White water rafting adventures on the McKenzie river provide fun at every turn. Flowing east to west through the heart of the Cascade Mountains, the McKenzie is a classic alpine river. Cascading down through a canyon blanketed in pine, this river is a crystal clear jewel with an abundance of dancing rapids. From its headwaters of the glaciers and snowfields over 10,000 feet above sea level to the confluence with the mighty Willamette River, the McKenzie is a river rich in history and scenery. Combined with world class fishing and classic whitewater, the McKenzie is a place of recreation and wilderness splendor.

The McKenzie River is located about three hours south east of Portland, Oregon. It is midway between Bend and Eugene, on the western slopes of the central Oregon Cascade mountains. With easy access from several metropolitan areas, yet remaining relatively isolated in the heart of the Cascades, the McKenzie is the perfect river for weekend getaways or for vacationers looking for a unique way to experience Oregon's fantastic high country.

The McKenzie Trip
We offer McKenzie trips through our affiliate outfitter, Destination Wilderness. The McKenzie River Trip is offered from March to October. Our trip typically takes place on a 10-mile stretch of the upper McKenzie, where the rapids come in quick succession and the river winds through stretches of roadless canyon, or on the 12-mile section of the middle McKenzie, where fun class II and III rapids are mixed with scenic calms. On all of our full-day or longer trips we stop around mid-day for a gourmet deli-style lunch, which includes sandwiches with all the fixings, fruit, beverages, cookies, juice, and more. After the break we get back on the river for more whitewater. We reach our take-out between 3 and 4 p.m. Our half-day trips include a snack and beverages at the end of the run. These whitewater runs on the McKenzie are great trips for those looking for lots of fun but not overwhelming rapids and great mountain scenery. One-half to two-day trips are available. Two-day trips include portions of the middle and upper river.

One-half, one and two day trips are available on this stretch. Two day trips include two lunches, happy hour beverages and snacks, an incredible multi-course riverside dinner, piping hot breakfast, camping, and two full days of rafting. Also, be sure to check out our incredible two day adventure on the McKenzie: Raft, Draft, and Cast! This trip includes one day of rafting, an evening of microbrew tasting, a day of fly fishing instruction or a guided hike, soaking in natural hot springs, showers, camping accommodations, and all of the delicious meals described above!

Our trips feature skilled, experienced and licensed professional river guides (and they are real friendly too!); the best river gear available, including self-bailing rafts, safety equipment, and Coast Guard approved life jackets; gourmet meals (one day trips include a filling, deli-style lunch, and celebration snacks and beverages at the end of the trip, and two day trips include all meals beginning with lunch on the first day); transportation from the rendezvous to put in; and all other amenities listed below for the specific trips.

What to Bring and Wear
Shorts, t-shirts and sport sandals or tennis shoes are usually suitable for summer McKenzie trips. The water is cold, however, and days can at times be cool, especially if the wind comes up. Please also bring a sweater and wind breaker or rain gear in case you get cold. Synthetic jackets (pile) or wool sweaters are recommended. All of this clothing will get wet. Therefore, be sure to bring an extra "dry" set of clothes for after the trip. In the Spring you will need all of the clothing listed above and as well as a wetsuit, which is available to rent from Destination Wilderness.

The Rendezvous
Typically, two-day McKenzie trips meet at 9:30 am at the Adventure River Center. One-day and morning half-day trips meet at the our store in Sisters at 8:30 am, or at the Adventure River Center at 9:30 am. Afternoon half-day trips generally meet at the Adventure River Center at 2:30 pm. Our store in Sisters is located at 161 N. Elm, in the heart of downtown, across from the Chamber of Commerce. We provide shuttle service from Sisters to the McKenzie on most days. The Adventure River Center is located approximately 10 miles east of Vida and fifteen miles west of the town of McKenzie Bridge on the north side of Hwy. 126. It is just upstream from Mom's Pies, at Milepost 36 of Hwy. 126.

Getting to the McKenzie Area
From the west and north, take I-5 South to the Highway 105/126 East exit. After passing through the town of Springfield you head up the McKenzie Canyon on Highway 126. Pass through the towns of Walterville and Vida and follow the rendezvous instructions above.
From the south, take I-5 North to Highway 126 east, and follow the directions above.
From the east, take Highway 126 and Highway 20 through Sisters and on to Santiam Pass. Head south on Highway 126 after going over Santiam Pass. You will pass Sahalie Falls and Olallie Campground before reaching the Hwy. 242 junction and McKenzie Bridge. Paradise Campground is approximately three miles east of the town of McKenzie Bridge. The Advenure River Center is located 15 miles west of McKenzie Bridge.

What We Provide
Professional, skilled, experienced and licensed river guides (and they are real friendly too!).
The best river gear available, including self-bailing rafts, safety equipment, and Coast Guard approved life jackets. We also bring along inflatable kayaks on many trips!
Gourmet meals. All one-day trips include a filling, deli-style lunch and celebration snacks and beverages at the end of the trip. Two-day trips include two great lunches, happy-hour hors doevres and beverages, a gourmet, multi-course dinner, and a steaming hot breakfast.
Shuttle between the rendezvous and river.

Why Choose Destination Wilderness For Your McKenzie Trip?
Destination Wilderness offers the most complete McKenzie trips available. We have a store and office near the launch point and are proud to be a member of the McKenzie Valley community and Chamber of Commerce. Consider all that we provide on this great river:

Secure Parking Areas. Since we meet at our store and office your vechicle need not sit on the side of a lightly used highway. You can also store valuables in our office.

Indoor Changing Room and Bathroom. Our store provides space for you to change into and out of your river wear. In addition, you have full access to our bathroom.

At Least Two Boats and Two Guides Per Trip. On all of our McKenzie trips we always have at least two licensed guides on the water. We believe that the safest possible trip starts with appropriate staffing. Therefore, we always have at least two boats and two guides on each trip.

Photograph Viewing Area. While you are on the river we snap digital photos as you head down through the rapids. At trips end you can see first hand in our McKenzie river store your whitewater thrills.

Full Safety Orientation and Gear. Before each McxKenzie trip we provide a thorough safety presentation. As part of our full safety gear ensemble when needed wetsuits and paddle jackets are provided.

Shuttle Options from Central Oregon and Nearby Resorts. Our base in Sisters and on the river allows us to provide transportation for groups from nearby resorts and communities. Please contact our office for details.

Lodging and Multi-Activity Vacation Options. In conjunction with our affiliate company, the Adventure River Center, we offer vacation home rental lodging and a full plate of outdoor activity options such as rafting, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, and more!

Simply put, we believe we offer the finest McKenzie trip available.

2007 Trip Costs:
Please add 6% govt./land use fee to the below prices.

Half-Day: $59 per adult; $44 per youth (under 16).
Includes snack, guides, gear, and river shuttle

Full-Day: $85 per adult; $70 per youth.
Includes gourmet, deli-style lunch, guides, gear, and shuttle.

Two-Day: $295 per adult; $265 per youth.
Includes two gourmet, deli-style lunches, happy hour beverages and snack, exceptional multi-course dinner, delicious hot breakfast, guides, rafting gear, camping, and shuttle. Does not include personal camping gear. This can be rented from Destination Wilderness. Lodging option may be available for an extra fee.

For trip dates and to answer any questions you may have please call 800-423-8868 or write to us at info@AdventureRiverCenter.com. We look forward to rafting the McKenzie with you!