Common Rafting Questions

During the pre-trip planning process, we often receive a number of questions related to choosing which trip is best for you, the nature of a river trip, what to expect during the trip, and what degree of physical conditioning is required for a river trip. While we have found that we can accommodate a wide range of abilities on all of our rafting trips, the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy yourself.

A typical day will include rafting for a few hours at a time, stopping for scenic side-canyon hikes, bathroom breaks, lunch and possible swimming opportunities. Visiting with new-found friends and learning river lore and geology from our well-trained guides adds to the enjoyment of each day.

After a full day of learning and fun we arrive in camp. Guests will be allowed to find their favorite campsite and then return to the rafts for the famous “fireline” - the way we load and unload rafts. Your help in passing the gear off the boat is greatly appreciated, however if you have physical restrictions or limitations that would prohibit you from participating you are not required to help.

The first evening in camp, the guides will give a demonstration on how to easily assemble the cots and tents and will be available to help you if you need additional assistance. Western River provides cots, tents, sleeping bags, sheets, camp chair and water-proof gear bags for all guests. You’ll have no need to worry about bringing any of your own camping equipment.

While you relax at the river’s edge, your guides will prepare dinner. Every night is different, but the menu may include items such as grilled chicken breast, steak with sautéed onions, pasta or fresh fish.

At night, whether you choose to sleep in your tent or under the vast canopy of stars, the fresh night air and the rhythm of the river will lull you to sleep.

Each morning, your guides will prepare a delicious breakfast. You’ll have a chance to enjoy eating before returning to your campsite to take down your tent and cot and pack up your belongings in your dry bag. After bringing your bag down to the boats, guests participate in the fireline once again and you are off on another fun-filled day of adventure.

While a river trip is a participatory experience, the rewards are endless. The setting and pace of a rafting adventure gives you something you don’t find in other vacations. On a Western River Expedition, you will quickly discover why so many are calling this “the best vacation of their lives.” It’s the combination of drifting over tranquil pools of water under the shadows of towering rock formations, the exhilaration and thrill of rolling waves and crashing whitewater, the exploration of seldom-seen waterfalls and Native American history, the peaceful moments of reflection as you gaze up at the star-studded sky, and the fresh feeling of renewal as the morning sun slowly filters through winding canyons. All this provides an indescribable sense of belonging. A sense of oneness with yourself and those around you. A sense of adventure, reflection and renewal. Come discover the difference.

A. All times are exciting. In the spring and early summer the water is generally higher and faster and you'll see wonderful wildflowers. The weather can definitely be cooler. In summer, the days are warmer and weather is more predictable. In late summer/early fall, there is a good chance of seeing wildlife and autumn color.
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• Fit into a Class 5 Life Jacket (maximum chest size 52”) required by the National Park Service.
• Securely grip ropes provided for handholds while running the rapids
• Climb on and off the rafts. Depending on type of raft this could be as much as a 2-3-foot reach and often on wet and slippery surfaces.
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain on hikes and in camp.
• Carry your own dry bag which will include your 20-pound duffle bag along with the sleeping bag and ground cover we provide.

Our primary concern is for you and your fellow guests to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. If you are concerned about any of these requirements, please call our friendly staff to further discuss which trip is right for you. Our Acknowledgement of Risk Form will more fully describe some of the inherent risks involved in these activities. We look forward to having you join us on the adventure of a lifetime.

A. You're not alone in wondering about toilet facilities. Many of our guests are reluctant because of modesty or uncertainty. Often it helps to remember that everyone on the trip shares this issue, so you're in good company. But perhaps a few facts will "relieve" your concerns. Western uses a "porta-potty" system that is set up each day in a secluded location that assures privacy. This is essentially a toilet without the fancy plumbing and is available from the time you pull into camp each afternoon until you leave camp the next day. Along with the toilet, a system to wash your hands with fresh water will be available.

During the day, liquid waste goes in the river by simply wading into the water. For solid waste, our guides will make a day-use toilet available. If you have any other questions or concerns, please call our friendly reservation staff - you're not alone.
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Sample Clothing Check List (Please see the "Packing List" page for your selected trip)

• Two-piece rain suit - a must for protection against the cold river water
• 2 pair quick-drying shorts
• 2 swimsuits (women may find a 2-piece suit or sports bra & jogging shorts convenient)
• 1 pair long pants (nylon or cotton/polyester for quick drying)
• Shirts (at least one long-sleeved shirt for sun protection)
• Lightweight cotton pants or shorts & shirt for camp
• Socks, some underwear (you'll probably be wearing swimsuit under shorts primarily)
• Tennis shoes that can get wet for hiking. Water sandals may be worn, but may not give   enough support for the hikes. Be sure your shoes are broken in and that you bring socks.
• Fleece jacket for camp or to wear under rain suit in cooler weather
• Sun hat with string tied on to attach to shirt
• Neoprene gloves to grip the ropes

** SPRING AND FALL TRIPS - cold water neoprene gloves & footwear, stocking cap,
fleece &/or polypropylene for warmth to wear under rain suit or in camp

Personal Check List

• Plenty of sunscreen lotion (a must)
• Sunscreen lip balm
• Body lotion such as Vaseline Intensive Care
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo in small bottles
• Sport water bottle for hikes (also handy in camp) on a small fanny-pack.
• Small towel and washcloth or a nylon net scrubbie works great for washing
• Disposable moist towelettes
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Small pack of Kleenex
• Flashlight & extra batteries (headlamps work best)
• Insect repellant (small container)
• Sunglasses with safety strap
• Camera in a padded case and plenty of film
(disposable and waterproof cameras work very well)
• Small pillow
• Feminine hygiene products (optional)
• Shaving kit (optional)
• Money (You'll want to keep some cash with you for gratuities for your guides - generally 8 - 10% of trip cost)
• Pen and paper or small notebook/ marker to mark drinks
• A few clothespins and small piece of rope for drying clothes
• 1 small carabiner for hooking on cup or fanny pack (optional)
  
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