About River Drifters

About us:  River Drifters started running commercial trips in 1979.  At that time (more than 26 years ago) we were rafting one river and only operating for one month out of the year.  Today, River Drifters operates on eight fabulous rivers in Oregon and Washington, and we run from March through October (& in some years into December).  We have grown from a very small company to one of the leading outfitters in the industry, we still make it a point to treat all of our guests like family.  Surpassing your expectations is our top priority.  Whether you are planning a trip for yourself, or for a large group from work, your family or school, our staff is available year-round to provide assistance that you won't find elsewhere.  

Before You Select An Outfitter, Consider This:

Often times when selecting an outfitter to go rafting with, to many people get caught up in who offers the best price.  To be quite honest, in this industry (like many others), you get what you pay for!  There are a few very important questions that you need to ask yourself before your trip is selected solely on price.  These questions are:  is the trip going to be lead by professional guides who are not just 'weekend warriors' and only guide for a hobby, is the trip going to be safe, is the equipment 20 years old, how long have they been in business and how often does the company run trips.  Too often the outfitters that will give the lowest price have at least one (if not more) of the above attributes.  Remember that the goal of this activity is to have a fun, safe and out of the norm experience, don't be so focused on price that you let other important priorities slip away.  One doctors bill is far greater than the savings of going with the cheapest outfitter!  Whether or not you decide to raft with River Drifters or not is entirely your decision, but please remember that price isn't everything and you get what you pay for!  For more frequently asked questions and concerns that others have, click here!

Why Should I Raft With River Drifters?

Oregon & Washington's Best Rivers:  When you raft with River Drifters you get the best selection of wonderful rivers in the area!  Many of our guests fall in love with a fabulous river close to them and continue to raft them annually with us.  Other guests love to climb the ladder of river progress and paddle a new river each year, exploring the enchanting canyons and paddling new water!

Safety & Guides:  This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you are browsing through this site.  It's simple:  we are owner operated, focusing on intimate, top quality river trips.  Our guides are truly the pride and our largest asset for the company.  Our guides average about 7 years of experience and they are certified by the Red Cross in both CPR and First Aid.  In addition, many of our guides are Swiftwater Rescue Technicians (SRT).  Most importantly,  our guides are intelligent, entertaining and very knowledgeable about the river.  They are caring to each individual on the trip.  Our guides love what they do and their level of professionalism and performance show it!  

Top Quality Gear:  Our equipment is new, rugged, top of the line, self bailing rafts.  We never overload our boats with too many people.  Often times when on the river, you can notice that there are several people on a raft and the people seemed to be squeezed in like sardines.  Nobody has fun this way, so we make a special point of it to use smaller and sportier self bailing rafts with never more than 8 people per boat.  

Paddle rafts is what most of our trips consist of.  A paddle raft allows everyone to participate in paddling.  These boats carry 6 to 8 people plus a guide.  We use 13 and 14 foot boats which have several air chambers and are designed to be unsinkable.  During times of lower water levels, we use smaller rafts which provide more action and much more excitement in the smaller waves.  

Great Food:  Most all of River Drifters' trips include meals.  Our meals consist of a healthy cuisine with very generous portions.  On overnight trips, we serve every meal from lunch the first day to lunch on the final day.  We cater towards your needs, so if there is any special dietary needs of one in your group (such as a vegetarian), simply let us know ahead of time and we make all of the necessary accommodations for them!

Unmatched Value:  River Drifters not only provides a trip for every skill level and trip length but these trips are offered at competitive, realistic and affordable prices.  We also offer some of the best special deals around the Northwest.    

Personal Care:  One of the most important elements to us is that River Drifters is all about fun!  We are dedicated in creating a warm and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable on each and every trip.  This is your vacation and not ours, we work very hard to surpass your expectations.  So please select River Drifters for your next river adventure---you'll be happy you did!

What all this boils down to are small personalized rafts where everyone is part of the team!  

The choice you make when determining what outfitter to go with, will strongly influence the trip that you will have and the important memories that you create!

Client Feedback & Testimonials:

"Thanks again for a great time! Everyone enjoyed themselves, even those who really didn't want to go. Now they want to make it an annual event!"  Kathy Cumpston, Louisiana Pacific

"We were very impressed with everyone, their helpfulness, friendliness and expertise. See you next year!"  Anna Finley, AMD Corporation

"I have been rafting several times before, with and without guides and I have to say that this trip was by far the best!"  Bill Hall, LSI Logic

"Had a wonderful time, definitely requesting your services next summer!"  Janet Hersh

"Thanks for such a great time on the Deschutes River.  I know all of the boys had a great time, as did I.  We plan to go with you down the Wind River next April.  Thanks again, it was great!"  FrankFischer

site map