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 12:15 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
“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)