Professional River Safety Standards
Whitewater rafting safety has guided every trip we have run since 1999. High Country Expeditions operates on the McKenzie, Deschutes, Owyhee, Cal-Salmon and Klamath Rivers with certified guides, professional-grade equipment, and a clear, repeatable safety process that helps guests feel confident before we ever leave the riverbank.
Certified Guides and Ongoing Training
All High Country Expeditions guides maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications and complete professional Swiftwater Rescue training. Many of our guides hold Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or higher, supported by ongoing in-house training and mentorship.
The Pre-Trip Safety Process
Every trip begins with a structured, professional safety orientation before we leave the riverbank. We cover paddle commands, how to position yourself in the raft, what to do if you enter the water, and how our guides manage spacing and river features. This ensures families and first-time rafters understand exactly what to expect.
Raft Configurations We Offer
We match the raft setup to your group, the river, and the day’s conditions. Depending on the trip, we may use one of three professional configurations:
Paddle Raft (Guide + Paddlers)
Guests paddle while the guide also paddles and steers the raft with the team’s help. This is an engaging, hands-on option that’s great for most day trips and groups who want to be part of the action.Stern-Frame Oar Raft (Guide on Oars + Optional Paddlers)
The guide sits in the back of the raft and rows with oars for added control, while guests can still assist with paddling when appropriate. This setup is ideal for families with small kids, guests with limited mobility, and it’s the configuration we often choose for bigger whitewater and higher-control situations.Center-Frame Gear Raft (Multi-Day / Gear Carrying)
Used primarily on multi-day trips, this setup allows us to carry more gear while keeping a stable, comfortable seating platform for guests in the front and/or back. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to travel with the added advantage of increased load capacity for camping equipment and camp kitchens.
Professional Safety Equipment Included
What we provide on every trip:
- High-float, commercial-grade Type V Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
- Commercial-grade rafts built for stability and control
- Properly fitted paddles for all ages
- Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene booties (no extra charge)
- Dry bags available for essential personal items
Local River Knowledge Matters
With over 25 years of professional guiding on Oregon’s McKenzie, Deschutes, Owyhee, Cal-Salmon and Klamath Rivers (if referring to both CA & OR stretches). We match groups to the appropriate river section and current conditions.
