Oregon River Experiences

Whitewater Rafting Vacations Since 1978.

Welcome! We're Oregon River Experiences, and for more than 30 years we've had the honor and pleasure of sharing whitewater rafting adventures with guests as we explore the some of the northwest’s most pristine and awe inspiring rivers.

Our business – and our passion – is to provide our guests with unique, rejuvenating river rafting vacations. Rafting with O.R.E. is different, and this difference is reflected in our name. Ours are not simply  river trips, they’re deeply satisfying river experiences. We create rare and unique experiences designed to meet your vacation needs. With all the details professionally handled for you by our experienced staff, you’ll feel safe and at ease, and you’ll return home relaxed, renewed and rejuvenated.

We believe that river running can be about more than simply having fun. It starts with fun, but the best river experiences are also about rediscovering the warmth of companionship, the thrill of adventure, and the serenity of silence. They're about returning to the purity of natural places. About learning new skills, and remembering how to play. 

At O.R.E. we believe that nothing renews mind, body, and spirit better than a river adventure. The thrill of challenging the rapids, the quiet joy of exploring a scenic side stream, the warmth of sharing stories around a campfire - these experiences enrich our lives. Once you've joined us we think you'll agree.

The O.R.E. Difference

 
We’re the Portland metro area’s only full-time, statewide rafting outfitter. No one offers a wider range of Oregon (and Idaho ) whitewater river trips. Yet we’re a relatively small, owner-operated company – not  part of some large, distant corporation – and we’re proud of this fact. Small means you’ll receive personalized service both before and during your trip, and when you call or email us you’ll typically reach our owner, not an administrative assistant or an answering service. Small also means we don’t spread ourselves thin in attempts to run hiking trips in Peru, sea kayaking trips in Australia, or the like. We stick to what we know well – rafting trips in the Pacific Northwest – and we do it right. Finally, small means we’re committed to keeping our costs down and our overhead low, so our prices are very reasonable. We think you’ll find that an O.R.E. trip is an excellent value for your vacation dollar.

Careful attention to safety.    Your safety is our number one concern. All of our guides are first aid and CPR certified, and most have completed advanced first aid (Wilderness First Responder or EMT ) and swiftwater rescue training. We conduct a full safety orientation before boarding, and all safety gear (life jackets, helmets for kayakers, etc.) is provided.  We’ve maintained an outstanding safety record over the past 27 years.

Our wilderness expeditions (trips three days and longer) carry satellite phones for emergency purposes. (Cell phones typically do not work in the wilderness river canyons through which we float.)

Exceptional guide service.    Our guides are friendly, skilled professionals. They’re chosen not only for their boating skills but also for their outstanding leadership abilities and their friendly and fun-loving personalities. They’ll work hard to keep you both safe and comfortable on your river journey. We realize that you may have apprehensions about the rapids,  and about wilderness travel. Our crew respects these concerns and is attentive to your needs. They’ll foster a friendly, supportive environment where everyone is welcome, young and old, first-timer and experienced boater.

For more about our guides please see what our guests say.

Unsurpassed range of river craft choices.    We offer flexible itineraries and an unsurpassed range of boat types. These means that we are able to optimize our trips both to match current river water levels and to meet the needs of our guests. We offer an unsurpassed variety of river craft from which to choose: oar rafts, paddle rafts, inflatable kayaks, and our unique, custom designed Row-Your-Own catarafts. 

Sumptuous meals.    We serve delicious, healthy food. Meals are freshly prepared by our guides from the highest quality ingredients. Special dietary needs may be accommodated with advance notice. 

Flexible and varied itineraries.    We offer a wide variety of trip options and styles, from half day white water introductions to five day wilderness river expeditions, from thrilling springtime big water adventures to lazy summer floats. We offer camping trips and trips that include stays in wilderness lodges. We run trips for families and trips for seniors, trips open to parties of one and chartered trips for groups of as many as 100 or more. We offer paddle raft trips, inflatable kayak trips, and trips that include the option of learning to row a custom designed cataraft.   

Deluxe packages.    The level of service and amenity is high on our regular trips. We also offer additional services for those looking for something extra. Deluxe package options include round trip transportation from area airports and hotels, custom barbecue lunches and dinners on day trips, digital photographic record of your trip, and more. Follow this link for more information.

We don’t cut corners.    We use only the best, professional quality river running equipment.

We’re responsible stewards.    We practice minimum impact camping techniques, and we conduct our trips in an environmentally responsible manner.  O.R.E. supports the work of stream and watershed conservation organizations in the Northwest and nationwide. For more information about these groups and to find out how you can help, visit the following sites:

American Rivers  |  Pacific Rivers Council  |  Friends of the River

We're an outfitter of choice for many groups and organizations, including The Sierra Club, The Road Less Traveled, and Road Scholar.