Frequently Asked QuestionsHeidi2021-02-16T21:34:18+00:00
What are the fire restrictions?Tim2023-10-23T18:34:26+00:00
Deschutes River: Campfires, charcoal fires, and wood pellet burning devices are prohibited on BLM-administered lands during summer’s high fire risk. Click here for more information on current restrictions.
Rogue River: Campfires, including stove fires and warming fires are prohibited. Click here for more information on current restrictions.
Do you have camping recommendations?Tim2021-02-03T17:15:56+00:00
Yes! Here’s an invaluable resource with camping locations in Oregon and Washington with a comparison chart so that you can decide which option is optimal for your trip.
Do you have lodging recommendations?Tim2021-02-03T17:12:56+00:00
Yes! Here’s an invaluable resource with lodging locations (by state and city), websites, and phone numbers so that you can decide which option is optimal for your trip.
Do you make donations?Tim2022-11-10T20:40:56+00:00
We are thankful that since 1979 River Drifters has been a successful business serving guests from around the country.
We believe strongly that as a responsible community member, giving back to people who share our mission, values, and philosophy, is simply the right thing to do.
To this end, every year we donate both cash and trip certificates to a number of worthy causes. Here are a few examples:
- American Whitewater (AW)
- American Rivers (AR)
- America Outdoors (AO)
- Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA)
Our main office is located in Maupin, Oregon, and we support dozens of groups and organizations in our local area which we consider to be communities within about a 100-mile radius.
We have operations in other parts of Oregon and Washington state and also donate to other groups that work for positive change in those areas where we operate.
Our primary focus is supporting causes that align with our value system and mission.
Broadly speaking this includes causes that support: conservation, environmental education, underprivileged youth, and recreational sustainability.
We get far more requests than we could possibly support and for this reason, we generally are not able to donate to the following types of organizations:
- Religious, political, and health organizations.
- Any groups that are farther than 100 miles from our home base in Maupin, Oregon.
- Sporting clubs, teams, school events like class parties, graduation, etc. that are not directly related to education.
There are several requirements that must be fulfilled in order to be considered for a donation:
- You must complete a donation request form a minimum of 30 days prior to the donation procurement deadline date
- There must be recognition for River Drifters including a specific link from the hosting organization’s website to our website.
- You must fill out the request form in its entirety. We do not accept requests via phone, mail, fax, or email.
Please do not contact us to ask for a status update. We review each request and will contact you if your request is granted.
We look forward to reading your request learning about the many great causes and events that you are working for.
Sincerely,
The River Drifters Team
Can I buy Gift Certificates?Heidi2022-02-14T21:49:25+00:00
Yes, you can purchase a gift certificate for someone or yourself!
You can purhcase them online HERE
Or, give us a call at 800-972-0430 and we would be happy to assist!
Should I tip my guide?Heidi2015-04-08T03:36:26+00:00
We are frequently asked whether it is appropriate to tip your guide. While our guides are well compensated for their skills and our high level of service is not exercised in order to receive a tip, if you feel that your trip was exceptional, or that your guide(s) went out of their way to make the quality of your experience a notch above the norm, tipping is a nice way of saying thank you!
Can I request a guide?Heidi2015-04-08T03:36:10+00:00
Our guides are professionals in their field, and requests for a specific guide is fairly common. If you have had a guide you especially liked and would like to have them guide your next trip, we will do our best to place them on that trip, whenever possible. You should simply request your guide when you make your reservation.
What should I wear to the river?Heidi2023-10-23T18:01:18+00:00
The amount of extra clothing that you should bring depends on time of year, weather, water temperature and length of trip. A complete list of what to bring for both on an off the river will be sent out with a trip itinerary for each trip we run. If you are selecting a spring or fall trip, or if you get cold easily, please pay special attention to the items that we list for proper layering of non-cotton clothing.
Can I reserve my own boat?Heidi2022-02-14T21:52:10+00:00
Special requests need to be done with our office in advance. Reservations are based on space availability in each boat. Chartered trips or special reserved boat options can be made available in special circumstances. Our staff and guides will keep parties together whenever possible, we do reserve the right to make any final crew assignments. You may at the time of the reservation purhcase a “Private Raft” with just your party and paying for the capacity of the raft.
What is the cancellation policy?Heidi2023-11-30T19:42:14+00:00
Cancellation, Trip/Date Changes, and Refund Policies
Please understand that when a reservation is made with River Drifters, it is a commitment for us to hold space for you and we can (and do) turn away others from that particular date. If you decide to cancel, it can be difficult for us to book someone else on that trip, especially if cancellations are made close to the departure date. We also incur substantial expenses before your trip even departs and are unable to recover these costs when you cancel. Our staff is scheduled ahead of time and are paid even if you do not show up.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip regardless of the trip cost or trip length. This will insure that you are covered in the event you need to cancel. We cannot make exceptions for any personal reason whether it be a medical emergency, car trouble, or any other unforeseen event that may prevent you from attending your adventure with us.
Below are the cancellation policies for all of our trips.
Half Day and Full Day Trip for all River Sections
| Deposit due at time of booking | Cancellations made 72hrs in advance | Cancellations made within 72hrs | Cancellations made within 24hrs |
| $15 nonrefundable deposit/person | $15 nonrefundable deposit/person | 50% Cancellation fee/person | No Refund |
If you need to move the date of your half day or full day adventure, these changes need to be made 72hrs in advance. Our ability to accommodate these requests is based on availability. In order to make a trip change you must provide us with the date you would like to move your reservation to. We also only allow one date change per reservation.
Deschutes Overnight Trips
| Deposit due at time of booking | Cancellations made 14 days in advance | Cancellations made within 14 days | Cancellations made within 7 days |
| $50 nonrefundable deposit/person | $50 nonrefundable deposit/person | 50% Cancellation fee/person | No Refund |
If you need to move the date of your overnight Deschutes trip, these changes need to be made 14 days prior to your trip launch. Our ability to accommodate these requests is based on our availability. In order to move your trip to another date, we will need to know which date you would like to move to so that we can check our availability. We only allow one date change per reservation.
Owyhee Overnight Trips
| Deposit due at time of booking | Cancellations made 30 days in advance | Cancellations made within 30 days |
| $150 nonrefundable deposit/person | $150 nonrefundable deposit/person | No Refund |
Our Owyhee River trips are very limited. We only offer a few of these trips per year as they are very dependent on water flows. Date changes can be made 30 days in advance but are rarely an option. If you need to move the date to the following year we can carry forward your deposit to the next rafting season.
Rogue River Overnight Trips
| Deposit due at time of booking | Cancellations made 45 days in advance | Cancellations made within 45 days |
| $200 nonrefundable deposit/person | $200 nonrefundable deposit/person | No Refund |
Our Rogue River trips are very limited. We have a limited amount of space on each trip and only run one every week. Date changes can be made 45 days in advance but are rarely an option. If you need to move the date to the following year we can carry forward your deposit to the next rafting season.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your rafting trip. If you initiate a cancellation you will incur fees. These fees can be substantial and travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself.
Cancellations made by River Drifters
Normally all of our trips are a go, rain, smoke or shine. Once in a while, due to unsafe circumstances, River Drifters must cancel, reschedule or transfer a trip. In such cases we can only be responsible for refunding all or part of the trip expenses made to River Drifters and will not be responsible for any other expenses incurred.
Are there any discounts available?Heidi2023-10-23T18:02:16+00:00
Yes! There are discounts for groups of 12+, 24+, and special chartered trips on the Deschutes River ONLY. We offer kids 14 and under discounts for many of our trips depending on the day of the week, river, and trip type. Last, we offer 10% military discount for the card holder only.
When should I make a reservation?Heidi2020-11-02T19:01:12+00:00
Certain days of the season sell out very quickly, so we encourage you to call us as soon as you know where and when you want to go (1.800.972.0430)! For instance, many Saturdays in July and August for the White Salmon and Deschutes Rivers’ are being booked as early as a year in advance! Since we are limited to a certain number of people that we take down the Deschutes River on the weekends and we have limited start dates available on the Clackamas River or the Owyhee River, proper planning is essential to reserve your space!
If its raining, do we still go rafting?Heidi2021-01-31T16:39:52+00:00
Our river trips are conducted in Oregon and Washington. As most Oregonians & Washingtonians know, it rains. All trips go, rain or shine. River Drifters does provide all the necessary gear to stay warm: paddle jackets, wetsuits and helmets, and all for free! Occasionally, due to circumstances out of our control, such as high water or low water, etc, we may cancel, postpone or transfer a trip.
How much does a trip cost?Heidi2023-10-23T18:06:00+00:00
Prices range from $55/per person on a half-day trip on the Deschutes River to $1250/per person for a 4-day Rogue River adventure. River Drifters focuses it’s prices to be at or in many cases below the competition. Considering the current costs of meals, campgrounds, and lodging, whitewater rafting with River Drifters offers exceptional value!
Is rafting dangerous?Heidi2015-04-08T03:33:29+00:00
Rafting is exhilarating, fun, exciting and wet. However, as in all sports, rafting does pose an inherent risk. The risk contributes to the excitement and enjoyment of the people who participate in rafting. Our guides are all trained to minimize those risks and if you are a believer in statistics, you are safer on a whitewater rafting trip than driving in your car! Injuries and accidents as a whole are very rare in this industry, often times when they do occur they are a result of a lack of knowledge and experience. Isn’t that why you are seeking information about a guided rafting trip? Most of the injuries that do occur are from sunburns or on land. But still, there is a risk, and you must sign an assumption of risk form, acknowledging the types of risk before you go on a river trip.
What is the best time of year to go?Heidi2021-01-31T16:39:20+00:00
River Drifters operates 7 days a week from late March through October. If you are seeking a more action-packed and thrilling time of year to go, then the spring months are the best. The spring is when the snowmelt is at its peak and the rivers have the most water in them. However, in the spring the minimum age is raised and those who want to raft this time of year must be a bit adventurous! The summertime is the best for families and those who are seeking a great way to cool off from the summer heat. Although the water flows may not be at their peak, trips like the White Salmon River will keep your adrenaline pumping all summer long!
Which trip is best for us?Heidi2023-10-23T18:09:38+00:00
Every river that we raft has its own distinct qualities and uniqueness. Beginners and adventurers may find what they are looking for on the Deschutes River, North Santiam River, or the Rogue River. While more adventurous and experienced people would like the Clackamas River or White Salmon River. Truly experienced adrenaline seekers get their fix on the Wind River and the Middle Owyhee River. If you have more questions call our office at 1.800.972.0430! Our office staff are experts at matching people and groups to the appropriate river.
If I can’t swim, can I still go rafting?Heidi2021-01-31T16:33:49+00:00
Everyone on all of our trips wears a coast guard approved personal flotation device (PFD). This life vest will keep you afloat if you find yourself in the water. Many of our guests either cannot swim or have fear of swimming and they have a great time. If you are not a swimmer or are afraid of swimming, then you should choose a trip to either the North Santiam River or the Deschutes River.
I have a family with younger children, where can we go?Heidi2023-10-23T18:10:38+00:00
We have special family trips available on the Deschutes and North Santiam River. We can take children as young as four, depending on the time of year. The Deschutes River is one of our more favorable rivers for families because the summertime air and water temperatures are more comfortable for them.
I am a senior citizen, what trips are good for me?Heidi2023-10-23T18:11:41+00:00
For relatively fit and active seniors, the Deschutes River and North Santiam River trips are just fine. You may be placed in an oar raft upon request or a paddle raft if you feel up to it! Healthy people of all ages all the way up to their 90’s enjoy rafting with River Drifters every year!
Who can go rafting?Heidi2023-10-23T18:16:52+00:00
From a relaxing trip on the Deschutes River to an all-out adrenaline rush of the White Salmon River, River Drifters offers a river trip that perfect for all ability levels. We invite anyone, young or old, in reasonable physical condition. Each river does have a minimum age requirement. Trips on the White Salmon River have an age minimum of 10 years old, while a Deschutes River trip has a minimum age of 4 years old. If a member of your group is pregnant, they will not be allowed to raft with River Drifters.
Why should I choose River Drifters?Heidi2023-10-23T18:21:57+00:00
We have nearly 5 decades of river experience, professional guides, riverside cuisine, and incredible discounts that make River Drifters a premier rafting outfitter of the Northwest!