackets and all other essential river gear. Guides will provide a comprehensive river safety talk and paddling instruction before shuttling to the river launch.
Launch & Morning Rapids
Begin your journey on the crystal-clear McKenzie River with fun Class II–III rapids, scenic forest views, and plenty of splashy excitement suitable for families and first-time rafters.
Gourmet Riverside Lunch
Midday, we stop along the river for a relaxed gourmet lunch prepared by your guides. Menus accommodate most dietary needs when noted in advance.
Afternoon Float & Play Waves
Continue downstream through beautiful canyon scenery, playful rapids, and calm stretches perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Take-Out & Return Shuttle
At trip’s end, we return to the meeting location via shuttle. Plan for approximately 6–7 hours total trip time from check-in to return.
Cancel 30+ days before for a full refund. Cancel 29 days to 3 days before for a refund minus a $25 reservation fee. Cancellations 48 hours or less before are nonrefundable. Groups of 20+ can finalize group size up to 1 week before without penalty. Full refund if the operator cancels due to unsafe water, poor weather, or other circumstances beyond its control.
Product ID: MD27FZ
Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and gear sizing. Trips meet at 9:00 AM, and you typically get off the river between 4:00 and 4:30 PM (timing can vary with conditions and group pace).
Yes. Complete your waivers online before arrival if possible. If you bring a paper copy, print and fill it out ahead of time; if you can’t print, you’ll complete the forms when you arrive.
Wear synthetic river-wear; avoid cotton and denim. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. You can bring your own beverages, but don’t bring glass containers.
McKenzie Bridge Christian Church, 56334 McKenzie Hwy, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
The guides here absolutely make the experience. Names like Craig, Patrick, River Rat Rob, Thomas, Anya, and Ila come up repeatedly, with guests genuinely impressed by their expertise and warmth. These aren't just river navigators—they're naturalists who share local stories, history buffs who bring the area to life, and genuinely caring professionals who make first-timers and kids feel completely at ease. The decades of experience show, with guides knowing every inch of the McKenzie River and adjusting to whatever conditions arise. Families seem particularly well-served, with multiple mentions of 6-year-olds having fantastic times. The crew goes out of their way with extra gear when weather changes, takes photos so you can stay present, and provides substantial lunches on full-day trips. The entire operation runs smoothly from start to finish, with even large groups (like 18 seniors doing 22 miles!) having memorable adventures. People consistently return for second trips, sometimes upgrading from half-day to full-day experiences because they enjoyed it so much the first time around.
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