kcscheer

My family and I will be in Portland at the end of July. Does anyone have a company they'd recommend for rafting, that is near to Portland (less than an hour or so away)? Thanks in advance.

Karen

Scarlett

Which state is this Portland?

kcscheer

Sorry... Oregon.

thanks!
Karen

beachbum

If it's white water you're after, the only river that fits into the "hour or so away" category is the Clackamas. There are a couple outfits running trips, but I've never been down the Clackamas, so can't recommend any in particular.

If you don't mind the drive (2+ hours), you'd have a lot more choices on the Deschutes, leaving from Maupin. It's on the other side of the Cascades too, so the weather is guaranteed to be better.

NWWanderer

The White Salmon would be another possibility (it's across the Columbia River in WA but still pretty close to Portland--about an hour and a half or so).

Scarlett

I am picturing Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon, where was that? sounds fun but I am a coward

itsv

We did a multi-family trip on the Rogue with Oregon River Experience. I know that is more than an hour outside of Portland, but the trip was incredible and everyone is still talking about it.

eurotraveller

I have been an avid rafter on the Deschutes out of Maupin and occasionally also guide trips. I absolutely love the Deschutes rafting near Maupin.

There are several outfitters. How many are in your group?

Are you planning on rafting on the weekend or mid week?

enzian

There's also the McKenzie; the scenery is green and gorgeous, and the rapids Class II and III. I think the half-day trips put in a little over an hour's drive from Eugene (not Portland, sorry!) MIght be worth the drive.

seremarcus

We used the comapany: zooraft.com
It is on the White Salmon river in the Columbia River Gorge. Excellent company, great trip!

kcscheer

Thanks everyone!

Eurotraveller - There will be four of us. We would probably raft during the week (we'll be in Oregon City from July 21-28). Any other suggestions would be great.

Thanks!
Karen

eurotraveller

kcscheer, I know of a great guide that you can contact. I have rafted with him several times and not only is he a great, safe guide but he is a lot of fun as well. His name is Alan Bogner and you can contact him via email at [email protected] or at 503-974-4444.

I have rafted the Clackamas many times and it is a pretty float but not nearly the experience that you get in Maupin on the Deschutes.

The float in Maupin can take anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on how often you stop and how far upriver you go to put in. this can all be worked out with the guide.

He has a small outfit but I think that is often better than large ones; it is a more personal experience.

If you choose to use him please tell him that Tamara referred you. I live in Portland.