There are a lot of things to love about river trips—they just might be the best kind of vacation (okay, we’ll admit we’re a little biased). But the truth is, different people enjoy river trips for different reasons. Some come for the whitewater, others for quality family bonding time, and plenty for the chance to unplug. Here, we break down –in no particular order– what guests say they love most about their time on the river. Spending Time in the Wilderness There’s a difference between just… Read More
Author: Michael Hughes
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For many travelers, Bhutan holds a special place on the bucket list—an elusive kingdom where ancient traditions blend with modern life, and time seems to slow down. Since 2010, Northwest Rafting Company has made it a tradition to visit this magical Himalayan country every fall. Road improvements are connecting its rural mountain villages to bustling cities, opening up more opportunities for adventure in this serene, unspoiled land. This year, we decided to take things up a notch and explore something special: a multi-day river trip on… Read More
Thailand vs Bhutan While not required, we suggest starting your trip in Bangkok, Thailand. Arriving there a day or two before your flight to Bhutan will help you adjust to the time change. The weather will factor into your packing as it is quite different between Thailand and Bhutan. Thailand is hot and humid whereas Bhutan tends to be much cooler and less humid. Consider bringing an outfit just for Thailand that may get sweaty that you don’t need in Bhutan. If you are planning a… Read More
Big red canyon walls and miles of rolling river through remote south eastern Oregon puts the Owyhee on many river enthusiasts list. As you start planning your trip you quickly begin to learn the brutal nature of spring in the Owyhee Canyonlands. A truly fickle snowpack and river flow can go from perfect to nothing in a day or two, but back to great with a perfectly planned storm. Many keep their eye on the snow all winter only to be disappointed when it melts at… Read More
For the 51st anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Senator Ron Wyden has asked for help protecting more of Oregon’s waterways. What a great time for the state’s lesser-know waterways to gain protection! After all, Oregon boasts 2,173 miles of iconic rivers in the Wild and Scenic program already—the Rogue, Illinois, Owyhee, Deschutes, Clackamas, Snake, John Day, and McKenzie being a few of the better-known. Some 250 of those miles were protected earlier this year. Wild and Scenic River Protections In 1968 Congress saw… Read More
The Rogue River is a classic multi-day river trip enjoyed by thousands of people every year. Protected as one of the original eight Wild and Scenic Rivers in 1968 this gem offers great rapids, spectacular camps, awesome side hikes, and so much human history. One of the most famous places on the Rogue River is Blossom Bar Rapid, commonly referred to as “the most expensive rapid in the West.” You can find countless stories and YouTube videos of success and mishap with a quick search of… Read More
Tucked into the Northeast corner or Oregon, tumbling out of the Blue Mountains, is the Grande Ronde River. A gem for rafters and kayakers looking for multi-day trip with excellent camps, awesome wildlife, and spectacular big canyon views. This is a unique trip because it actually starts on the Wallowa River, enters the Grande Ronde 9 miles into the trip, and finishes at the confluence with the Wenaha River at Troy. All three are designated as National Wild and Scenic Rivers. With snowpack around parts of… Read More
Welcome to Bangkok! This bustling city is full of adventures and activities. It can be intimidating and chaotic but give it a little time and you may feel right at home. On your way to and from our Rivers and Dzongs of Bhutan trips you will travel through Bangkok where you can adjust to the time zone, explore the city, and slowly begin to enjoy your vacation. Bangkok is a great hub if you are planing to continue your vacation somewhere else or you just want… Read More
Kuzu zambo la from the Punakha Valley in Bhutan. After 9 days of sightseeing, rafting, adventurous hikes, and drives, and of course some shopping, Zach and I said our good byes to our wonderful group of guests at the Paro Airport. The next afternoon we were back at the airport to welcome our friends from Wilderness River Outfitters for a week of exploring new stretches of river, cultural sites, and thinking about new trip itineraries for future trips. Paro Chhu The adventure started right away with… Read More
The Rogue River is a southern Oregon gem, and classic multi-day river trip. The Rogue attracts many new boaters each year because of its Class II-III rapids, great weather, camps, and side hikes. There is so much to do while floating the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. Hiking opportunities are endless. Here are a handful of hints, helpful land marks, and things not to miss to get ready for your first Rogue adventure. Grave Creek Bridge This is a popular put-in location for many boaters with… Read More