Experience Multi-Day River Trips:
The Ultimate Oregon Adventure

Multi-Day River Trips

Multi-day river trips are the perfect way for families, couples, and friends to share an exhilarating Oregon adventure together. There’s no better way to escape the stress of everyday life than by hopping on a raft and exploring the beauty of a remote, scenic river canyon. These trips are some of the most memorable family activities in Bend, Oregon, and beyond.


At Ouzel Outfitters, our multi-day trips are fully organized and outfitted to ensure your memorable experience. We provide all the necessary equipment, comfortable camps, and delicious meals. Our experienced guides handle the details—navigating the rapids, setting up camp, preparing meals, and sharing fascinating stories about the river along the way. Whether you're looking for a fun Oregon outdoor activity or a relaxing getaway, these trips strike the perfect balance.


Most trips include a variety of rafting options, so you can sit back and soak in the scenery, paddle with family and friends, or challenge the river one-on-one in an inflatable kayak. Whether you're new to rafting or an experienced adventurer, Ouzel’s multi-day trips offer the flexibility to make your journey as active or laid-back as you desire.

This a map of some of the most spectacular Oregon rivers.
The dusk and dawn light combined with calm waters create exceptional scenery from our campsites.

Rogue River

3, 4 & 5 Days / May-October / Class III

The Rogue River is world famous for family rafting vacations. Its Wild & Scenic designation promises spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, exciting whitewater and a rich and fascinating history. Set in a remote and rugged canyon deep in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon, the Rogue River never fails to inspire. Some trips include the unique option of staying at remote and historic lodges only accessible by river or trail.


Light hitting the canyon walls on a river.

Owyhee River

5 Days / April-May / CLASS III

This remote desert sanctuary is filled with dramatic, colorful gorges, an abundance of wildlife (especially birds of prey), and endless opportunities for hiking. An abundance of ancient petroglyphs add mystery to the history of the river and riverside hot springs (when available) add a level of comfort during the often fickle early season weather. The Owyhee River rafting season entirely dependent on winter snow accumulation and spring precipitation. It is not unusual for trips to be canceled due to low water. 


Waking up in the relaxing, vast scenery is one of the most memorable experiences for our guests.

Lower Salmon River

4 or 5 Days / July-September/ CLASS III

The Lower Gorges of Idaho’s famous Salmon River offers big splashy rapids, warm clear water, and beautiful white-sand beaches set in one of North America's deepest and most dramatic river canyons. The gentle nature of the river and the beautiful beaches make this a favorite for families. The trip finishes with an exciting jet boat ride from the confluence of the Salmon & Snake Rivers to Clarkston, WA where guest vehicles are waiting.

Nothing beats rafting trips as Oregon summer adventures.

Deschutes River

2 or 3 Days / April-September / Class III

Offering dramatic high desert canyon scenery, numerous fun and splashy class III rapids and options for a variety of whitewater adventures, the Deschutes River is one of Oregon's most popular rafting destinations. The river is convenient to Portland, Mt. Hood, the Columbia River Gorge and Bend. Whether you are looking a weekend whitewater getaway, or a slightly longer river adventure, the Deschutes River provides plenty of options and is a great choice for beginners and experienced rafters alike. 

Moody clouds on river canyon in Oregon.

John Day River

3, 4 & 5 Days / May-June / Class I-II

Featuring few rapids, the John Day River is an ideal choice for those who believe that "whitewater gets in the way of a perfectly good river trip." Set in the high desert of north-central Oregon, the river has carved a dramatic canyon through the formations of John Day and Columbia River Basalt, making it a favored destination for geology enthusiasts. Leisurely floating coupled with cozy camping amidst a spectacular desert landscape, offers a relaxed experience, complemented by excellent hiking and bass fishing opportunities.




Moody clouds on river canyon in Oregon.

Geology Focused Trips

Owyhee, John Day, Deschutes,

Rogue, Lower Salmon

Whether you are an avid geology enthusiast or simply curious about the remarkable geologic features that define Oregon, our geology-focused river trips cater to all levels of interest and expertise. Our expert geologists will narrate the trip, leading interactive discussions and giving fascinating presentations.   From the cataclysmic drama of the Owyhee to the expansive Columbia basalt flows typical of the Deschutes and John Day, each of our rivers offers a unique opportunity to explore the geologic past.


  • Preparing for Your Trip

    Our Oregon rafting trips provide a beautiful scenery and connection with nature.

    Each guest will be sent a detailed trip planner which includes lists for what to wear and pack, travel & lodging information, meeting instructions, trip itinerary,  information on weather conditions, area attractions and much more. The trip planner also provides recommendations for kids, information about meals, hygeine and details on the equipment we provide. Reservations staff are always available to answer questions and make suggestions.


    Each guest will also be asked to complete a Guest Registration Form. The registration form collects dietary information, pertinent health and medical information, tent preferences, inflatable kayak interest level, vehicle information (when necessary) and other information which helps us prepare for your trip. 

  • Camping Equipment

    A person sleeping in a blue sleeping bag next to a tent on a beach on the Lower Salmon River

    We supply sleeping bags, pads and tents. Sleeping bags are packed with your personal gear, but pads and tents are packed separately during the trip. Tents are roomy for two and family-sized tents are available for groups of 3 or 4. Single travelers are not required to share a tent.  We also inlcude all the other comforts for camp such as dining tables, directors chairs, campfires (when allowed) tarps (for rain or sun), portable toilets, sanitation facilities, games, library and more.


    Each day our equipment rafts go ahead of the group to select and set-up camp.  We find that most guests enjoy selecting their own tent site upon arrival at camp and setting up their own tents.  Our tents are simple to set up and guides are always available to help.  If you find that setting up your tent is difficult and don’t mind the guides selecting your site, feel free to let your trip leader know that you would like your tent set up for you each night. We will be happy to accommodate your request.

  • Meals, Beverages & Dietary Restrictions

    Grilled wild-caught salmon with pasta, spinach salad and artisan bread

    Delicious food is an integral part of every river trip. Our meals are healthy and hearty and our menus are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate a wide variety of food allergies and dietary restrictions. Since our meals are largely prepared from scratch, it is not difficult for us to prepare portions on the side without ingredients you may be allergic to. Dietary restrictions are recorded on the guest registration form and includes a section for gluten-sensitive guests. While we will know your preferences and allergies in advance, it is ESSENTIAL that you remind the guides of your preferences PRIOR to meal preparation. When appropriate, dishes and utensils are not used to prepare or serve more than one dish. For more information visit our frequently asked questions page. You can also view a sample menu HERE.



    Beverages include water (always available), lemonade, iced tea, coffee, decaf, hot chocolate, hot teas and hot cider.  A limited amount of wine is served with dinner.  We do NOT provide beer, soda or other beverages, but you are welcome to bring your own and we will keep them on ice. 

  • How Strenuous is the Trip

    Ouzel guests and guide are rafting down a river.

    Overall, our trips are only moderately strenuous. A high degree of physical fitness is not required, but guests should be reasonably healthy.  We are always happy to make reasonable accommodations for guests, so if you have concerns, don't hesitate to give us a call.



    Our trips include oar-assisted paddle rafts, oar rafts and inflatable kayaks. In a paddle raft, all participants are expected to assist with paddling. Paddling is intermittent and only moderately strenuous. A few rapids require short bursts of strong paddling. Optional inflatable kayaks require more strength, coordination and endurance. Oar rafts do not require paddling. Preference for riding the oar raft is usually given to folks who have difficulty paddling, require a back-rest or have other limitations.



    Camping involves sleeping on the ground (we provide pads) and negotiating rocky or uneven ground on hikes and around camp. The only lifting required is what you have packed in your bag. Days on the river can be long, and so preparing for extended exposure to the elements is vitally important.


  • 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.