McKenzie 1/2 Day

McKenzie River 

Half-Day Rafting Trip

Highlights & Details

  • Active Class II/II+
  • Splashy and active but relatively easy
  • Great for beginners
  • Morning & Afternoon Runs
  • Crystal clear water & Douglas Fir forests
  • Class II/II+
  • Season (May-September)

Trip Pricing

Adults: $105.00

Youth: $95.00 (12 and Under)

Minimum Age: 6 years & 50+ lbs

Price Includes: Transportation from Bend or Black Butte Ranch or personal vehicle shuttle, granola snacks and beverages, paddle jackets and pants on cooler days as well as wetsuits and neoprene booties when conditions warrant.

Fast, Fun, Splashy and Scenic

The McKenzie River cascades it's way through the lush forests on the west slope of the Cascade Mountains. The trip begins at Paradise Campground and runs 12 miles to the Bruckhart boat ramp (just past McKenzie Bridge, OR).  The river is fast and active with lots of class II/II+ whitewater, but relatively easy.  This is a great trip for beginners.  While lunch is not provided on the half-day trip, simple snacks (granola bars) and a variety of sparkling waters are included.  Close and convenient to Black Butte Ranch and Sisters, OR and only an hour and thirty minutes from Bend, the McKenzie River offers a convenient, scenic and thrilling whitewater rafting experience.

Trip Itinerary

The day begins when we pick you up in Bend or Black Butte OR meet you at Paradise Campground. Pick up and meet times depend on morning or afternoon itinerary. We’ll get everyone fitted for life jackets and discuss safety for the trip. Once we’ve divided into paddle crews, we’ll board the rafts for 2.5 to 3 hours of splashy fun. The day is active with almost continuous class I & II rapids.  A few slightly larger rapids are sure to put a smile on your face. We may have the opportunity for a little "adventure swimming" at Vortex Rapid and we may also make a quick stop at McKenzie Bridge campground for those who need it.  We’ll reach our take out at  Bruckart Landing at between 12:30 and 1:00 for morning trips and between 4:30 and 5:00 for afternoon trips. If you met us at the river, during the trip your vehicles have been shuttled to the take-out. 

Transportation Information

Transportation from Bend or Black Butte Ranch is available but space in our shuttle vans is limited. If we cannot provide transportation because our vans are full, or if you would rather not ride in our van, you have the option to meet us at the river and we will have your vehicle shuttled to the take-out during the trip. Both of these options are included in the price.

McKenzie River Half-Day Trip Planning

Meeting Details

Half-day Trips on the McKenzie River take place near the town of McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. The drive-time from Bend is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Locations & Meeting Times:

Bend Pick Up Shilo Inn - 7:45 AM (morning) or 12:00 PM (afternoon)

The Shilo Inn is located at 3105 O. B. Riley Rd, Bend, OR 97703

Black Butte Ranch - 8:30 AM (morning) or 1:00 PM (afternoon)

We pick up at the Lakeside Activity Center

Paradise Campground – 9:30 AM (morning) or 2:00 PM (afternoon)

Paradise campground is well marked on the north side of HWY 126 just east of McKenzie Bridge and just west of Belknap Hot Springs and the junction with HWY 242. Follow signs to the boat ramp.


Get Directions from GoogleMaps

What to Bring and What is  Provided


  • What to Wear

    • Visor, Cap, or Sun Hat
    • Sunglasses (w/strap)
    • Shorts or swimsuit (most women prefer wearing shorts over bikini bottoms)
    • Rafting Shoes: Sandals w/heel strap (like Chaco or TEVA) or sneakers – no bare feet, Crocs or flip flops.
    • Do not wear jeans!
    • Lip Balm (with SPF) & Sunscreen
    • Hydro-silk or Rash Guard shirt (optional). These fabrics are designed for water sports activities and will protect you from the sun as well as helping to keep you warm when wet.

  • Items to Bring

    • Lip Balm (with SPF) & Sunscreen
    • Waterproof Camera
    • Water Bottle (Important! You will be able to refill your bottle from our water cooler). 
    • Change of clothes for after the trip (stays in your car)
    • If you carry epinephrine for allergic reactions, please bring it with you and let your guide know! 
    • Small dry bag (optional). All rafts have waterproof dry bags for items you want to keep accessible. Having your own dry bag eliminates the need to share with others.

  • Lunch & Beverages

    Lunch is not served on the half-day trip, but granola snacks (gluten-free available) and a variety of sparkling sodas are included at the end of the trip.

  • Cold or Rainy Trips

    We do NOT cancel trips because of poor weather.  It's important to be prepared for the trip. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Common outdoor wisdom tells us that layering is the key. You should have a base-layer of NON-COTTON tops and bottoms made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene or fleece which maintain warmth even when wet. Furthermore, protecting your head, hands and feet are extremely important and often overlooked. You should have an insulated and water-shedding hat for wearing on the river. You may also want to consider a pair of neoprene gloves. Ouzel will provide paddle jackets, paddle pants, neoprene booties, and if warranted, wetsuits, but guests need to have the proper base layer. With proper preparation, rafting in the rain is every bit as fun as on a normal sunny day!

  • Dry Bags & Gear Storage

    Small dry bags will be avaliable for items that you would like accessible during the day.  This includes sunscreen, lip balm, extra clothing, medical supplies, etc. Other items such as keys, phones and wallets can be left in our van (bring a bag or day pack) or packed in the dry bag.  An extra set of close for changing after the trip can be left in our van.  If you have questions about unusual items, please give us a call.

  • Photos from Your Trip

    For most of the summer, photos are taken by a photo company of every raft at Natural Selection.  These photos can be purchased online after the trip. A link can be found in the detailed trip planner and will also be emailed to you after the trip.

    IMPORTANT NOTE:  During the should season (May, some of June and September) photographers are not always present to take photos. Please check with our office if you want to confirm whether or not photos will be available for your trip.

  • Prices, Fees & Gratuities for Guides

    Our trips are priced to be all-inclusive. There are no additional taxes, fees or add-on costs for items necessary for the trip. The trip cost listed on the trip details page is the final price.  The only exception is gratuities for the guide staff. 


    If you have enjoyed your trip and feel that your guides have done an outstanding job, it is customary to thank them with a gratuity. The amount is up to you, but a gratuity of between 15% and 20% of your trip fare is typical for Ouzel guests. The guides share their gratuities and will appreciate any expression of thanks you care to offer.


    Sourvenier t-shirts and water bottles are also available for purchase during the booking process and afterwards by phone.

“I really appreciated all of their help...putting on equipment, directions on what to do once we were in the rafts, getting picked up at Black Butte Ranch and taken back. All of the guides made it so much fun!” -Julie T. (McKenzie River)

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