Experience thrilling whitewater rafting near Eugene, OR!
Trips meet at 9:45 AM in front of our McKenzie River office, located at Belknap Resort and Hot Springs, unless special arrangements have been made to be picked up or to meet at the boat launch. It is only a 50 minute drive from either Eugene or Bend Oregon. After the initial paperwork and introductions have taken place, we pile into our vans and head up to the boat launch. Having our office at Belknap Resort gives you the advantage and increased security of leaving your car here rather than on the side of the road at the boat launch or at a campground. Once we reach the boat launch, we provide everyone with all necessary paddling gear. This includes splash tops (a nylon top with neoprene wrists and neck cuffs), splash bottoms, wet suits and booties. These are provided on cooler days or by request and free of charge. After a thorough safety and equipment orientation, we launch and begin our adventure. This is usually about 30 to 45 minutes from the time we meet.
We work as a team on the river maneuvering our way through fun continuous rapids and old growth forests. You'll have the opportunity to engage in fun water activities such as water fighting, river games and of course the entertaining experience with your guides. You may also encounter Osprey and Blue Herons fishing along the way. The river is crystal clear the entire way, full of history and is a diverse river eco-system. All of our guides are well versed in the river history, flora and fauna. Most of High Country’s guides are local to the rivers they guide!
On our full day rafting trips we offer a wonderful and hearty lunch, served and prepared by your guides right on the riverbank. High Country Expeditions prides itself with serving the best and most scrumptious lunches. Some of our guides are well trained gourmet chefs. Our lunches
are always available to be customized to your needs. We can accomodate you needs whether you are vegetarian, vegan or on a low carb. diet, just let us know ahead of time.
After lunch (approximately 1 hour) we get back on the river and immediately engage in some great and thrilling class III rapids. Just before the take out we encounter “Redsides.” This is a fun and well known rapid by kayaker's. It consists of a class III set of waves. After going through the rapid your guide will give you the option to go back into the rapid and
attempt to “Surf the Wave” (one of the highlights on the full day, river and crew conditions permitting.)
The trips are approximately 18 to 22 river miles long depending on water levels. You will get off the river sometime between 3:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. After the trip we load the gear onto our trailers and take you back
to Belknap Resort and Hot Springs. At Belknap you can soak in their wonderful and relaxing 100+ degree Hot Springs Pool ($7.00 per person), walk beautiful and lavish flower garden trails and browse our store for souvenirs, including maps, books, shirts, hats and much more. And the resort is only 50 minutes away from beautiful Eugene or Bend, so it's perfect to visit these great Oregon cities!
Full-day trips include a delicious 3 course riverside lunch served by your guide.
Base full-day rates $90.00 Adults / $73.00 Kids 12yr and under
Join us for a whitewater rafting adventu
Directions & Meeting Locations for McKenzie River Rafting trips departing Belknap Hot Springs Lodge, High Country Exp. Office:
Meet in front of our McKenzie river office located at Belknap Resort & Hot Springs on N. Belknap Springs Road. The resort is located off Hwy. 126 between mile marker 54 & 19, approximately ½ mile east of the Hwy 242 junction, follow the signs to the resort. From Sisters take Hwy 20 to Hwy 126 and follow the mile markers and the signs to Belknap Springs.
Half-Day McKenzie River Rafting Trips:
Morning half-day trips meet at Belknap Resort between 9:30 & 9:45 am; afternoon half-day trips meet at Belknap between 1:30 & 1:45pm.
We will provide all the necessary life jackets, splash gear, wet suits & booties (on a request basis only!), boating equipment, paddling instructions, river safety talk, and shuttle service back to your vehicle.
Full Day McKenzie River Rafting Trips:
Full-day rafting trips meet in front of our Belknap Hot Springs office between 9:30 & 9:45 am.
We will provide all the necessary life jackets, splash gear, wet suits & booties (on a request basis only!), boating equipment, paddling instructions, river safety talk, a hearty 3 course riverside meal served by your guides and shuttle service back to your vehicle.
All special dietary needs must be request at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled trip.
Please contact us at least 24 hours prior to you trip with sizes for members on this trip; height, weight and shoe size. You may also e-mail the information to us. Please be sure to include your trip date and the name your reservation is under.
We recommend synthetic river-wear, hats, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen for the river trips. Feel free to bring your own beverages (No glass.) A dry bag is available on each trip to keep essential personal belongings safe and dry.
Driving Times:
- Portland…3 hrs.
- Eugene/Springfield…1hr.
- Bend…1.25 hrs.
- Salem…1.25 hrs.
Airports:
- Commercial: Redmond & Eugene
- Private…McKenzie Bridge
From Eugene / Springfield / Portland
From I-5, heading north, take East 194a or I-105 or Highway 126 East toward Springfield.
From I-5, heading south, take Exit 194a to I-105 or Highway 126 East.
Stay on I-105 Eastbound until you reach the second light, this is an major intersection, which is where I-105 intersects with Highway 126. Get into the left lane and take a left onto Highway 126 (follow the signs to the "McKenzie river Recreation area). Once on Highway 126 in Springfield travel for Approx. 55 miles. 4 miles past the town of McKenzie Bridge you will pass the junction of Oregon Scenic Highway 242, approx. 1/2 past this junction (still on HWY 126) you will see signs for Belknap Hot Springs. Follow the signs and take a left onto North Belknap Springs Road - Our office is located a 1/4 mile down the road, just to left of the main entrance to the lodge.
From Bend / Sisters / Redmond
Travel West on Highway 22 and pass over Santiam Pass, follow the signs for Eugene / Springfield, Take a left onto Hwy 20 and then another left onto Hwy126 (These are well marked). Once on Highway 126 follow the mile markers (which start at mile 1 as soon as Hwy126 begins) to mile 18 1/2 and you will see signs for Belknap Hot Springs. Follow the signs and take a right onto N. Belknap Springs Road - Our office is located just to the left of the main lodge entrance approximately a 1/4 mile down the road.
Sister - Scenic Highway 242
CAUTION! This is an extremely winding road not recommended for Motor-home or Travel trailer usage!
Follow the signs from Sister to Highway 242 and follow it for Approx. 40 miles to the junction of Highway 126. There take a left onto Highway 126 and travel for approx. 1/2 mile. Follow the signs to Belknap and take a left onto Belknap Springs Road - Follow the signs and take a right onto N. Belknap Springs Road - Our office is located just to the left of the main lodge entrance approximatly a 1/4 mile down the road
Our High Country McKenzie office has souvenir's including hats, t-shirts, books... available for purchase. If you have any further questions or are interested in lodging and
dining information in the McKenzie Valley, please feel free to contact us at
1-888-461-7238, check out this web page for more information, or visit us at our office located at Belknap Resort & Hot Springs on Belknap Springs Road.
Deposits, Payment Methods & Confirmation:
A minimum 50% deposit or credit card is required to secure a reservation, unless other arrangements have been made. For groups of 12 or more payment is due in full 48 days prior to your trip. After making your reservation, confirmation will be sent out with any additional information you may request. Last minute inquiries are welcome, please give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate you! We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Cancellations for river trips:
You may cancel your trip 30 days prior to the trip date for a full refund. Cancellations made 29 to 3 days prior to your scheduled trip will result in a $25.00 reservation fee, and a $100.00 per person fee for extended excursions. The balance will promptly be credited back to your credit card. Or, if you would like to reschedule your trip for later in the season, we will work with you to do this and apply the deposit amount to your new trip. We do not offer any refunds after your trip has been rescheduled. Sorry, but no refunds for cancellations made 48 hours or less from the trip date. If you schedule a trip for a group of 20 or more, you may finalize the number of people in your group a week before your trip without penalty. As always, we want to make sure you are happy, and will always work with you to achieve this.
Non-Performance:
We reserve the right to cancel any excursions due to unsafe water conditions, poor weather, and other circumstances beyond our control. If a trip is cancelled, you may choose to reschedule or we will promptly refund your deposit/payment in full.
Cancellation for schools: You may cancel your enrollment 14 days prior to the date for a full refund with a $50.00 filling and holding fee. Cancellations made 13 to 6 days prior to your scheduled trip will result in a none refund of deposit, any balance will be returned promptly. Sorry, but no refunds for cancellations made within five days of the start of the course.
