McKenzie River: Itinerary and Trip Highlights Western Oregon   Half, 1 & 2 Days April - September Class II+       Book a McKenzie River Rafting Trip McKenzie Rafting Trip Schedule & Prices

Itinerary

Half Day trips: Morning half day trips meet at 9:30 AM* and afternoon half day trips meet at 1:00 PM*. In either case we meet at the Forest Glen Boat Landing in Blue River.

One and Two Day trips: We meet at 10:00 AM* at the Forest Glen Boat Landing in Blue River.

Look for a vehicle sporting the O.R.E. logo. Our lead guide will answer questions and help you prepare for your trip. Then -- for one day trips -- you will park your car then board an O.R.E. van for the 20 minute ride to the launch point. For half day trips you will follow our van in your car to McKenzie Bridge (our half day trip take-out point) then board our van for the ride to launch point. For 2 day trips you will follow our van to our camp then board our van for the ride to the launch point.

Once we arrive at our launch site our lead guide will conduct a safety orientation. We'll then all board rafts and be on our way downstream.

Day trips include a stop for a riverside lunch between noon and 1 PM.

We typically arrive at our take-out point around 12:30 PM (1/2 day morning trips), around 4 PM (1/2 day afternoon trips), or around 3:30 (1 day trips).**  Your car is here, so your will be free to be on your way at your leisure. On our 2 day trips we typically arrive at camp about 2:30 PM.

* Please plan your drive carefully so as to arrive at our meeting place on time. Our guides will attempt to wait for you if you are running late, but circumstances typically do not allow them to wait more than 20 minutes. If you miss your intended trip we will most likely not be able to provide a transfer to an alternate trip, and we are unable to provide a refund for missed trips.

 ** Many factors influence our timetable, including water levels, winds, and the needs and preferences of our guests. Please consider these times approximate.

Trip Highlights

Our McKenzie 2 day trips typically launch at Olallie. Half day trips typically launch at Frissell-Carpenter, while our one day trips usually launch at Paradise. All trips meet at Blue River, and all of these runs are on the upper McKenzie, which features numerous class II rapids and an occasional class III drop as well. For the most part this is a relatively mild whitewater trip, although the McKenzie's steep and swift flow creates rapids that are more lively than their class II ratings lead you to expect! 

In addition to lively whitewater the the McKenzie's offers extraordinarily clear water, exceptionally lush forest scenery, excellent fishing, and beautiful camp sites.

Weather and Climate