What is River Rafting?

River rafting means you get into a special, strong inflatable boat called a raft. You sit inside with your friends and a friendly guide. Everyone gets a paddle, and your guide teaches you how to work together as a team to steer the raft and move through the water. It’s not just about floating; it’s about being part of the adventure!

What to Expect on the River

Your rafting trip will be full of different moments. You might start in calm water, where you can relax, look at the scenery, and maybe even see a bald eagle flying overhead. Then, get ready for some “rapids” – these are parts of the river where the water moves fast and gets bouncy and splashy! Your guide will tell you when to paddle hard and what to do, making sure everyone has a safe and fun time.

Many river trips happen in stunning areas of Oregon. Imagine floating down a river with clear water, surrounded by tall trees, just like you might find not too far from places like Takilma, OR, where nature’s beauty is all around you!

Is it Safe?

Absolutely! Safety is the most important thing. Before you even get in the water, you’ll get a life jacket that fits you perfectly, and you’ll learn important safety rules from your experienced guide. Guides know the river inside and out and are trained to keep everyone safe while having a blast.

What is Horseback Riding?

Horseback riding means you get to sit on the back of a specially trained horse and ride along trails. You’ll be given a horse that’s just right for your size and experience level. These horses are usually very gentle and used to carrying people, so you don’t need to be an expert rider to enjoy it!

What You’ll See and Do

Imagine trotting through a peaceful forest, with sunlight filtering through the trees, or riding across an open meadow with wildflowers all around. Horseback riding tours in Oregon take you to some truly breathtaking spots. You’ll often go with a guide who leads the way and tells you interesting facts about the plants, animals, and history of the area.

Some of the most beautiful trails can be found in Southern Oregon, perhaps even near the charming, nature-rich area of Takilma, OR, where the scenery is simply incredible.

Is it Safe?

Yes, it is! Just like rafting, safety is key. You’ll be given a helmet to wear, and your guide will teach you how to sit properly, hold the reins, and even how to make the horse go and stop. Horses used for these tours are calm and well-behaved, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Do I need to have experience to go rafting or horseback riding?

Answer: Not at all for most beginner trips! Many outfitters (the companies that run these tours) offer trips specifically designed for people with no experience, including kids. They’ll teach you everything you need to know.

What should I wear or bring?

Answer:

• For Rafting: Wear clothes that can get wet and dry quickly (like swimsuits or athletic wear), water shoes or old sneakers, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring a change of dry clothes for after!
• For Horseback Riding: Wear long pants (jeans are great!), closed-toe shoes with a small heel (like boots), and comfortable clothes. Helmets are usually provided. Don’t forget sunscreen and water!

Is it scary?

Answer: It can be exciting, but not usually scary in a bad way! Guides on both rafting and horseback riding trips are experts at making sure you feel comfortable and safe. The “scary” parts are usually just thrilling splashes or exciting trots that leave you feeling super accomplished!

How old do I have to be?

Answer: This varies! Some rafting trips allow kids as young as 6 or 8, especially on calmer rivers. For horseback riding, it often depends on the child’s height and maturity, but many places welcome riders from 7 or 8 years old and up. Always check with the specific company you’re interested in.

Can I do both activities in one trip?

Answer: Sometimes! Some adventure companies in Oregon offer packages that combine different activities, or you can plan your trip to include both a rafting day and a horseback riding day. What an amazing summer that would be!