SANDY RIVER GORGE RAFTING
Closest rafting to Portland!
DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Experience required
BEST TIME TO GO

April-May
DRIVE TIME

Portland = 50 mins
Bend = 2 hr 30 mins
Seattle = 3 hr 20 mins

Sandy River Gorge Rafting
Rafting on the Sandy River Gorge is probably one of the best kept secrets on Portland’s doorstep. This run is truly the ‘closest rafting to Portland’ since it is nestled just off of HWY 26 near Sandy and features one of Oregon’s the most challenging Class IV+ whitewater runs.
The Sandy River is great for the adventurous rafter with a few trips under their belt especially since the rafting season is mainly in the Spring months when water levels are pumping.
River Drifters provides trips on the Sandy River Gorge at two different times during the year. Late April through mid-June is the primary season and we occasionally will offer trips during rainy periods of October and November.
Once in the canyon, you’ll be immersed with rainforest-like vegetation, uncountable waterfalls, and the amazing transformation of open valleys to deep volcanic gorges. The river rapids will jump start any lagging thrill factor with rapids like The ’64, Boulder Rapids, Alder Creek, Rasp Rock, Drain Hole and Revenue Bridge Rapids. The run is chalked full of unnamed class III and IV rapids so midway through the trip we’ll serve a hardy meal to keep energy levels high.
River Drifters offers full-day trips on the Sandy River Gorge from late April through mid-June. We typically meet at 10:00 am at Marmot Bridge near Sandy, OR, and are off the river by 4:00 pm. Additional dates are available upon request.
We provide all of the necessary gear to ensure a safe and comfortable trip (including wetsuits and paddle jackets if needed). We provide a riverside meal at the end of full-day trips customized for your group.
The weather in Oregon in the Spring can be extreme and change quickly. Be prepared for sun, rain, wind and even snow.
- A pair of quick-drying shorts and t-shirt (wool or synthetic are best. Do NOT wear cotton), or a bathing suit to wear under a wetsuit.
- Long-sleeved synthetic shirt or fleece (NO cotton) for extra warmth when outdoor temperatures are colder than 80°F.
- Waterproof sunscreen and chapstick
- Hat for sun protection
- Old pair of tennis shoes, neoprene booties with soles or sandals (closed-toed, such as Keen, are recommended).
- Sunglasses and/or prescription eyeglasses or contacts.
- Sunglass strap for both sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses (we sell these in our shop).
- Change of clothes for drive home.
- OPTIONAL Items
- Bike gloves to protect hands while paddling.
- Waterproof camera
- Small daypack
- Personal snacks
- Personal medications
- Personal water bottle
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We recommend the following local lodging:
Please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-972-0430. Once on the river, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will be happy to answer any questions you have. We welcome suggestions about how we can make your next experience on the river an even better one!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Spring whitewater rafting on the Sandy River Gorge ideal for our returning guests who want to climb the ‘river ladder’ with progressively tougher IV+ rapids.
This full-day river run is truly the closest rafting to Portland, Oregon; only 30 minutes from Portland’s Eastside communities.
Proximity to Mount Hood for camping, hiking, skiing, etc.
Sandy River Gorge Rafting Trips ….
Sandy River Gorge Full Day
Season: April - May *depending on water levels*
Duration: One Day
Length: 17 miles
Price: $130
Rapids: IV+
Skill Level: Experience required
Age Minimum: 16