Why Northwest
There’s a reason why each year 60-75% of our guests return or come to us through a friend or family referral. People choose Northwest Rafting Company because our trips are personal, professional, and unforgettable — the kind of experience that stays with you long after the last rapid.
We’re a small, guide-led business built on the belief that great river trips start with great people. From our easy online sign-up process to the moment you open your free trip photos afterward, everything we do is designed to be thoughtful and seamless.
Safety You Can Trust
Your safety is our top priority — on and off the water. While all our guides have at least current CPR & First Aid, many are also certified Wilderness First Responders and trained in swiftwater rescue, and many are qualified instructors through the International Rafting Federation (IRF).
We don’t just take safety courses — we teach them.
NWRC runs swiftwater rescue courses for private boaters and professional guides throughout the year, helping raise the standard of safety across the whitewater community. Our guides’ deep understanding of rescue principles comes from years of both learning and teaching, which means they know the techniques, risks, and responses inside and out.
That expertise translates directly to every trip we run — thoughtful preparation, professional leadership, and calm confidence in every situation.
“Our crew worked hard with a smile to make sure we were safe and taken care of. Every meal they made was gourmet — true artwork before our eyes.”
— Rogue River Guest, 2024
Genuine Guides with Experience
Our guides are the heart of NWRC — skilled boaters and kind humans who love sharing wild rivers and good company. They’re educators, storytellers, and lifelong adventurers who bring enthusiasm and authenticity to every trip.
You’ll see it in the way they remember guests by name, share river lore around the campfire, and laugh just as easily as they teach. Their professionalism and genuine joy set the tone for every day on the river.
“This trip was an unbelievable experience — the kind you’ll be talking about at dinner parties and using as your go-to ‘fun fact’ forever. Yes, the rafting was a blast and the nature stunning… but let’s be real: the GUIDES were the real magic.”
— Guest, Rogue River 2023
A Small, Guide-Owned Business
When you raft with NWRC, you’re supporting a small, guide-owned company built by people who live and breathe rivers. We’re not a large corporate outfitter — we’re a passionate, tight-knit team that cares deeply about every trip, every guest, and every river we run.
Our size allows for a personal touch on everything we do. When you email or call our office, you’re talking directly to the same small team that helps guide and run our trips — people who know these rivers firsthand.
It’s not uncommon to see Zach, Michael, or Courtney guiding a trip, rigging boats, or driving the take-out shuttle. That connection between the office and the river keeps our standards high and our community strong.
Sustainability and Stewardship
We believe that the best way to protect wild rivers is to share them — and to actively work for their protection beyond the water’s edge.
Each year, Zach travels to Washington, D.C. to meet with congressional leaders on behalf of public lands through the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (IOGA), advocating for policies that safeguard Wild and Scenic Rivers. He’s also a contributing member of America Outdoors, where he has presented seminars on safety and outfitter standards to help elevate best practices across the industry.
Our commitment to stewardship goes beyond advocacy — it’s part of our daily operations. We follow Leave No Trace principles on every trip, and our training programs help equip both guides and private boaters with the knowledge to keep river corridors healthy for generations to come.
Exceptional Food and Comfort
We take food seriously — and it shows. Our guides prepare fresh, creative meals that fuel adventure and comfort alike. From riverside breakfasts and hearty lunches to Dutch oven dinners and desserts, we make dining on the river something guests talk about long after the trip.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free — whatever your needs, we’ll make sure you eat well and feel cared for.
Recognition and Reputation
Our trips have been featured by National Geographic Traveler, Outside Magazine, and other leading outdoor publications. But the recognition we value most comes from our guests — the people who return, refer friends, and trust us to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime adventure every single time.
Ready to Join Us?
Experience what makes Northwest Rafting Company different. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable family vacation, a wilderness escape, or a chance to reconnect with nature, we’ll help you find the perfect trip.