For the 51st anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Senator Ron Wyden has asked for help protecting more of Oregon’s waterways. What a great time for the state’s lesser-know waterways to gain protection! After all, Oregon boasts 2,173 miles of iconic rivers in the Wild and Scenic program already—the Rogue, Illinois, Owyhee, Deschutes, Clackamas, Snake, John Day, and McKenzie being a few of the better-known. Some 250 of those miles were protected earlier this year. Wild and Scenic River Protections In 1968 Congress saw… Read More
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Still looking for that perfect landscape photo or Instagram selfie? The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is a great place for photographers to hike and capture sweeping vistas of the vast Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The Middle Fork Trail follows the first 80 miles of the river from Boundary Creek to Big Creek, allowing for access to countless river views and side trails. You and your camera might like these suggestions for hikes that hide some breathtaking landscape and selfie photo moments. Mile… Read More
This week I got to know former raft guide and current co-owner of Serenade, Kaela Fox. She and her partner (& fiancé!) Austin organize beautiful events in and around Portland, combining their two passions: local food and local music. Once a year they bring those two lovely elements to our Serenade Rogue River trip, making for an incredible feast of the senses. 1. When did you start working as a river guide? I started working for ECHO River Trips in 2011. As the child of former… Read More
Whitewater paddlers should carry rafting safety kits and obtain safety/rescue training – especially on rivers that are Class III and harder. Safety kits (also known as “wrap kits” or “pin kits”) contain equipment that can be used to unpin rafts, rescue trapped swimmers, and/or transport people and gear around dangerous rapids. A few years ago I wrote an article about the heavy duty outfitter safety kit we bring on our multi-day commercial trips. For day trips with paddle boats or catarafts I bring a slimmed down… Read More
I’m often asked by guests about what type of footwear they should bring on their river trip. It’s a good idea to have river shoes that stay on your feet and separate camp shoes that are comfortable for hiking or wearing around camp. While technically any shoe that will stay strapped to your foot will work, here are my top picks. River Shoes: Astral Footwear Astral Shoes are our guide’s favorite do-it-all shoe. You can easily go from rafting to hiking with these river shoes. My… Read More
Bhutan is a small mountain kingdom nestled in the Himalayan Mountains between India and China. Each November we organize a few small groups tours to explore its monasteries (lhakhang), fortresses (dzongs) and rivers (chhu). Are we in Bhutan for 12 days? Our trip itinerary is 12 days and we are in Bhutan for 9 days. The itinerary includes two days of travel at beginning and one day at the end. You will be responsible for booking your flight to and from Bangkok, but we will arrange… Read More
Personal Floatation Device (PFD) A PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is the single most important piece of safety gear you own since it helps keep your head above water. Beyond comfort and style, there are a few other things you should consider: Choose bright colors, such as red, orange, and yellow that make you visible to a rescuer. Get as much flotation as possible without giving up too much range of motion. If you’re overweight and/or pear shaped you should consider a PFD that works with leg… Read More
The Rogue River is a classic multi-day river trip enjoyed by thousands of people every year. Protected as one of the original eight Wild and Scenic Rivers in 1968 this gem offers great rapids, spectacular camps, awesome side hikes, and so much human history. One of the most famous places on the Rogue River is Blossom Bar Rapid, commonly referred to as “the most expensive rapid in the West.” You can find countless stories and YouTube videos of success and mishap with a quick search of… Read More
We are excited that the Oregon Wildlands Act is now law. Signed by President Trump on March 12th, the bill is another step forward to increasing land and river protections throughout the state. The Oregon Wildlands Act The Oregon Wildlands Act was a 10 year effort introduced by Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio as well as Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkeley. The bill is part of a larger public lands package called the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S. 47). For… Read More
Mule Creek Canyon is often one of the most memorable parts of our Rogue River trips for both guests and guides. It is one of my favorites too due to its mix of scenery, geology, and unique whitewater. Where is Mule Creek Canyon? Mule Creek Canyon is a half-mile stretch that emerges in the second half of the Rogue River trip, just above a large rapid known as Blossom Bar. Two geologic formations frame the river. If you get the chance to look to your left,… Read More