Hi there, We just wanted to thank High Country for making this the best rafting experience ever. We were so worried that the kids would be to scared or just not like it - but after going rafting on the McKenzie with Georg and Quin - we're already planning our next rafting trip. Thank you so much, and the attention to detail was impressive. Sincerely, Ann Meyer
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> Rivers
Guided Family Rafting trips on Oregon and California rivers including; the McKenzie River, Rogue River, Upper Klamath River, Cal-Salmon River, Scott River, Lower Klamath River.
High Country Expeditions offers whitewater river rafting and adventure trips on these wild & scenic rivers: Oregon’s McKenzie River, Upper Klamath River, Rogue River and others. Also in California on the Cal-Salmon River, Scott River, Klamath River and many other amazing Whitewater rafting rivers throughout Oregon, California and beyond.
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1/2 Day McKenzie River Whitewater Rafting
The half day McKenzie rafting trip is our most popular. It is perfect
for small and large groups, kids and veteran river folk alike.
We offer two launch times to choose from daily.
Morning and Afternoon trips meet at 9:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. in front of our McKenzie River office located at Belknap Resort and
Hot Springs. (**Belknap guests receive a discount on all 1/2 day
rafting trips.) In the fall, we offer trips meeting at noon to take
advantage of the warmest part of the day.
 After
the initial paper work 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. We provide everyone with all
necessary paddling gear once we reach the boat launch. This includes
paddle jackets (a nylon top with
neoprene wrists and neck cuffs), splash pants (made from urethane
coated nylon) and booties. These items 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 miutes. from the time we meet.
We work as a team on the river and maneuver our way through fun
continuous rapids, old growth forest and engage in fun water activities
(water fighting, river games and always a fun and engaging experience
with your guides) while observing Osprey and Blue Herons fishing. 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!
The trips are approximately 10 to 14 river miles long depending on water
levels. You are always guaranteed approximately 2 1/2 hours on the
river. At the end of 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 the relaxing 100+ degree hot springs pool, walk beautiful and
lavish flower garden trails and browse our store for souvenirs,
including maps, books, shirts, hats and much more.
Base half-day rates $60.00 Adults / $45.00 Kids
Discounts available for groups, corporate outings and other special
occasions. Please call to get more details, or check out the specials
page.
See pricing details Book a Trip Now
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Full Day McKenzie River Whitewater Rafting
Trips meet at 9:45 AM in front of our McKenzie River office, located at
Belknap Resort and Hot Springs, unless special arrangments have been
made to be picked up or to meet at the boat launch. 
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 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 and maneuver our way through fun
continuous rapids, passing through old growth forest and engage in fun
water activities (water fighting, river games and always a fun and
engaging experience with your guides) while observing Osprey and Blue
Herons fishing. The river is crystal clear, full of
history and has 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, walk beautiful and
lavish flower garden trails and browse our store for souvenirs,
including maps, books, shirts, hats and much more.
 Full-day trips include a delicious 3 course riverside lunch served by your guide.
Base full-day rates $90.00 Adults / $73.00 Kids
Discounts available for groups, corporate outings and other special occasions- please call to get more details.
See pricing details Book a Trip Now
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Two Day Overnight McKenzie River Whitewater Rafting
Our two day overnight rafting trips allow you to see the upper and lower sections of the river with a relaxing overnight camp-out in between the two. 
The first day is much like our regular full-day rafting trip. But, when
you get off the river, we head to one of our beautiful campsites where
all you need to do is show up and enjoy the evening. All of your gear
will be awaiting your arrival, and tents and camp will be fully assembled when you arrive.
We customize each trip for individual needs and desires. This means you
can choose a traditional campsite, or one of our more luxurious
campsites at Belknap Lodge and Hotsprings, complete with showers,
indoor restroom facilities and 102 degree hotspring pools.
Once you arrive at camp, sit around the fire and relax, read a book,
fly-fish, go for a nature walk or play cards while your guides prepare
you a gourmet dinner. The next day, awake to hot tea or coffee
and a hearty breakfast. After enjoying your morning meal, we will start
a new adventure on the lower section of the river for another day of
beautiful scenery and exciting rapids. Don't worry about packing up
your tents or breaking down camp, your guides will do this for you.
One of the great things about these overnight trips is that you don't
have to worry about not having your tent or sleeping gear with you
because we can provide all of these things for you. We supply tents, sleeping bags (there is $15 per bag cleaning / sanitizing fee), sleeping pads, chairs, hand-washing station and all the kitchen accessories you will need for a first rate overnight trip. Just let us know when booking your trip what you will need.
At the end of the second day, we can either take you back up river
to our office at Belknap Lodge so you can soak in the hotsprings and
see pictures from your trip, or we can have your car waiting for you
right at the take-out. The choice is yours. We are also willing to
customize overnight trips to fit your schedule and needs, so call us
today with your ideas!
Base 2-Day w/Overnight rates $280.00 Adults / $250.00 Kids
Discounts available for groups, corporate outings and other
special occasions- please call to get more details, or check out the
specials page.
See pricing details Book a Trip Now
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Rafting Trips
High Country Expeditions offers excursions on the majority of the McKenzie River. To better suit our clients needs we have broken the river down into three main sections.
Discounts available for groups, corporate outings and other special occasions- please call to get more details.
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Upper Klamath River Full Day Whitewater Rafting Trip
Upper Klamath River Full day trip overview All Upper Klamath
rafting trips launch at Spring Island boat ramp, located below John C.
Boyel Dam. Trip launching times are coordinated with peak water
releases from the Dam, ensuring optimal water levels and guaranteed
excitement.
The first 4 miles of the run consists of a few Class II & III+
rapids with mellow stretches and spectacular scenery. A true and
timeless Old West allure is always present in this isolated and history
rich filled canyon. 
Once you reach the canyon, the excitement of the "Hell's Corner" run
begins with the first major rapid of the day. Caldera, a long,
technical Class IV+ rapid, gets the adrenaline pumping and is followed
by more than 40 thrilling (but not overwhelming) rapids intertwined
with high, abrupt drops and non-stop breathtaking excitement. After
having experienced some of the most exciting whitewater in the NW,
we'll pull off the river approximately halfway through the Hell's
Corner portion of the adventure for a wonderful and hearty gourmet
lunch. High Country Expeditions is not just known for great river trips
and professional guides, but also for our truly gourmet,
fresh and delicious riverside meals. The meals are served right
on the river bank, suited and designed to your needs by your
guide. We also cater to most dietary needs and desires.
After lunch it's time to get back in the saddle and ride the remaining
and always exciting Upper Klamath rapids. Once out of the Canyon,
you'll enjoy a 1-3 miles relaxing class 2 cool down period before the
take-out. There are 3 access points to take out and these are
determined by time and weather. 
High Country Expeditions also offers two-day rafting trips on this
exciting portion of the river river. On our overnight trips, High
Country Expeditions guests camp near the California/Oregon Stateline
and enjoy a pleasant afternoon and evening by testing their skills at
catching wild trout, swimming in the usually warm waters or just
relaxing and discussing the day's run. On the second day we run the
best six mile stretch again starting from the old Frain Ranch site and
continuing until we reach Copco Lake. Because the water on the Upper
Klamath is dam controlled, the levels are consistent throughout the
summer and make this a popular late summer run. Upper Klamath River Location & brief description
The Klamath river begins in the Cascades of southern Oregon near
Klamath Falls and runs out of Klamath Lake down for approximately 17
mile into Copco Lake just south of the California-Oregon Border.
Located along the Pacific Flyway, the Upper Klamath river provides
habitat for an abundance of birds such as eagles, osprey, pelicans,
herons and more. The Upper Klamath River carves its way through the
volcanic Cascade mountain range, offering a glimpse into the Wild West
of the past. Hell's Corner Canyon is full of old west flavor.
High buttes crown the canyon rims, abandoned settler's cabins are
visible on the banks and waterfalls and rapids are known by names like
Hell's Corner, Wells Fargo, Gunsmoke, Stageline, Branding Iron, Wild
Card, Jackass, Ambush and Ol' Bushwacker. This run offers some of the
most exciting whitewater rafting on the west coast! Base Full-day rate $145.00 *Discounts available! Base Two-day rate $355.00 *Discounts available! *Youth - there is a 12 year age limit on this section of whitewater.* See pricing details Book a Trip Now
Upper Klamath River History For many years
before the first settlers, the Klamath River was home to the Karok,
Modoc, and Yurok Indian tribes. The Klamath was the life blood of the
Native Americans who relied on it for its abundance of salmon and
trout. The name "Klamath" was derived from an Indian word "Tlamatl"
which means "swiftness" in Chinook.
The Gold Rush of 1850-51 brought many miners and left a rich history.
The miners caused a terrible disruption in the lives of the Native
Americans of the area by damming and diverting water for mining
purposes, which made it difficult for spawning salmon and other fish
populations. There are remnants of old mining sites, old hotels,
brothels and hot spring resorts along the lower portion of the Upper
Klamath river. Only a few years ago the Upper Klamath was known only to
a private river runner from Oregon, Jack Leroy. Dean Monroe, head of
Wilderness Adventures of Redding, floated the river in 1979 and passed
the word that the "Hell's Corner Run" was comparable to the Tuolumne.
(Monroe invented the name Hell's Corner, wrote a song about the river,
and christened most of the rapids as well.) Excerpted from California White Water by Jim Cassady and Fryar Calhoun
In the early 1980s, the town of Klamath Falls proposed to build the
Salt Caves Dam. This dam would wipe out the Hell's Corner section of
the river. Years of heated debates began. In 1986, the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) was directed to study the Klamath River for possible
induction into "The National Wild and Scenic River System." Finally in
1994, the 11 miles of canyon from the J.C. Boyle Powerhouse to the
Oregon-California state line were designated a federal Wild and Scenic
River. This designation provides federal and state protection to the
outstanding values of the river and its canyon.
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California Salmon Whitewater Rafting Adventure
The Ultimate Wild & Scenic Experience
High Country Expeditions offers one, two,
and three day trips on this river. Generally,
the first day of multi-day trips are on the
lower run flowing through a magnificent gorge with waterfalls gracing the marbled granite cliffs. This run starts with class III and IV rapids preparing us for the highlight, class IV+ Gaping Maw. This lower section is filled with plenty of exciting whitewater, but is only just a prelude of what’s to come on the infamous Nordheimer Gorge upriver. 
The upper run through the Nordheimer Gorge (the second day of multi-day trips) is a continuum of raftable waterfalls with long turbulent rapids, somersaulting waves, enormous sucking holes, and plenty of boulders to maneuver around. The run begins immediately with class IV+ rapids such as Bloomer’s Falls, Lewis Creek Falls, and Airplane Turn. Along the way you’ll also be challenged with the rapids Achilles Heel and Whirling Dervish. The thrills continue with the class IV+ Cascade Falls, Last Chance, and the grand finale of class V Freight Train.
High Country Expeditions does recommend previous paddling experience, although this river may seem extremely challenging, it is very family friendly. With the various choices of river sections to raft, the California Salmon River does have something for everyone! We do have a 14 yr age requirement on the California Salmon, but you are offered a choice when it comes to which section to raft. From a class 2-3 section, a class 3-4 section or the class 5 section witch over the years has been downgraded some by our guides do to the number of trips which they have guided here. Your guides may also decide on which river section to raft depending on a variety of factors such as; the water levels, weather, client group make up and such. As always safety and your enjoyment are our number one concern on every excursion! Our trips are conducted on paddle rafts , as well as stern assist paddle raft configurations.
See pricing details Book a Trip Now
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2008 Slammin' Salmon Memorial Day Weekend
Come join us Memorial Day weekend on the California Salmon River, for the best and most exciting whitewater rafting and camping experience in the Pacific Northwest.  The California Salmon River is considered the best whitewater rafting river in the West, it offers class I-III sections for beginners and intermediate rafters and class IV-V sections for folks wanting the ultimate rafting experience.
A base camp is set-up near Nordheimer campground located 16 miles east of Sommes Bar California, on the banks of the Cal-Salmon. The weekend adventure includes all beverages, meals and all rafting gear (wet-suits, booties, helmets...) guides, a private High Country camp site and a guaranteed great time. The total price for the weekend is $395.00 per person, family members and friends not interested in rafting but joining the group for camping and meals, hiking or biking in the area are welcome for a meal and camping fee.
Day one is spent on the class 4+ Butler section of the Salmon, which flows into the Klamath river. This day will begin approximately at 10:15 am and should conclude back at camp by 5:30'ish. Where appetizers and a fine dining style meal will be waiting for us.
Day two will begin around 10:30 am, we'll launch from "Nordheimer" boat launch and embark on one of the most exciting sections of whitewater in the country. We should be getting back to base camp around 5:00'ish and again have a gourmet meal waiting for us.
 Day three will have 2 choices, we'll either run the same section as we did on day two or we'll pack up and drive approximately 1 hour to the Scott river and raft the class 5 section of this incredible spring-time whitewater river. The day will conclude with lunch and then people will have the option to stay or head home.
Overall camp & trip details:
On this adventure, as on all of our overnight base camping trips, we pay special attention to detail when it comes to our camp and the atmosphere that we'll be in. The river is amazing, so is the environment as well as the scenery, all of our gear, guides and overall trip is always top of the line. Thus, we make sure that our camp is as complete as it possible can be. Just because we're camping in the wilderness does not mean that we'll have to be uncomfortable, cold or dirty.
We provide an amazing camp shelter systems (with a wood stove if needed), huge and clean kitchens, a hot camp shower as well as seating and lounging areas with a hammock - This is just to give folks an idea of how amazing this adventure truly is.
We hope to see you on the river soon.
Cheers, from the crew at High Country Expeditions
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5 Day Rafting Adventures
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7 Day Rafting Adventures
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Scott River & Cal-Salmon River multi-day whitewater
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Scott River 1 day whitewater adventure
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip
The seven mile half-day rafting trip is a very unique opportunity for anyone to experience whitewater.
Beginning with class I rapids and progressing in order through class II, III and finishing with two exhilarating class IV rapids; Hayes falls & Powerhouse. High Country guides always offer folks not looking to engage in class IV rafting the option to walk around the last two rapids.
We offer three great options of raft configurations:
Paddle rafting, where the entire crew works as a team in powering and maneuvering the boat down the river.
Stern assists, an option used to give the guide extra control and power in assisting you on the journey is our most popular method on the Rogue. It gives you more time to take in the scenery and still be a part of the trip; it is also a nice feature to have on the flat stretches of water.
*The Expedition frame configuration is the ideal set-up for folks not wanting to paddle but still get wet and run rapids. (*This option must be requested at time of booking.)
Base half-day rates
$70.00 Adults / $55.00 Kids
Discounts available for groups, corporate outings and other special occasions- please call to get more details.
See pricing details Book a Trip Now
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Full Day Rafting Trip
Our Full-day Rogue River rafting adventure is approximately 11 miles of fun and excitement.
Beginning with class I rapids and progressing in order through class II, III and finishing with two exhilarating class IV rapids; Hayes falls & Powerhouse. On this adventure a wonderful and delicious riverside 3 course lunch will be served by your guides. We cater to any dietary requirements: vegetarian, vegan or special diets. Following lunch, which takes anywhere from 45 min. to 1.50 hrs depending on eating time and socialization, we'll continue on the second half of our journey down the Rogue.
The lower portion of the Rogue offers mellow and fun class I & II rapids. It's an ideal stretch of water for the adventurous participants to try boating solo or tandem in our Inflatable Kayaks*. These boats are very beginner friendly, lots of fun, simple and extremely exciting to navigate down the river on your own or with a friend or partner safely. Your guides are always nearby to help and teach you with the “IK’s”. For those of you not interested in kayaking just relax, stay in the raft and let the day go by enjoying the scenery and splendor of the Rogue as we make our way down river to the Valley of the Rogue State Park, which is where your adventure will end, until next time.
*Inflatable Kayaks are only available on Full-day adventures.
*There must be a total of at least 8 guest reserved for the full day trip to be possible.
Base full-day rates
$120.00 Adults / $100.00 Kids
Discounts available for groups, corporate outings and other special occasions- please call to get more details.
See pricing details Book a Trip Now
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Scenic Float on the Rogue River
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High Country Expeditions leads whitewater rafting trips on some of the finest scenic rivers in Oregon and California.
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