FULL-DAY TRIPS

McKenzie River Whitewater Rafting

Hamlin to Helfrich
15 1/2 miles, ~ 5 hours on the river
~ 7 hours (round trip) from Eugene

Lunch at added cost. Gratuities not included

This one's for families, large groups, those wanting a good introduction to rafting the McKenzie River--the most popular section for beginners and experienced rafters alike. It starts with a roller-coaster-like rapid. Then, there's time to get used to sitting on the raft and to feel how it moves on the water and in the rapids, and to get used to team paddling. Our first test comes within a mile at Redside Rapid, a straight shot through some fantastic breaking waves and a hydraulic. A few miles and many rapids later, we get to another wet, wild ride, Riverside Rapid, a long series of big breaking waves, followed by two similar rapids. Then it's lunch and a bit of rest. You may choose to eat at Finn Rock Grill (mp39). Or, you may choose to bring your own lunch. Or, you may enjoy our lavish guide-supplied picnic. Most of the biggest rapids follow. By then, we're paddling well as a team. We maneuver through several rapids, most notably Bear Creek Rapids, Brown's Hole, and Marten's, dodging rocks and crashing waves like veterans. An area photographer frequently comes out to record our adventure at this point. Our Helfrich Landing take-out is then only minutes away.

Paradise to Blue River
13 1/2 miles, ~ 4 1/2 hours on the river
~ 7 1/2 hours (round trip) from Eugene

Lunch at added cost. Gratuities not included

Great for experienced rafters who want more excitement. McKenzie whitewater begins almost immediately. For eight miles, the McKenzie really boogies, one rapid after another, after another, with few calm spots. Great fun! Lunch at historic Log Cabin Inn (MP51) is one option. Or, we can continue down river for your bring-your-own-from-home lunch. Or you can enjoy our sumptuous guide-supplied riverside picnic. Calmer water past the covered bridge at Rainbow gives us time to enjoy the scenery, look for osprey, blue heron, and other natives, and to enjoy each other's company in this unique setting. Five miles, many rapids, and an impressive logjam later, we reach our take-out at Forest Glen Landing in Blue River.

FULL DAY RATES

 
1-16
17-24
25-32
33+
Adults
$80
$72
$68
$64
Kids (aged 4-12)
$55
$55
$55
$55

 
800-328-7688
from OR, WA, CA, ID, MT, NV
others call
541-726-5039

jonnie@helfrich.com

 

Lunch Options:
A leisurely stop with a delicious riverside, guide-supplied picnic (Southern fried chicken; home-canned fruit; homemade pasta salad, deviled eggs, and brownies; rolls with butter and honey; and lemonade):Adults $10, Kids $7.50
or,
we can stop at a quaint riverside restaurant (Dutch treat).
or,
your group can bring your own lunch (but you could do that any day).

 

Shuttle Options:
1. Costs Time
Run your own shuttle before trip starts. All rafters except drivers are dropped off at the put-in. Drivers alone return to take-out, leave vehicles there and return to put-in with our guide.
2. Costs Money
Use the professional shuttle service our guides use. All meet at put-in and vehicles are shuttled to the take-out while we are on the river. $20 per vehicle