Trip Tips
All of our trips are unique and require a little planning. We've listed below some details about what we provide, what to bring, what to wear and other helpful trip tips.
River Details
McKenzie River - Avg. water temp. 50 degrees
North Umpqua River - Avg. water temp. 54 degrees
Klamath River - Avg. water temp. 60 degrees
Cal-Salmon River - Avg. water temp. 48 degrees during raftable season (the river temp. gets up to 80 degrees in mid summer)
Rogue River - Avg. water temp. 58 degrees
For more detailed or other river information please feel free to contact us.
What We Provide
Coast Guard approved type V life preservers
Dry bags and all safety equipment
Paddle jackets
Paddle pants - when required or requested
Booties (neoprene river shoes) when requested
Wetsuits when requested
Self-bailing rafts
Gourmet 3 course riverside meals (provided on full and custom trips)
Shuttle service from the take-out
Experienced and personable guides
Loads of fun!
What to Wear
Wear clothing you won’t mind getting wet from spray and splashing waves. For warmer weather we suggest swimwear or shorts, soft-soled shoes or sandals (leather not recommended), a hat and sun protection. For cooler weather, bring a wool hat, a pile sweater and other warm clothing for during and after the trip. We suggest you avoid cotton socks and denim pants, synthetics and wool are Highly recommended.
Overnight camping trips
We provide:
All Kitchen and essential camping gear
Tents - when requested
Sleeping mats - when requested
Chairs & tables
Great adventure stories
Personal Gear List:
A warm sleeping bag (compact in a stuff sack)
A rain jacket and pants or poncho
Clothes for warm weather: bathing suit, towel, shorts, t-shirts and sandles
Clothes for cold weather: one pair of long pants, one long sleeve shirt, heavy sweater (non-cotton), or a medium weight jacket, hat, non-cotton long underwear and socks, dry shoes or sneakers for camp.
**Fleece is an inexpensive and effective insulator and dries quickly.
Flashlight, extra batteries
Water bottle
Toiletries, personal hygiene items and medications
Optional Items
Sunglasses and brimmed hat
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Camera and film
Beer, wine or liquor
Musical instrument
Paper back book
Personal fishing gear (with valid liscense)
Pillow
Safety
Our number one concern is your safety!
All HCE river guides hold a certificate as Whitewater Rescue or Swift-water Technicians, certified in CPR, Advanced First Aid and trained in a variety of river rescue techniques. This is an exceptional standard of training only met by approximately 1%-5% of outfitters. No matter what type of adventure you may be involved with at HCE, we will provide you with the finest equipment available.
Our boats are high-end self-bailers made locally, right here in the Northwest. Every boat is fully equipped with rescue gear and First Aid kits. All of our trips will begin with a complete safety orientation. When choosing a river company for your next adventure ask about the training their guides receive (all of the guides, not just the "lead guides")!
Guides & Gratuities
Guides are like your personal waiters, they know their tasks and are highly skilled people. What makes them really special is that they are sharing what they truly love with you and work very hard to make your days adventure the best it possibly can be.
A lot of folks often mention how guiding is the ultimate job – outdoors, on the river…- it is! But it entails a lot of hard work, lots of training, sacrifice (training & time), dedication and the days begin long before the initial trip and end long after the trip is over. In other words, river guides definitely don’t do it for the money, but for the love of what their doing and a chance to share these amazing places and experiences with others.
Guides are paid a set rate per and type of trip they are leading, which is equal to a basic hourly daily wage.
High Country guides devote themselves wholeheartedly in making each and every trip the finest possible, thus if you notice your guides going above and beyond in making your day special or they add that little something, please feel free but not obligated in extending a gratuity for a job well done.
Photography
A Professional photographer is available for special events, please inquire ahead.
Children
Most are welcome on all trips. You’ll find rafting a perfect family experience. Age or size requirements may vary with different water levels and river sections. Please call and check for details.
Special Needs
We believe the magic of a river experience is not limited to just those who are “able bodied.” Please call us, we look forward in giving our best effort to accommodate you and enhance the experience.
Groups, Students & Corporate Trips
We cater to most any size groups and company outings. With a wide variety of trips and crafts to choose from we have something for almost any occasion. From Wedding parties, team building and scneic group pontoon floats. Call and let us customized “your day on the river!”
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.