A Thrilling Whitewater Rafting Experience Near Eugene & Bend, Oregon!
Our half-day McKenzie River trip is our most popular for a reason. It delivers 14 miles of turquoise water, fun continuous rapids, and the kind of scenery families remember for years. We run two trips daily, morning and afternoon, making it easy to fit rafting into your travel day.
High Country Expeditions has been based in McKenzie Bridge since 1999, with meeting locations that make this trip an easy day trip from Eugene, Springfield, Sisters, Bend, and Black Butte Ranch. The McKenzie is our backyard river, offering exciting rafting through lush forest and crystal-clear water near the headwaters of this Wild & Scenic stretch. It is a premium, family-friendly rafting experience on one of Oregon’s most beautiful river corridors, close enough for an easy day trip from both Central Oregon and the Willamette Valley.
McKenzie River lodging guests save 10%. If you are staying at Belknap Hot Springs, Loloma Lodge, Eagle Rock Lodge, The Log Cabin Inn, or any other lodge or resort along the McKenzie River, choose your lodging location from the dropdown at checkout or mention where you are staying when you call to book.
What to Expect on this Trip
Why Choose the 1/2 Day McKenzie River Trip
- Best Section of the Upper Wild & Scenic Corridor: Raft 14 miles through one of the most beautiful stretches of the federally protected McKenzie River.
- Continuous, Super-Fun Whitewater: A perfect blend of splashy rapids and clear pools for a true McKenzie classic.
- High Fun, Low Stress: Engaging Class II–III whitewater appropriate for a wide range of ages and skill levels.
- Guest Favorite on the McKenzie: Our most-booked trip for good reason: big fun, stunning scenery, and an easy half-day format.
- Launch at Olallie or Frisell Boat Ramp: Located within the Wild & Scenic corridor for an immersive start-to-finish experience.
- Convenient Daily Departures: Summer meets at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Spring and fall trips meet at 11:30 AM.
- Efficient Meet-to-Launch Flow: Expect to be on the water about 45 minutes after your scheduled meet time.
- Flexible for Any Group Size: Ideal for families, couples, youth groups, corporate teams, and large gatherings.
- Explore More of the McKenzie Valley: Finish early and still have time for waterfalls, lava fields, hot springs, and old-growth trails.
- Black Butte Ranch Transportation: Round-trip shuttle service is available for Black Butte Ranch guests on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Which McKenzie trip is right for you?
For most guests, the half-day trip is the best place to start. It is our most popular McKenzie option for a reason: plenty of whitewater, beautiful scenery, and an easy fit for families, first-time rafters, and anyone wanting a fun, well-run river trip without committing a full day.
Choose the full-day trip if you want more river time, a riverside lunch, and a longer McKenzie experience.
Choose the 2-day overnight trip if you want the fullest McKenzie trip we offer, with more time on the river and an overnight camp.
McKenzie Full-Day Trip
Approx. 22 miles, more scenery, and a premium riverside lunch. All gear included. Experience the majority of the Upper McKenzie River.
McKenzie 2-Day Overnight Trip
Experience the entire McKenzie river with riverside camping, meals, and full support.
Meeting Location & Time
Meeting locations are a short drive from Eugene and Springfield, and an easy day trip from Sisters, Bend, and Black Butte Ranch. Trips meet at one of two designated locations along the river:
- Our kiosk at the Christian church in McKenzie Bridge (open in maps)
- The upper overflow parking area at Belknap Resort and Hot Springs (open in maps)
During early spring and fall, we offer a single trip each day and meet at 11:30 am to take advantage of the warmest part of the day.
Trips cover approximately 12 to 14 river miles depending on water levels, with about 2.5 hours of river time.
MEETING TIMES:
- Morning trips: 9:00 am
- Afternoon trips: 1:10 pm
- Single daily trip (early spring and fall): 11:30 am
IMPORTANT: Please read our detailed confirmation letter once you’ve booked for meeting location and directions.
Itinerary
After a quick introduction and required paperwork, we load into our vans and head to the boat launch. We provide all required paddling gear, including splash tops, wetsuits, and neoprene booties. These are available at no charge.
We start every trip with a clear, confidence-building safety talk and paddling instruction. Most groups are on the water about 30-40 minutes after meeting.
On the river, you will paddle as a team through continuous Class II to III rapids, surrounded by lush old growth forest. Our guides keep the vibe high and family-friendly with optional water fights, river games, and plenty of local knowledge along the way. Keep an eye out for osprey and blue herons fishing in the crystal clear water.
After your trip, swing by the McKenzie General Store and Obsidian Grill for fresh, locally sourced meals and a cold drink. Be sure to mention you rafted with High Country Expeditions to receive a 10% discount.
We recommend wool or synthetic river wear, hats, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. You are welcome to bring your own beverages (no glass). A dry bag is available on each trip for essential personal items.
Trip Includes
PADDLING GEAR: All necessary paddling gear is included. We provide life jackets and paddles, and offer splash tops, wetsuits, neoprene booties, and dry bags. Splash gear is provided automatically on cooler days. Please request gear any time you want extra warmth or comfort.
INSTRUCTIONS: Every trip begins with a river safety talk and paddling instruction.
Why Raft with High Country Expeditions?
High Country Expeditions has been guiding Oregon rivers since 1999. From the lush, forested beauty of the Upper McKenzie river to the warm high-desert canyons of the Deschutes river and the rugged, wild character of the Upper Klamath, we offer all-inclusive rafting trips with top-tier gear, experienced guides, and exceptional riverside meals. As a locally owned, founder-led outfitter based in Central Oregon, we design every trip to be safe, seamless, and truly memorable.
Your Trip, Designed Around You
From family rafting trips and multi-day adventures to group getaways, weddings, and company retreats, we build river experiences around your group. Whether you are planning a fun whitewater day on the Upper McKenzie, a sunny high-desert canyon trip on the Deschutes, or an exhilarating trip on the dam-free Upper Klamath, our team handles the details so you can focus on the river.
Notes on Pricing
• Federal land use & carbon fees are added at booking ($5 per guest on day trips; $30 on multi-day trips and courses).
• Group and return guest discounts available.
• Youth rates apply to guests 12 and under.
Other Trips You May Like
Lower Klamath 3 Day Rafting Trips
Lower Klamath 3 Day Rafting Trips
Owyhee 5 Day River Adventure
Owyhee 5 Day River Adventure
Lower Klamath 2 Rafting Trips
Lower Klamath 2 Rafting Trips
Upper Klamath Kikacéki ‘Wards Canyon’ 1 Day Adventure
Upper Klamath Kikacéki ‘Wards Canyon’ 1 Day Adventure
Upper Klamath ‘Hells Corner’ Classic 1 Day Trip
Upper Klamath ‘Hells Corner’ Classic 1 Day Trip
Deschutes River 3 Day Trip
Deschutes River 3 Day Trip
Deschutes River 2 Day Rafting & Camping Trip
Deschutes River 2 Day Rafting & Camping Trip
Deschutes River 1 Day Trip
Deschutes River 1 Day Trip
McKenzie River 2 Day Overnight Whitewater Rafting
McKenzie River 2 Day Overnight Whitewater Rafting
McKenzie River Full Day Whitewater Rafting
