western-river-expeditions

Understanding the Flow of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:24:29 GMT

Why the Middle Fork Is Legendary

The Salmon River is the longest free-flowing, undammed river in the contiguous United States. Without dams to regulate it, the Middle Fork section of the Salmon River will experience flow rises and falls with the seasons, fed by mountain snowmelt, spring rains, and nature’s own rhythm. That means no two trips are ever the same.

Rafting the Middle Fork is about embracing this wild, dynamic character. One week it’s a roaring thrill ride, the next it’s a clear, gentle flow perfect for casting a line. The beauty is that there is no “wrong” time to go, only different ways to experience one of the most iconic stretches of river on earth.

Set in Idaho’s Frank Church, River of No Return Wilderness, the Middle Fork blends excitement, scenery, and serenity in a way few places can match. You’ll find:

100+ rapids ranging from playful to pulse-pounding
Natural hot springs where steam rises into the cool morning air
World-class trout fishing in crystal-clear waters
Ancient Indigenous rock art telling stories thousands of years old
Trails to hidden waterfalls and viewpoints that few ever see
Campsites that invite you to unplug and watch the stars blaze across the night sky

Every trip delivers these wonders, but the feel of the journey changes with the water.

What Different Water Levels Mean for Your Trip

High Water (mid-May to early July)
Snowmelt swells the river into a fast, powerful ride with big waves and swift currents. Thrill-seekers love it, but it’s colder, splashier, and generally better suited for experienced rafters.
Mid-Season Flows (July)
The river finds a sweet spot, still exciting, but more moderate. Days are warm, the water is more inviting, and fishing starts to come alive as clarity improves.
Low Water (August–September)
The pace slows, the water warms, and fishing is at its best. Rapids remain fun, but there’s more time to soak in the scenery, swim, or wander a gravel bar looking for skipping stones.

Nature puts on a seasonal show, too. June wildflowers give way to July’s lush green hillsides, then late-summer’s golden tones and crimson Ninebark leaves.

The “Best” Time to Go? All of Them

Guests often ask, “When’s the best time to raft the Middle Fork?” The truth: every week has its own magic.

Spring melt brings raw power and adrenaline
Midsummer offers balance and variety
Late season delivers relaxed days, warmer water, and unforgettable fishing

The river typically peaks in late May or early June, then gradually recedes through summer. But weather can change that in a heartbeat, spring rains can spike flows, and cold snaps can slow the melt.

When We “Deadhead” and Why It Matters

At very low flows in August and September, the upper 23 miles from Boundary Creek can become too shallow for fully loaded rafts. At that point, guides float empty boats (“deadhead”) down to Indian Creek and meet guests there.

This isn’t about skipping scenery, it’s about preserving the experience.

Low water means slower current:

At 4 mph, a 100-mile trip is ~25 hours of floating
At 2 mph, that’s ~50 hours, over 8 hours a day without stopping

Deadheading shortens the distance so you still have time for the best parts of the Middle Fork: soaking in a hot spring, hiking to Veil Falls, or pausing to watch a trout rise in a glassy pool.

Embracing the Whole Journey

It’s natural to feel a twinge of disappointment about missing a few miles at low water. But the trade-off is more time to explore, fish, relax, and truly connect with the river and your group.

Like our guests often say, this isn’t just a float—it’s a reset button . Whether you’re powering through big water in June or wading a clear riffle in August, you’re part of the Middle Fork’s living, changing story.

Low-Water Middle Fork FAQ

Ready to see the Middle Fork in its own season?

Join us for 6 days of unplugged wilderness, world-class whitewater, and moments you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.

See Available Middle Fork Dates

Last Updated: August 13, 2025

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Rogue River Lodge-to-Lodges

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Real Beds. Hot Showers. Remote Comfort.

After a day of rafting Oregon’s legendary Rogue River, there’s nothing like arriving at a cozy riverside lodge. On this Rogue River Lodge-to-Lodge Adventure , your evenings are spent surrounded by wilderness but with the comfort of a real bed, a hot shower, and a warm meal waiting.

You’ll stay at three distinct lodges, each offering a different kind of welcome and charm. Here’s what to expect at each one.

Guests often come for the rapids but say they’ll return for the evenings: the lodge laughter, the family-style meals, the coffee on the porch, and the guides who feel like old friends. You won’t just rest up here. You’ll connect, reflect, and remember.

Night 1: Black Bar Lodge

What You’ll Find:

Cabins with 2 beds
Private bathrooms with hot showers (bring your own soap and toiletries)
Generator power runs from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
No cell service, and that’s the point

Marial Lodge sits above the river near the iconic Mule Creek Canyon. It’s cozy, surrounded by trees, and filled with the smell of home-cooked food. The main lodge is lined with books, historic photos, and stories from the early days of the Rogue River.

Guests often take a short walk after dinner to preview Mule Creek Canyon, the whitewater highlight of the next day.

What You’ll Find:

Rooms with twin beds
Private bathrooms and hot showers (bar soap included)
Generator power stays on overnight, great for CPAP users
Family-style meals with lazy Susans full of hearty favorites

Half Moon Bar Lodge is your final stop, and it’s unforgettable. With handcrafted furnishings, a full-service bar, and lodge-style dining, this riverside retreat blends backcountry simplicity with thoughtful touches. Coffee is delivered to your door. You’ll walk under the stars, relax on shaded porches, and enjoy a gourmet meal to end your river journey right.

What You’ll Find:

A mix of private cabins, orchard house suites, and lodge rooms
Queen and single bed combinations in most rooms
CPAP-ready accommodations with ensuite or shared bathrooms
Custom wood furniture, cowboy soaking tubs, and garden or forest views
Full bar with artisan cocktails + chef-prepared meals

Built in the 1930s, Black Bar Lodge has been hosting river guests for generations. Here, you arrive to a wide lawn where you can stretch out, toss a frisbee, or enjoy appetizers before a hearty, family-style dinner.
The log cabins here are rustic but comfortable. You’ll sleep well, shower off the river dust, and wake up ready for another day of adventure.

Night 2: Marial Lodge

Night 3: Half Moon Bar Lodge

Published: May 27, 2025 by Lori Franciose

Last Updated: May 27, 2025

You've Always Wanted to See the Grand Canyon. This Is Your Year.

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

For years, you’ve heard the same thing:

If you want to raft the Grand Canyon, you'd better plan two years out and get on a waiting list. Not this year.

This is your year.

Right now, this summer, there are open spots on several of Western River Expeditions’ Grand Canyon rafting trips. We’re talking about the trip of a lifetime… actually available this year.

This rarely happens. And that’s exactly why you shouldn’t wait.

What if This is Your Year?

We’re seeing something different this season. People are hesitating. Maybe it’s the economy. Maybe it’s that classic “we’ll go next year” mindset. But here’s the truth: If not now, when?

As one guest recently put it:

This Trip Is Worth It

Picture yourself completely off-grid, riding through legendary whitewater on a J-Rig (the raft designed specifically for handling the large whitewater of Grand Canyon in comfort and style). You’re surrounded by towering canyon walls and million-year-old rock formations. The stars at night? Indescribable. The food? Let’s just say steak night is just the beginning.

More than one guest has called it “life-changing,” “beyond epic,” or “the best vacation of our lives.” And over and over again, we hear:

What Happens If You Don't?

Another summer comes and goes. The Grand Canyon is still there...but are you?

There’s always a reason to wait. The timing isn’t perfect. Work is busy. The kids have schedules. The economy feels shaky.

But ask anyone who has done this trip, and they’ll tell you:

They don’t regret going. They regret waiting.

Because what you’ll find deep in the canyon, off the grid, under a sky of stars, riding waves that echo through ancient stone, is something you can’t replicate anywhere else in the world. Not in a resort. Not on a road trip. Not someday.

You’ve dreamed about seeing the Grand Canyon like this. You may never get a better shot than right now.

Don’t let this be another year of wishing. Let it be the year you remember forever.

Bring a Friend. Or Three.

This is the kind of trip that’s better when shared. Rally your crew. Book a boat together. Celebrate something—or nothing at all. Because the only thing better than experiencing the Grand Canyon is doing it with people you love.

The stars have aligned and your dream trip is not just a dream this year.

Book your Grand Canyon rafting trip today. Openings like this don’t last—and they rarely come around again.

Explore Available Trips »

Grand Canyon 3-Day Trip or 4-Day Trip with a night at the Bar Ten ranch to explore the lower third of the canyon to Lake Mead

Grand Canyon 6 or 7 day trip to explore the upper two thirds (188 miles) of the Grand Canyon from Lee’s Ferry to just below Lava Falls.

“I waited 35 years to finally run the Colorado through the Grand Canyon… It was the trip of a lifetime.” – Gary B.

“Trip of a lifetime… guides were incredible, food was gourmet, the scenery was unreal. Just do it.” – Sarah S.

“It was magical, adventurous, awe-inspiring… and it reminded us what matters most in life.” – Brittany O.

We made new friends, saw old friends, and created new core memories on the river.” – Kaylee S.

When the Grand Canyon Says 'Now,' You Go.

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: May 8, 2025

Why a Rafting Trip is the Ultimate Bridge Between Generations

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In a world where generations are often divided by technology, lifestyle, and pace, a rafting trip is one of the few experiences where grandparents and grandchildren rediscover what it means to connect. Whether it's skipping stones, sharing stories under the stars, or facing whitewater rapids side-by-side, a river has a way of dissolving age differences—and replacing them with awe, laughter, and lasting memories.

1. Desolation Canyon: Where Memories Are Made Together

Desolation Canyon is tailor-made for multi-generational bonding. With its minimum age of just 5, it’s accessible for families with little ones, yet offers rich historical and natural elements that resonate with older generations.

“Our trip down Desolation Canyon exceeded my expectations. It’s the perfect trip for families with young children. The guides were patient and incredibly welcoming. They kept the kids constantly entertained and safe. Meals were excellent. We made heaps of new friends on the river, and kids benefited from constant outdoor time away from screens.” —Doug R.

This isn’t just a vacation—it’s an invitation to be fully present. No phones. No distractions. Just time well spent.

2. Main Salmon River: The "River of No Return" Returns Everyone to Wonder

With warm waters, sandy beaches, and a gentle drop over five days, the Main Salmon is a rafting trip that invites everyone to unplug and rediscover what matters.

“Just finished our WONDERFUL trip down the Salmon River. Our guides were THE BEST—knowledgeable, and friendly, and industrious. My daughter and I HIGHLY recommend Western River Expeditions. Join them and have a wonderful vacation!” — tharcaps

The blend of adventure and relaxation makes it an easy fit for the spirited, regardless of age.

3. Lower Salmon River: Pure Magic for Families

Weste rn’s “Family Magic” trip on the Lower Salmon River goes the extra mile with a specially trained guide for kids, a separate children’s menu, and riverside gourmet dining for adults.

“No better way to spend your time than on the river with family and friends, disconnected from everything else. We will be back!” —Elizabeth T.

It’s more than rafting. It’s a carefully orchestrated experience where generations enjoy nature together on their own terms.

Why This Beats Other Vacations

Let’s face it—most vacations are either too rushed, too crowded, too expensive, or too connected to relationship-numbing devices. A rafting trip simplifies life in the best way possible.

“After six days rafting... and an equal number of nights camping under the stars, my family and I were not only well rested, but left our trip with a few significant observations... You realize how little we need to really live happily—simple transportation, great food, a sleeping bag and cot. You do not miss your mobile phone having a cell signal.” —Wayne K.

“This is a bucket list trip and one that I'd recommend to anyone. Retired, family or even as a single or couple, it’s something that will change you forever.” — Jonathan O.

The Guides Make the Difference

It’s not just the river—it’s the people guiding you through it. Time and again, guests mention how the guides are part of what makes the experience so unforgettable.

“The guides made the trip incredible. They are all extremely knowledgeable... but so much more. They are fun. They work extremely hard. They were always in good humor no matter how hard the day was for them.” — Dan F.

In memories, when the laughter from water fights mixes with the hush of a canyon sunrise, you’re reminded that life’s most meaningful moments are simpler than you'd expect.

Thinking About Booking?

If your family spans decades and you’re wondering how to plan a trip everyone will love—this is it. Grandparents, grandchildren, parents, aunts, uncles… on the river, everyone gets to be a kid again. No agenda but the flow of the river. No distractions but nature’s masterpiece unfolding before you.

Let Western River Expeditions help you reconnect where it matters most—around a campfire, in a raft, and under the stars. These rivers allow a minimum age of five years of age:

Utah: Green River - Desolation Canyon 5-Days

Idaho: Main Salmon River 5-Days

Idaho: Lower Salmon River 5 - Days

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: April 15, 2025

7 Reasons to Choose Western River Expeditions

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Our tagline, "Best Rafting Vacations in the West" touches every aspect of what we do at Western River Expeditions. Of course every business wants to say they are the best at what they do, but thousands of guests have said it for us! At Western we live by that tagline to shape our processes, logistics, meal preparation, equipment, and most importantly our guide selection and training . All aimed at providing every guest the best rafting vacation of their life. Since 1961 we have believed there is nothing like a rafting vacation, and we've had the decades as a pioneer and leader in the industry to be the best at what we do.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker chasing whitewater or a nature lover looking for tranquility, here are seven reasons why your next journey should be with us:

1. World-Class Expert Guides

Our guides are the heart of every trip. Their unparalleled experience and local knowledge ensure not just your safety but an enriching journey. From fascinating stories about the region’s history to pointing out hidden gems along the way, they turn every moment into an unforgettable memory.

2. All-Inclusive in the Wild

We handle the details so you can focus on the adventure. Enjoy gourmet riverside meals that rival anything you'd find in a fine restaurant, quality camping gear for a restful night under the stars, and seamless logistics that make your trip stress-free.

3. Rafts Designed for the Ride

Our custom-designed rafts offer the perfect balance of thrill and comfort , no matter the river or river level. Whether you're riding the powerful waves in a paddle raft or enjoying the Cadillac-like luxury of our J-Rig, you'll find a setup that suits your adventure style.

4. Eco-Friendly Exploration

Leave only footprints behind. At Western River Expeditions, we prioritize Leave No Trace practices and eco-conscious operations , ensuring your adventure helps preserve the stunning landscapes for generations to come. Feel good knowing your trip aligns with nature's best interests. It's been an industry standard since the beginning, and we've been proud to be a part of it.

5. Intimate Small-Group Vibes

Skip the crowded tours and embrace an adventure that feels personal . Our small group sizes mean you'll get to know your fellow travelers, connect deeply with the breathtaking surroundings, and receive personalized attention from our guides.

6. Photo Opportunities Galore

Whether it's the golden light hitting the canyon walls or the spray of whitewater as you conquer a rapid, every moment on a Western River trip is picture-perfect. Our guides know the best spots for those once-in-a-lifetime shots , ensuring you take home memories worth framing. We believe a guide is much, much more than a "bus driver" getting you from point A to point B. You'll see what we mean once you're there.

7. The Adventure of a Lifetime

Every trip with Western River Expeditions is more than a vacation—it’s a transformative experience . From the camaraderie of the group to the awe of nature’s wonders, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and with stories to share for years to come.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Western River Expeditions has everything you need to make it unforgettable. Don’t just take a trip—create memories that last forever. Start planning your journey today!

Explore Our Rafting Trips

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: March 24, 2025

How Social Media and AI are Warping Our Sense of Adventure

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Once upon a time, the greatest travel flex was a grainy, slightly off-center photo developed at your local drugstore, proof that you actually went somewhere cool. Fast forward to today, and if your travel photo doesn’t look like it belongs in National Geographic, did you even go?

Social media has transformed travel into a scavenger hunt for ‘The One Shot’—the picture that proves you were there, even if your experience consisted of waiting in line behind 300 other people to take it.

Meanwhile, while we’re all busy chasing the ‘perfect’ shot, AI is cranking out landscape photos that also look unbelieveable. There are two problems on each end of the spectrum: those who believe everything is real, and those who get jaded thinking even the really amazing real places aren't real. Also, why hike for hours to see a breathtaking view when AI can generate one in seconds, complete with double rainbows and mystical lighting?

And there's the problem: AI landscapes might be pretty, and effectively deliver drops of dopamine to the gullible virtual viewer, but if they replace the actual experience, it's a short fix with a longtail problem. Of course we all love a pretty picture of a pretty place, but it should be connected to an experience, and adventure, an encounter with the natural world. The disconnected drops of dopamine are creating a discontented and disillusioned generation of travelers - or worse, non travellers content to let their thumbs scroll to the next destination . This "landscape porn" to coin an awful phrase, is robbing us of our desire to go create actual memories from actual adventures and experiencing actual mind-blowing scenery. It's like saying places like the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park or Cataract Canyon aren't pretty enough. Virtual reality doesn't come with the smell of the river, the sound of paddles hitting the water, or the feeling of sand in your socks from that 'quick stop' that turned into an hour-long exploration.

Beyond The One Shot: The Joy of Actually Doing Stuff

Let's be real: we all want a killer photo to remember our trips. That's fine. But here's the thing—on a real adventure, you don't just capture a moment, you collect a lifetime of stories.

Your epic photo should serve as a reminder of the experience you had , the adventure of discovering it, and the moments you recall in such a very real place. Moments like these abound on a multi-day rafting trip. If you lived it, your brain will store these memories and the random access of memory will inevitably run a smile across your face - but you have to have lived that moment first. A photo can't take a shot of the sheer silence of a canyon at night, broken only by the sound of the river - but it can spark your memory of it. That's pretty magical.

Take the Shot, Then Take a Breath

So go ahead—get that one shot. Frame it. Make it your phone wallpaper. But then, for the love of adventure, put the camera down

Step away from the crowds. Hike a little further. Because at the end of the day, the best souvenir isn’t a perfect photo—it’s the memory of how you got there.

And trust me, no AI can generate that .

Last Updated: March 14, 2025

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Why a Rafting Trip May Be the Best Vacation You've Ever Done

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Vacations come in all shapes and sizes, but few offer the unforgettable experiences and sheer exhilaration of a rafting trip. Rivers have a way of focusing your mind on the moment right in front of you. Can you say that about any other vacation? Theme parks are the opposite of that, cruise ships are a floating version of the same thing. A beach vacation (on a desert island all to yourself) may come close, but how many beach vacations include camping overnight with a crew of chefs? And most of all, a good vacation should untether you from your phone, your inbox, and all the buzzes and beeps of modern civilization...

Read what our guests Brian and Natalia said:

Brian Calkins
"I find myself having trouble actually writing this!! The experience was so overwhelmingly beautiful and exhilarating, it is hard to capture it in words. The river, rapids, hikes, canyon walls, waterfalls, wildlife, food, raft mates and of course, our guides, all exceeded our expectations."

Natalia Massita
"Absolutely breathtaking and life-changing experience. The tour was beyond epic and the guides were legends. It was a week that I wish I could live for the rest of my life. Just pack and go!"

1. Disconnect to Reconnect

In a world dominated by screens, there’s something magical about unplugging and reconnecting with the natural world. Rafting trips with Western River Expeditions take you into the heart of nature—deep canyons, vast desert landscapes, and starry skies free from light pollution. Leave your devices behind and reconnect with your family, friends, or even yourself in a way that only nature can inspire.

Paul Mueller

"Great meals, beautiful starry evenings, and zero access to devices . A wonderful way to get back to the basics of life."

Brittany Olsson

"Every now and then (if you're lucky) you might visit a place that changes you. To say the canyon is a special place doesn't even begin to cut it. But the real magic is in the relationships forged and deepened. The escape from being tethered to technology adds the most amazing backdrop for a hard reset, reminding you of what matters most in this life.

Western River Expeditions is absolutely incredible; I wouldn't run the river any other way. Their guides are the best at what they do while also making your experience fun and carefree. I made new friends, saw old friends, and we all made new core memories on the river. It's a trip I'll never forget. Meanwhile... I'll be daydreaming I'm back on the river."

2. Thrills for Every Adventurer

Whether you’re craving the heart-pounding rapids of Cataract Canyon or the scenic tranquility of drifting deeper into Desolation Canyon , Western River Expeditions offers something for everyone. For thrill-seekers, the massive waves of the J-Rig through the Grand Canyon promise an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Prefer a gentler pace? Try paddling calm stretches in a duckie (inflatable kayak), perfect for soaking in the sights and sounds of the canyon.

Rebecca Lubbers
"The rafting itself was varying degrees of exciting, thrilling (a couple of times a little scary for me lol), peaceful, relaxing, HOT, cold and amazing. The scenery was so incredible I often just sat and watched in wonder. While some of the rapids were "scary" I never once felt like I was in any danger whatsoever (as long as I sucked rubber when Mark yelled for us to do so, lol!)."

3. All-Inclusive Comfort in the Wilderness

Think camping means sacrificing comfort? Think again. Western River Expeditions are known for their all-inclusive approach to wilderness luxury. We've been doing it since 1961. Gourmet riverside meals, high-quality camping gear, and guides who set up camp ensure you’ll enjoy the great outdoors without the stress of planning or packing. Imagine sipping coffee as the sun rises over the canyon walls, followed by a hearty breakfast prepared by your expert guides.

Laurie Wenner
"Western River Expeditions was fabulous in every way! The rafts were unbelievable in the amount of stuff they carried while allowing for our movement around the vessel and trading places from the pontoons to the ice chests to the back to fill up our water bottles. The choice of riding the rapids made for an exhilarating experience from the safety of the back, the view from the ice chests to the sheer terror of the pontoons. The guides are amazing in their care for the people as well as the environment. Their professionalism and friendly demeanor was a great balance. I am just astounded that they could also qualify as chefs. The food was delicious throughout! Being serenaded in the slot canyon was over the top! We loved the stories and insight into the canyon geology during the calmer waters too. Daniel made the uncomfortable task of dealing with human waste funny but serious too. It was so nice to land on a camp spot on the 'beach' and it be pristine except for footprints. No easy accomplishment with thousands of people rafting down the river every summer. Kudos to Western River for running a First-class outfit!"

4. Stunning Scenery You Can't See Anywhere Else

Some of the world’s most iconic landscapes are only accessible by river. From the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon to the dramatic beauty of Utah’s Cataract Canyon and Desolation Canyon , you’ll experience vistas that leave you speechless. It's big out West!

Rachel Eisenhart

"I've traveled a lot of places and have lots of favorites from across the globe. HOWEVER, the 6-day Grand Canyon trip has now surpassed them all. We lucked out on a lot of things that were outside anyone's control (weather, water clarity, etc.), but where Western takes over is the organization, expertise, and overall professionalism of the crew. The timing to get to various sites when least crowded was on point, and the campsites were excellent. Wiley, Newty, Mairead, and Joe were funny, engaging, and pushed this trip up to my favorite vacation ever. Seeing the Canyon from that vantage point will never get old, and knowing Western has the best group of guides on the river makes the decision in the future easy."

5. Build Memories That Last a Lifetime

There's something about shared adventures that bond people like nothing else. Whether you're paddling through rapids with your family, sharing stories around the campfire, or marveling at a shooting star together, a rafting trip creates memories you'll treasure forever.

Consider this review from Jeffrey Blum:
" The 13 members of our family on this excursion all agree we had a lifetime memorable and enjoyable experience together. It was a true bonding time. The many details required for a successful canyon rafting adventure, including transportation, outfitting, and daily activities, were amazingly thorough and carried out in a seamless fashion. Our guides were of course friendly, knowledgeable, and very professional. They were always looking out for our well-being."

6. Expert Guides Make All the Difference

A rafting trip isn't just about the river—it's about the people you're with. Western River Expeditions and Moab Adventure Center guides are experts at navigating rapids, telling stories of the region's history and geology, and making you feel like part of a family. Their passion for the river is contagious, ensuring every moment of your trip is unforgettable.

Kim Kraft
"Wow. This was one of the best experiences of my life. I have nothing to compare it to, but from my perspective, everything was top-notch. The guides were absolutely amazing young adults who made an effort to get to know all the participants, young and old. It was amazing to see a group of 19 strangers get to know each other and become friends. "

7. Adventure Close to Home, Yet Worlds Away

There are few places on Earth where you can experience the raw, untamed beauty of deep canyons, mighty rivers, and towering red rock landscapes—all while being just a short flight (or road trip) from home. The American West is a global bucket list destination for a reason: nowhere else offers this unique blend of wild landscapes, legendary rivers, and vast, untouched wilderness. Travelers from around the world spend thousands just to step foot in places like the Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon, or the towering formations of Arches National Park. These world-class adventures are practically in our backyard. It's the rare chance to feel a million miles away— without needing a passport.

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: February 17, 2025

What is the Meaning of JOMO, the "Joy of Missing Out," and How Can You Find it Right Away?

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Forget FOMO. We are now in search of JOMO.

In a world buzzing with notifications, endless scrolls, and the constant pull to be everywhere at once, there's a quiet rebellion brewing. It's called JOMO – the Joy of Missing Out. Unlike its more anxiety-inducing cousin, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), JOMO is about embracing the beauty of what you're doing right now, unplugging from the chaos, and reconnecting with the present moment. And there's no better place to experience it than on a rafting trip with Western River Expeditions.

Escape the Digital Overload

Did that say Digital Overload, or Digital Overlord? Think about that for a second, then picture this: no emails to check, no texts to answer, no social media updates to like. Instead, surround yourself like a King or Queen in your very own castle with towering castle... uh, canyon walls, the soothing rush of the Colorado River your protective moat, and the laughter of fellow adventurers your court jesters. On a Western River Expeditions trip, you're completely off the grid. That's right—no invading Wi-Fi, no cell service, just pure, unadulterated nature.

This digital detox is your gateway to JOMO. You won't miss the endless group chats or the latest TikTok trends because you'll be too busy soaking up breathtaking sunsets, conquering rapids, and marveling at star-filled skies that put any Instagram filter to shame.

Rediscover Connection (the Real Kind)

JOMO isn't just about escaping; it's about rediscovering what truly matters. On the river, the absence of screens makes room for meaningful conversations, shared laughter, and the simple joy of human connection. Whether you're bonding with family, friends, or new acquaintances, the shared adventure of navigating the rapids creates memories that no Facebook post can replicate. Solo travelers will also find camaraderie in the shared journey, making new connections along the way.

Savor the Moment

In the canyons of the West, time slows down. Each meal, lovingly prepared riverside, becomes a feast for the senses. Each hike to a hidden waterfall feels like an epic journey. Each night under the stars reminds you of the vastness of the universe and your small, cherished place within it. For families, these moments bridge generational gaps, bringing everyone—from teens to grandparents—together in shared wonder. This is JOMO at its finest: being fully present in moments that matter.

Where to Find JOMO with Western River Expeditions

So, where exactly can you find this elusive Joy of Missing Out? Western River Expeditions offers several trips designed to help you unplug and recharge:

Grand Canyon 6-7 Day Expedition: Explore the wonders of the Grand Canyon with plenty of time to disconnect and bask in its natural splendor.
3-Day Grand Canyon Getaway: Perfect for those who want a taste of adventure and serenity in a short but impactful trip.
Moab's 4-Day Cataract Canyon Adventure: Combine thrilling whitewater rapids with the stunning beauty of Utah's red rock landscapes.
Utah's 5-Day Desolation Canyon: Milder rapids and broad sandy beaches encourage kids from ages 5 to 85 to play and reconnect.

Western River Expeditions also emphasizes sustainability, ensuring that every adventure aligns with eco-friendly principles like Leave No Trace. International travelers are welcome too, with detailed planning support to make their journey seamless.

The Joy Awaits

JOMO isn't just a buzzword; it's a mindset that can transform how you experience the world. On a Western River Expeditions trip, you'll trade the noise of modern life for the soothing sounds of nature, the stress of schedules for the freedom of exploration, and the emptiness of FOMO for the fullness of JOMO.

So go ahead, miss out on the mundane. Say yes to adventure, connection, and the simple joys of being present. The Grand Canyon is calling—how will you answer?

Book your JOMO adventure with Western River Expeditions today and discover the joy of missing out.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

5 Reasons to Choose April for Your Grand Canyon Rafting Trip - Especially if You Love Photography

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The best time of year to raft the Grand Canyon may depend on the lens you’re looking through.Photographers are picky. Cacti are prickly.

Cacti display their true colors in the early season, and photographers love it. Greener slopes and cacti in bloom, which fill an entire wide-angle lens, are only ONE reason to love Grand Canyon rafting in April. Here are four MORE reasons why you should not overlook April trips—even if you’re still snapping the scenery with your trusty iPhone:

1. Better Timed "Golden Hours"

In April, golden hours come later in the morning and earlier in the evening. This means you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to catch the light cascading down the cracks of the canyon walls. In the evening, there’s time to relax after the final rays illuminate the cliffs. Want to photograph the night sky? Stars come out early in the early season. On a Grand Canyon trip in June, it’s often “go, go, go” out of camp because shady campsites quickly transform into hot, sandy desert islands.

2. Hiking Temperatures Are Primo in Spring

When you realize that the bottom of the Grand Canyon is part Sonoran and Mojave Desert (think Death Valley), suddenly hiking in April instead of June or July seems like a genius move. For June and July hikers, the cool Colorado River offers respite, but April hikers enjoy comfortably mild temperatures without the scorching heat.

3. Fewer Crowds for Better Photos and Experiences

April trips benefit from fewer crowds, enhancing both your photos and your journey. During peak-season months like June and July, popular waterfalls and pull-ins can become bumper-to-bumper with boats. In April, you’ll find more space to enjoy the stunning scenery and the serenity of the canyon.

4. Green, Yellow, Pink, Red… and Blue Skies

April trips are all about vibrant colors. Green slopes, blooming cacti, and blue skies, possibly sprinkled with April showers, create a palette photographers dream of. It’s a feast for the eyes and the camera lens, offering a unique vibrancy that’s only available in April.

There’s only one time of year when all these factors align on a Grand Canyon trip and photographers can’t seem to get enough of it. But you don’t have to be a shutterbug to enjoy the canyon in the early season. In fact, you’re encouraged to step away from the viewfinder and take it all in. After all, who needs a “view finder” in a place like the Grand Canyon? The view has been found. Come enjoy it at the only time of year it looks like this.

The magical glow of a warm campfire is an early-season exclusive. April evenings can be chilly, but that’s where your fleece jacket, skull cap, and socks come in handy. Hot coffee tastes even better, and the campfire becomes a delightful centerpiece of the evening. While the weather can vary in any month of the year, preparation is key to expanding your comfort zone. Splash jackets are great for riding the front tubes of the J-Rig!

5. Campfire Delight

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: January 17, 2025

Five "Happiness Hacks" from the River

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

We can all agree that the skill of living happily is a good skill to get! But do you ever feel like the best you can do is pursue happiness and not really ever grab hold of it? Remember the lyric from the Love Boat theme, “Let it float… it floats back to you!”? On the river, this isn’t just a lyric—it’s a lifestyle. Sure, real life doesn’t always wrap up with a perfect resolution in the last ten minutes, but the river has a way of splashing its happiness lessons right in our faces. Is it possible to apply these “happiness hacks” to drier times?

We found a few Western River Expeditions guests who don’t just find adventure—they find joy, connection, and even a little clarity along the way. Here are five “Happiness Hacks” that only the river can teach:

1. Flow with Life's Rapids and Eddies

On the river, every twist, turn, and tumble teaches us to go with the flow—embracing both the wild ride of rapids and the serenity of smooth waters. Happiness isn’t about controlling every moment but leaning into the adventure and finding joy in “what is.” As one guest put it, “The river taught me to let go and enjoy the journey.”

So when life feels like it’s pulling you into a Class IV rapid, remember: the calm stretches are just around the bend.

2. Appreciate the Beauty Around You

Towering canyon walls. Water shimmering like liquid gold. A night sky so vast, it feels like it’s wrapping you in stardust. On the river, beauty surrounds you, demanding your attention in the best possible way.

“The true beauty and awe of the canyon can only be experienced in person,” guest Steve Sabina reflected. Happiness doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes it’s as simple as looking up and letting nature wow you.

3. Find Joy in Simplicity

You won’t find Wi-Fi on the river, but you will find something better: simple pleasures that ground you. Good company, a warm campfire, and meals so delicious they’re practically magic (ever had fresh-baked cake on the river?). Joe Weaver summed it up best: “On my birthday, they surprised me with a cake on the river! It’s those small touches that made the trip so special.”

Life’s happiest moments aren’t about extravagance—they’re about connection, laughter, and the joy of being present.

4. Embrace Community and Connection

There’s a reason river trips create lifelong bonds. Whether you’re paddling through rapids or sharing stories under the stars, the river turns strangers into friends and family into a tighter-knit crew.

For Dina Taylor, who brought her daughter along for a pre-college adventure, the trip was about more than the scenery. “We both loved every minute,” she said. On the river, happiness is contagious—it grows in the laughter, teamwork, and shared awe of the journey.

5. Discover Inner Strength Through Challenge

The river has a way of nudging you out of your comfort zone—and into a stronger, braver version of yourself. Rapids test your nerves, camping in the wilderness simplifies your routines, and by the end of it all, you’re left feeling capable of just about anything.

“I was nervous about the rapids,” said Karli Turner, “but the guides made me feel completely safe.” The lesson? Happiness often comes from facing fears and realizing just how resilient you are.

The River's Ultimate Lesson: Happily Ever Rafters

Happiness on the river isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. It’s in every laugh shared on the raft, every canyon sunrise, and every challenge you overcome. For over 60 years, Western River Expeditions has been honored to share this happiness with guests who leave not just with memories, but with lessons that linger long after the last rapid.

So, what’s the final takeaway? The river teaches us to live fully, appreciate the beauty around us, embrace simplicity, connect deeply, and find strength within ourselves. Or, as we like to say, the river makes us “happily ever rafters.”

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: November 20, 2024

Buckskin Bill: The Mountain Man of the Main Salmon River

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

References and Further Reading

Wikipedia: "Sylvan Ambrose Hart"

Sylvan Ambrose Hart, better known as "Buckskin Bill"

Better known as "Buckskin Bill", Sylvan Ambrose Hart, was the stuff of legends. He was an eccentric recluse, a skilled hunter, and a storyteller with a flair for exaggeration. He was also one of the last true mountain men to roam Idaho's remote wilderness. For over half a century, he called the rugged and beautiful Main Salmon River home. There, he carved out a unique existence, living off the land and becoming synonymous with the region's untamed spirit.

Early Life and Arrival on the Salmon River

Born in 1906 in Oklahoma, Hart was restless from a young age. He worked on Texas oil rigs during the Great Depression and later attended universities before dropping out. In 1932, after a stint working for the Norden Bombsight Company, Hart headed west. He sought both solace and adventure in Idaho's sprawling backcountry. The Main Salmon River became his sanctuary. Its treacherous rapids and isolation had earned it the name "River of No Return".

Buckskin Clothing and a Solitary Existence

Hart earned the name "Buckskin Bill" because he preferred clothes made from hides he tanned himself. His lifestyle was as unique as his attire. He built a compound of simple cabins with names like "Pneumonia Hall" and "Misery Mansion". He hunted, fished, and gardened. Occasionally, he ventured into nearby towns to trade furs for supplies, always causing a stir when he arrived. He was known for his outgoing personality and tall tales. Yet he fiercely guarded his solitude and the rugged freedom of his chosen life.

Controversies and the "Threat" of Progress

In 1956, the National Forest Service designated the Five Mile section of the Salmon as a "primitive area." Hart lived there, and the designation raised the threat of eviction. He famously built a stone gun tower overlooking the river. It symbolized both his defiance and his fear of losing the life he had built. He avoided eviction, but the incident cemented his reputation as both a defender of the wild and a relic of a bygone era.

Sylvan Hart's "Buckskin Bill" Legacy and his Final Days

Hart was never wealthy, but his stories and lifestyle made him a regional folk hero. After his death in 1980, his property was turned into a museum. Visitors can glimpse the life of this remarkable mountain man and reflect on the vanishing wilderness lifestyle he embodied. The only way to reach this unique piece of history is on a rafting trip down the Main Salmon River.

"I Figure It's About 99% Willpower"

Hart described his philosophy in his own words: "I live on beans and taters. I ain't never been sick a day in my life… I figure it's about 99% willpower." His resourcefulness and ability to thrive in harsh conditions earned him respect—and sometimes bemusement. Both locals and the growing number of rafters venturing down the Salmon River came to know him this way.

Buckskin Bill Museum

Today, Buckskin Bill's homestead is still one of the most-loved stops on the Salmon River . Rafters and hikers make the trip deep into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness just to see it. His museum tells the story of a true Idaho legend, a man who built a life alone in the backcountry and made it work. Wander the grounds and you can still feel it: the grit, the isolation, the stubborn independence it took to call this place home.

The attached store is the reward at the end of the trail. Grab a few supplies, a snack, and don't skip the root beer float. Miles from anywhere, it might be the best one you'll ever have.

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: April 23, 2024

Get Your Digital Detox in a Place Where Only Canyons Call

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Hey adventurers,

We need your help to spread the word about a new problem (with an age-old solution). We are talking about endlessly scrolling on your phone... you know, that doom-and-gloom newsfeed that leaves you feeling...blah? Or maybe those "urgent" emails that are draining your joy faster than a leaky raft? (we don't have any of those, but you get the idea). If you've felt that way, it's more than just your joy that's deflating.

Here's the thing: our brains weren't built for the constant bombardment of beeps, likes, and breaking news. All that screen time leads to lower attention spans, worse sleep, and a general sense of being, well, fried.

But out on the river, something magical happens. Suddenly, your biggest worries aren't notifications, but how firmly to grip the rope, or how hard to paddle into that next rapid. The endless stream of info is replaced by the rhythm of the current and the sound of birdsong bouncing off canyon walls. Suddenly, you're 100% present, not checking your phone for updates, but looking for that perfect campsite or the next jaw-dropping view.

Science Says: "There's no vacation like a river trip"

Rest AND Reset: Being more "in-the-moment" with your whole body engaged in the focused task sends strong signals to your brain that help it to reset. Your brain wants to be doing something.... anything, all the time. Adventures help it to wonder. New landscapes help it to wander. New experiences help it to become more curious. Those kinds of signals come naturally from a river rafting trip and are stronger than any 5G network trying to undermine your plans to get away. You might find rest at a poolside at a resort hotel, or on a cruise ship, but on the river you get rest... and reset!
Forced Focus: No WiFi. It's like giving your brain a vacation from being "on" all the time. When was the last time you deliberately took a vacation where you won't get signal? If never, then you have no idea how much you need this!
The Awe Factor: Studies show being in nature lowers stress hormones and reduces anxiety. Think towering canyons, starlit skies, and the simple joy of skipping rocks. That's good medicine.
Active + Reflective = Epic Recharge: River days blend adrenaline surges (hello, whitewater!) with quiet stretches perfect for contemplation. This balance is gold for your mental AND physical health.

Don't wait for your brain to send you an SOS – book your digital detox today! Your sense of wonder will thank you.

Prescription #1: Take 5-Days of Desolation Canyon (then call us in the morning ...once you get a signal)!

Desolation Canyon is so beautiful, and magically paced for a digital detox that we are tempted to refer to it as "Detoxolation Canyon". We think that's what John Wesley Powell had in mind in that first exploratory expedition in 1869. You can't beat a trip that begins with a 30-minute flight to a dirt landing strip on a remote plateau in eastern Utah. How many kid-friendly multi-day expeditions can you find like that? Spend the next five days floating more than 80 miles back toward Moab, Utah where you can indulge in civilization again, if you really want to. We won't tell anyone if you decide to homestead up in the canyon like the old-timers did in the days of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Prescription #2 (with a kick): 4-Days of Cataract Canyon

If slowing down to admire the canyon's beauty, punctuated with an extra intense kick of whitewater is more of what the doctor ordered, then you're looking for Cataract Canyon. If we were to rename this one we'd call it "Crank-it-up Canyon". There are a number of rapids down deep in this canyon (in the heart of Canyonlands National Park) that are notoriously large - the largest whitewater rapids in North America during high water runoff in the spring. Big Drops 1, 2, and 3 are your prescription for being more "in-the-moment" than you may have ever been in your life! Trade epic for epidemic and you're crankin' life to eleven.

Last Updated: April 22, 2024

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Five Things to Add to Your Rogue River Rafting Trip in Southern Oregon

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The Rogue River is the centerpiece of many Southern Oregon adventures, but this diverse region has a lot to offer. It would be a shame to miss your chance to explore these nearby features while in the area for your Rogue River rafting trip.

Crater Lake National Park: A Wonder of Water and Fire

This sapphire-blue lake filling a collapsed volcano isn't just a photo op. Take time to hike around the rim for panoramic views or take a boat tour to Wizard Island, the volcanic cinder cone rising from its depths. Campsites and the historic Crater Lake Lodge make it easy to extend your stay and truly absorb the otherworldly beauty of this natural wonder.

Redwood Giants: A Humbling Encounter

The iconic Redwoods of California reach their northernmost range in Southern Oregon. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offers easy hikes among these towering titans. Gazing up at trees that have stood for centuries puts life into perspective and adds a touch of almost-mystical beauty to your road trip.

Umpqua Valley Wine Country: Pinot and Beyond

Oregon's reputation for quality wines extends beyond the Willamette Valley. The Umpqua region, known for its Pinot Noir, offers a landscape of rolling hills dotted with charming wineries. Plan a dedicated tasting day, or pop into family-run vineyards for spontaneous sips and stunning views.

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor: Coastal Bliss

A stretch of the Oregon Coast known for its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, Samuel H. Boardman provides breathtaking scenery. Hike to overlooks, explore tidepools teeming with life, or simply find a pull-off and soak in the salty air and endless ocean views. This is Oregon's wild coast at its finest.

Small Town Gems: History, Culture, and Jet Boats!

Grants Pass: Your base for river access, this town also boasts a fascinating history. From gold rush days to Native American heritage, local museums offer captivating exhibits. Plus, who can resist the world-famous Hellgate Jetboat Excursions for a thrilling spin on the Rogue?

Jacksonville: This meticulously preserved 1850s mining town transports you back in time. Sample local brews in historic saloons, attend an outdoor theater performance, or browse galleries showcasing the area's rich artistic talent.

Bonus Tip: Southern Oregon is foodie heaven.

From fresh-caught seafood in coastal Bandon to artisanal cheese and farm-to-table restaurants inland, be sure to leave space in your itinerary (and your stomach!) to savor the local flavors.

This is just a taste of all Southern Oregon has to offer. Build your Rogue River road trip with these stops, and create an adventure that will leave you hungry for more of this unique and captivating part of the country!

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Buzz Holmstrom - A Rogue Boatman with a Grand Story

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Rowing More Than a Thousand Miles... Solo

In the annals of whitewater rafting history, Buzz Holmstrom stands tall. A gas station attendant turned river legend, Holmstrom wasn't just a skilled boatman - he was the embodiment of grit, determination, and a thirst for the unknown. His thousand-mile solo journey down the Green and Colorado Rivers in 1937 was a feat of sheer audacity, forever changing the way we view these iconic waterways.

From the Rogue to the Grand Canyon

Holmstrom's passion for rivers ignited in his native Oregon, where he honed his skills on the wild Rogue. Building his own wooden boats, he learned through trial and error, reading the rapids and mastering the art of maneuvering through treacherous waters. But it was the allure of the fabled Grand Canyon that captured his imagination. With its reputation for unnavigable rapids and unforgiving terrain, the Colorado was the ultimate test— a siren call that Holmstrom couldn't resist.

The Impossible Voyage

In 1937, armed with a homemade 16-foot wooden boat dubbed the "Portafold" and an unwavering spirit, Holmstrom embarked on his 52-day solo journey. Provisions were minimal, safety gear virtually nonexistent. His grit and ingenuity were his only true resources. Along the way, he faced monstrous rapids, near capsizes, and the constant threat of the unforgiving desert. Yet, with every challenge, Holmstrom's resolve hardened. His journey became not just about survival, but about a profound connection with the river's indomitable spirit.

The Legacy

Holmstrom's successful run shocked the world and sparked a new chapter in river exploration. His detailed maps and accounts of the rapids challenged long-held beliefs about the 'unrunnable' Colorado. He proved that with skill, determination, and a touch of madness, even the seemingly impossible could be conquered.

But Holmstrom wasn't just a conqueror – he was a steward. He recognized the fragile beauty of the canyon and the importance of preserving it for future generations. His legacy lives on not only in the annals of adventure but also in the ethic of respect and responsibility for the wild places he helped to open to exploration.

The Enigma of Buzz

Sadly, Holmstrom's life ended in mystery. Theories abound as to his cause of death, but the true circumstances remain shrouded in the same wilderness that he so fiercely explored. Yet, even in death, Buzz Holmstrom remains an enigmatic and influential figure in the history of adventure.

The Call of the River

Holmstrom's story is more than just a testament to human endurance. It's a reminder that within us all lies a thirst for the untamed, the unexplored. Whether we face the heart-pounding rapids of the Colorado, Rogue or Green Rivers or the challenges of our everyday lives, his journey reminds us to always remember that it is in the doing of the thing, that our best adventures and joys in life come .

Buzz wrote this while still in the canyon:

"...the bad rapid - Lava Cliff - that I had been looking for, nearly a thousand miles, with dread - I thought: 'Once past there my reward will begin, but now everything ahead seems kind of empty and I find I have already had my reward, in the doing of the thing. The stars, the cliffs, and canyons, the roar of the rapids, the moon, the uncertainty and worry, the relief when through each one 0 the campfires at night, the real respect of the rivermen I met, and others..."

Beyond the Rapids: Building Stronger Bonds on a Family Whitewater Rafting Trip

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The roar of the rapids fills the air, adrenaline pumping through your veins as you navigate the churning water. Whitewater rafting trips can bring families closer together and create unforgettable memories beyond just the excitement of the adventure. Navigating rapids can be challenging but helps build teamwork, trust, and communication. It produces an exceptional opportunity for families to connect in a meaningful way.

Unique Challenges, Shared Triumphs:

Family whitewater rafting trips present unique challenges that differ from traditional vacations. Unlike exploring a museum or relaxing on a beach, whitewater rafting demands active participation, cultivates coordination, and develops unity. Parents and kids work together, follow the guide's instructions, and rely on each other to navigate the rapids.

These challenges can initially feel daunting but ultimately become growth opportunities and shared triumphs. Overcoming obstacles fosters a sense of accomplishment, strengthens trust, and reinforces the importance of relying on each other.

Laughter, Memories, and Shared Experiences:

Beyond the adrenaline rush, whitewater rafting offers moments of pure joy and shared laughter. Watching your children's faces light up when they conquer a tough rapid creates lasting memories. Hearing them laugh together after a playful splash also strengthens family ties. Shared experiences unite families, fostering a strong bond and more profound connection beyond everyday distractions.

Western River Expeditions: Your Trusted Guide on the River:

We understand the unique dynamics of family whitewater trips at Western River Expeditions. Our experienced and passionate guides are skilled navigators and experts in creating an affirming and supportive family environment. They understand the importance of fostering communication, encouraging participation, and celebrating individual and collective achievements.

Our guides do more than just steer the raft. They share their river knowledge and tell stories to entertain kids and adults alike. They make sure everyone feels welcome, safe, and happy during the trip.

Choosing the Right Family Trip:

Western River Expeditions offers a variety of family rafting trips catering to diverse interests and abilities. Find the perfect adventure for your family's preferences and comfort. Our staff can help you pick the right trip, give details about each itinerary, and help answer any questions.

Our Desolation Canyon 5 Day Trip is one of the best for families with younger kids five and up. Additionally, we also provide a variety of family-friendly rafting trips in Utah , Idaho , Oregon , and the Grand Canyon .

Making Memories that Last a Lifetime:

A rafting trip with Western River Expeditions is not just fun, it's also good for your family's health and happiness. It is an opportunity to disconnect from technology, reconnect with nature, and strengthen the bonds that hold your family together. Enjoy beautiful scenery, face challenges, and make memories with loved ones while on the river.

Take a break from technology and spend time with your family in nature.
Learn essential life skills: Whitewater rafting teaches teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and resilience, all while enjoying yourself.
Experience natures beauty, see stunning views, and grow a greater love for the environment.
Make whitewater rafting a family tradition, creating shared experiences that strengthen bonds and become cherished memories.

Join us on an unforgettable adventure and be part of an experience will bring your family closer together. Rafting creates lasting memories and remind you of the importance of sharing meaningful experiences and quality time. It will renew your perspective on how amazing life is and how exploring the natural world helps us value our time here and those with whom we choose to surround ourselves.

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: February 26, 2024

2023 High Water in Cataract Canyon

Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Most likely, you have heard or seen the news reports that have shifted from dire predictions about a drought in the Western United States to reports of record-setting snowfall in the mountains. It has truly been a roller-coaster ride, but right now we are at the top of the roller coaster and getting ready to head down the slope.

While this snowpack won’t have as much effect on our Grand Canyon, Desolation Canyon, Idaho, and Oregon trips, we are expecting very high water on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon this year. A study of the history of high-water flows through Cataract Canyon shows that the “peak,” or the date on which the river reaches its highest flow, ranges anywhere from late May to the end of June with high flows persisting even into the middle of July.

What does this mean for 2023 Cataract Canyon trips within this date range? It means that on our 4-Day Cataract Canyon trips, we will be operating our large, J-Rig style rafts identical to the boats we operate all of the time in the Grand Canyon. Western’s J-Rig is designed to handle big water, and there are plenty of seating options available from more thrilling to more tame.

For guests planning to join us on our Cataract Canyon 2-Day Express trips, we will be using our standard high-speed snout rigs which we have used for many years in high water conditions.

Cataract Canyon, in high water, is some of the largest and best whitewater in North America. It flows fast and turbulent. It is important that those taking this trip are in good health, and, although it is very rare for a passenger to end up in the water, it is important that all participants are prepared to swim and assist in their own rescue if necessary.

For many, the opportunity of rafting Cataract Canyon at higher water enhances the excitement for these upcoming trips. If this describes you and you haven’t already booked your spot for this record-setting year, there are still some spots available on our Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition and our Cataract Canyon 2-Day Express Trips .

You may also wish to consider joining us later in the summer during late July or August when the higher flows have reduced. During this time frame, we’ll likely be using our oar boats and paddle rafts. Either way, you’ll still get to experience the stunning scenery of the Colorado River through Canyonlands National Park, delicious riverside meals, sleeping under the stars, and the much-needed respite that comes with every Western River Expedition.

We look forward to seeing you on the river!

Respectfully,

Brian I. Merrill - CEO

Last Updated: May 23, 2023

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Half a Century of Dreams Rafting the Grand Canyon is Put to the Lens on a Willie Holdman Photography Workshop

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

I told Claire, when I called to thank her for her words, that her review had struck all of us Western River computer-bound office staff like a brilliant ray of sunshine after a long and snowy winter (Utah 2023). For a moment we were each virtually transported to the rivers and canyons and sunshine we love so much. Claire responded over the phone with an exuberance still obvious and overflowing that she couldn't possibly add to what she'd written - like it was like an inevitable flow of words that simply needed to be said and that additional words couldn't possibly add to it. I told her we know that feeling... which makes her a new member of the Western River family. Such is the hard-to-put-into words magic that happens on these river trips!

Claire

For literally half a century, I’ve dreamed of rafting on the Colorado River. My initial trip to Grand Canyon National Park involved hiking from the rim. It was gorgeous, but I longed to deepen the experience, swept along by the power of the river, canyon walls towering five- and six-thousand feet above, explorers from the 19th century vivid in my imagination. Finally, the perfect opportunity emerged to combine rafting adventures with a workshop by esteemed fine-art landscape photographer, Willie Holdman .

I’ve just returned to civilization, my chin chafed by a week in a life vest, dirt clinging to my fingernails, and a smile that will never fade. This trip surpassed each of my sky-high expectations. First, a few words about…

A Word About Western River Expeditions:

They’ve been leading rafters through the Grand Canyon for at least as long as this trip has been on my bucket list. Impeccable back-office organization paved the way for delightful and exciting days on the river, comfortable nights camping, delicious gourmet meals, gorgeous hikes through hidden side canyons, and amazing expedition guides, each of whom deserves mention by name and a cascade of accolades. Our Expedition Leader was Ben Bressler, who worked seamlessly with three other superb river guides: Joe Clark, Shelby Wolfe and Bill Frothingham. This outstanding team kept us safe while navigating Class 10 rapids. They inspired maximum respect for and understanding of the spectacular forces that created the Grand Canyon and the early explorers who mapped this last great American frontier. They regaled us with stories, readings, fascinating facts, moving poems (some recited from memory,) and original folksongs. Ben, Joe, Shelby and Bill are truly Renaissance men, with seemingly unlimited talents. Skilled technicians on the river, philosophers and poets, master organizers of massive amounts of material that had to be efficiently stored on the rafts, retrieved and reloaded each day, sticklers about hand-washing, sanitizing and safety. Everything was doable, everything was enjoyable and safe under their guidance, from pre-dawn until the last flashlight dimmed each night at our campsites.

Our guides cooked delicious, nutritious, varied gourmet meals for nearly thirty folks three times a day. Dinner entrees included steaks grilled to perfection; chicken breasts seasoned and tender; rainbow trout with elegantly twisted lemon slices; abundant fajitas; al dente pasta with choice of sauces; always something special for the vegetarians like grilled portobello mushrooms or veggie burgers. Ben would literally sound a bugle for reveille. Fresh coffee and breakfasts never failed to amaze, ranging from the fluffiest of fresh blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup, Eggs Benedict complete with Hollandaise, freshly cut fruit, muffins, grilled bagels, hot and cold cereal, the list goes on. Desserts fit for queens and kings included ice cream with bananas foster flambéed over ice cream kept cold for days on dry ice. Lunches were fresh and innovative, e.g., corn, black bean, avocado, and tomato salad in triangular rolled tortillas with crumbled bacon if “the vegetarian” entree was simply too healthy.

The guides tended to the occasional wound. They quietly dispatched a rattlesnake that had sought warmth under one rafter’s life jacket in camp. They literally leapt into action to ensure safe navigation of the most technically challenging of rapids. They knew nearly each type of rock, every bird, animal and plant that we encountered throughout this magical week. They made sure that our party of twenty-six guests plus four river guides plus one photography master formed a cohesive, fun-loving family. It was a privilege to glide through this majestic wilderness with Western River Expeditions.

Our fellow rafters ranged in age from thirty-something to seventy-something, each bringing splendid enthusiasm and unique talents. How quickly we bonded; together embracing the challenges and magnificence of the Grand Canyon, truly one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

A Word About Willie Holdman:

I chose this particular Grand Canyon trip after I visited Willie Holdman’s photography gallery in Park City and learned of his workshops. It turns out Willie is as masterful a teacher as he is a landscape photographer. Throughout our wilderness week, Willie was equally supportive of experienced photographers toting zillion dollar camera bags as he was of more novice photographers armed with the latest iPhone camera. He bustled with energy, leading sunrise photo sessions, mid-morning hikes to hidden waterfalls, and midnight searches for Milky Way images. He generously shared fresh techniques for framing shots, for finding clarity simultaneously at varying depths of field, for creating uniquely beautiful images. Sadly, my husband, who is the real photographer in our family, had to miss this Grand Canyon photo trip due to an unexpected surgery, but Willie Holdman welcomed me nonetheless, and I am a better photographer, dare I say, a better human being for it.

I cannot recommend this Western River rafting and Willie Holdman photo workshop highly enough. Drop everything; get on the wait list so you, too, can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Thank you all for an unforgettable trip! Just posted reviews on Trip Advisor. Since I mentioned you by name, I thought you might like to read my accolades directly. You were ... you ARE ... THE BEST! My smile is brighter; my fingernails, dirtier; my photos, better because of our marvelous shared adventures.

Gratefully,

Claire Goulding

A Final Word:

Last Updated: April 27, 2023

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Colorado River Water Shortage in 2023?

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Water and drought in the Southwest, especially the Colorado River have gotten a lot of attention lately, and deservedly so. Millions of people live in desert cities that depend on Colorado River basin water and the hydroelectric power that it generates. Here at Western River Expeditions, we also depend upon rivers flowing downstream to create exciting and memorable whitewater rafting experiences for our guests. While we are in a protracted drought, all the rivers we raft will continue to flow downstream to provide critical culinary and agricultural water, and hydroelectric power. We just need to learn to use it more wisely and to make do with less water than was historically thought available.

To us, lower water flows are not a new problem. For the last 22 years as we have been running rivers on the same reduced volumes that have been flowing into Lake Powell before continuing downstream through the Grand Canyon to quench the demands below. Since 1961 we have been running rafts on the low flow releases that originally filled Lake Powell in the early 1960s, the record flows of 1983 and 1984, and the now 22 years of lower flows that have partially emptied these reservoirs again.

Ironically, the issue of water conservation is a message we have been sharing with our guests for over 30 years now, as we have watched it worsen to the point that it finally is receiving the media attention that it deserves. Excessive demand for water in the West has been one of the slowest crises ever to unfold and finally grab attention. The Colorado River drought crisis in the west is about overuse, not whether the rivers will still be flowing.

Lake Powell, just above the Grand Canyon, and Lake Mead, directly below the Grand Canyon are two of the most publicized concerns. There is a string of reservoirs on the Colorado River below Lake Mead. The system capacity of all of the reservoirs in the system is currently 33% and is projected to finish in 2023 at 34%. They were all effectively full in the late 1990s.

Over the 30 years it took to progressively lower these reservoirs we have continually been running rafts through Cataract Canyon, the section of the Colorado River that runs into Lake Powell, and on Desolation Canyon, which is the Green River just before it joins the Colorado and enters Cataract Canyon and empties into Lake Powell. Yes, these rivers have been running on lower flows, but these flows have been perfectly suited for recreational rafting trips, and will continue to be. In fact, these slightly lower flows have not only become the new norm over the last 30 years but also furnish some nice advantages like broad sandy beaches, decreased insects, and a more established river channel.

Grand Canyon Rafting Regulated Flows:

The Colorado River flow through the Grand Canyon is regulated by pre-planned releases of water at Glen Canyon Dam from the waters of Lake Powell. The release has been set for 2023 and 2024 and will be no lower than the 2022 release, which was set at 7.0 maf (million acre feet). Had this amount been released in the past 20 years, instead of the average 8.3 maf that was released, these lakes would still be full as the amount of inflow has averaged over 7.0 maf into Lake Powell over the past 22 years. Even in drought shortage years, the amount of water released through these large desert rivers is an exciting volume of water for running rivers.

It is also important to keep in mind that these dams were built to control flood waters and to maintain steady, predictable releases . The water which flows through the Grand Canyon empties into Lake Mead, the reservoir which was created by the Hoover Dam. At full capacity, Lake Powell and Lake Mead are the largest reservoirs in the United States. While it is true there is a drought, there are still two of the West’s mightiest rivers flowing through the southwest - plenty of water for your rafting trip in Moab Utah, or through the Grand Canyon.

Remarkably, 40 million people depend on Colorado River water, and 4.5 million people depend on hydroelectric power generated from the length of the Colorado River system! 750,000 people directly depend on hydroelectric power being generated from Glen Canyon dam, which creates Lake Powell. If the river were shut off, so would water and power to a lot of cities and agricultural enterprises in California and in the Southwest. Our society depends on water flowing downstream every bit as much as we do for our exciting whitewater rafting trips.

In 1992, the Grand Canyon Protection Act was established to protect downstream resources. It mandates that the Western Area Power Association maintain flows that protect downstream resources in the Canyon. These flows moderated “peaking power” flows that were used in the 1970s and 1980s to maximize power generation revenue. Regardless of the time of day, there is a finite amount of water that flows through the system. Before this legislation, we used to see daily flows fluctuating from 5,000-30,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Paradoxically, once this Act was passed and more steady flows established, the low flows we have seen during this protracted drought have been significantly higher than the 5,000 cfs we used to see every day! The ability of these dams to regulate the river and provide steady flows is phenomenal and beneficial for both preserving environmental resources and visitor experiences.

Cataract Canyon Rafting Un-regulated flows:

The Colorado River flow through Cataract Canyon is not regulated by a dam. Snow melt and precipitation throughout the year affect water levels here. Peak run-off is typically late May-mid June. Because water levels may fluctuate, we are able to choose the best boats for current water conditions. Some rapids may be washed over in high water levels, while new rapids may appear in lower water levels. We love the flexibility to match the boats to water conditions on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, which makes rafting fun at any level. In 2023, we are looking forward to some exciting, high flows as the snowpack is far above average!

Regardless of which trip or time of year you select, we look forward to sharing your upcoming rafting experience with you!

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: March 22, 2023

Q&A with Western River Guides about Cataract Canyon

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

We did a little Q&A with our guides about Cataract Canyon. Here is a compilation of what they said:

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: July 13, 2022

Ten Books to Read Before and After You Visit the Grand Canyon

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 15:06:03 GMT

As I started my guiding career in the Grand Canyon, I was given a piece of great advice from a longtime boatman (thanks Joe) to pick up a book before every river trip at the Marble Canyon Lodge. Since then, I have compiled a good amount of knowledge from the following books on the Grand Canyon for one reason or another. On my last trip, a group of wonderful women requested I create a list of books I think people would enjoy reading before and after their journey through the canyon.

Bonus! The Best Joke Book Ever

Author: Wayne Brindle
Suggested: Read Before

River guides are notorious for bad jokes so here is a great book to spice up the "don't take it for granite" puns that the guides are sure to spring on you while you are down here.

Author: Wallace Stegner
Suggested: Read Pre-Trip

This is a classic biographical book about the OG who started it all here in the Grand Canyon. John Wesley Powell was commissioned by Congress in 1869 to survey one of the last unknown environments in the United States. In doing so, Powell made a point to exaggerate a lot of the information he sent back (who needs to exaggerate about the Grand Canyon?)

However, this is a great book for anyone wanting to know about what the Grand Canyon was all about prior to the creation of Glen Powell Dam and sheds light on some of Powell's eccentricities. A little-known fact highlighted in the books is Powell's involvement in the Underground railroad!

2. Beyond the Hundredth Meridian

Author: Vince Welsh, Cort Conley, Brad Dimock
Suggested: Read after your Grand Canyon Trip

This is one of my favorite books (the first half anyway) about a small-town smelly gas station attendant named Buzz Holmstrom (from my neck of the woods in Oregon) which describes his upbringing growing up dirt poor, his journey in exploring rivers in boats he built himself, and eventually becoming the first person to completely (debated) run the entire stretch of the Grand Canyon alone.

Because of this feat, Buzz becomes famous across the country and the book describes how much he learns to despise the fame and how he eventually gets back to what matters most to him. Running rivers and forgetting to bathe.

5. The Doing of the Thing

6. Sunk Without a Sound: The Tragic Colorado River Honeymoon of Glen and Bessie Hyde

Author: Brad Dimock
Suggested: Read after your Grand Canyon trip

As the title suggests this book ends in tragedy and highlights the cheery fact that nature doesn't care about you. This is something I try to impart to all of my guests in the beginning of trips in the hope that they practice caution when they are in the canyon and the importance of looking out for one another. (BUCKLE UP YOUR LIFEJACKET!)

Anyway, back in 1928, Glen had this great idea to take his not-so-excited wife Bessie on a river trip down the Grand Canyon for their honeymoon with no life jackets, a boat made for lakes, and little to no river running experience.

What could go wrong?

7. River to Rim

Author: Nancy Brian
Suggested: Read After

River to Rim gives an excellent overview of some of the magical places in the Grand Canyon. A must-read for anyone who has been to the Grand Canyon and wants to relive the memories.

Author: Edward Dolnick
Suggested: Read Before

All the epic adventure flows naturally in this Reader's Digest-style narrative about the Powell Expedition. If you want to understand the ten men that dared to go into the last unmapped area of the West, and the challenges that beset them, then this is your book. Whether you read it before or after your own river expedition, you'll be deeply grateful for the luxuries afforded by modern-day river travel.

4. Down the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon

3. Woman of the River ~ Georgie White Clark, Whitewater Pioneer

Author: Richard E. Westwood
Suggested: Read Before

Georgie is one of those larger-than-life characters and is one of my top picks for people I would love to meet if they were still alive. Anyone old enough to know Georgie has told me that this woman was a force to be reckoned with and that it was always a bad idea to bend over in front of her. This book talks about the tragic motivations that brought Georgie to the Grand Canyon in the first place and the legacy she built that still lives on today.

8. There's this River
Grand Canyon Boatman Stories

Author: Christa Sadler
Suggested: Read During

Some people say that the only way to know if a boatman is telling a tall tale is to see if their lips are moving. Nevertheless, I discovered some real gems while reading this book full of short stories from boatmen from all walks of life and the crazy stories that definitely "happened" the way they wrote them. I highly recommend the story about the raven or the big horn sheep and urge you to always hide your shiny valuables while in camp!

9. The Very Hard Way
Bert Loper and the Colorado River

Author: Brad Dimock
Suggested: Read Before

Bert Loper was born in 1869 which coincidently enough was also the same year-grumpy old JW Powell made his first voyage down the Grand Canyon. Like Buzz Holmstrom, Bert grew up dirt poor and worked most of his life performing extremely low-paying grunt work in order to make ends meet. This book documents how after years of struggle Bert found solace and contentment in the Grand Canyon and some of his adventures that are still the stuff of legend.

10. I am the Grand Canyon: The Story of the Havasupai People

Author: Stephen Hirst
Suggested: Read Before

Every time we visit Havasu on our 6 and 7 day Grand Canyon trips I am always reminded of this book. This story centers on who we know now as the Havasupai people (Havsuw Baaj: Blue Creek people) and their struggle to remain in the place that they have called home for thousands of years. I was surprised to learn that at one time with the help of irrigation the inhabitants were able to grow corn, melons, beans, squash, pumpkins, and a variety of fruit trees there. The current climate and lack of rain have made this practice much more difficult. The book also describes the use of sweat lodges for purification and serious healing along with the tradition behind cradleboards for infants. If you want to learn more about the Blue Creek people's battle to keep their sacred traditions, land, and way of life intact, I highly recommend giving this one a read.

Author: Kevin Fedarko
Suggested: Read Before

If you can only read one book about the Grand Canyon this is it! The Emerald Mile gives a very entertaining overview of the history of the dams that forever changed the Grand Canyons landscape along with character profiles on legends like Bert Loper, Georgie White, JW Powell, Martin Litton, The Kolb Brothers, and many others. Along the way, the story builds the legend around the men who took advantage of the insane high flow year of 1983.

1. The Emerald Mile ~ The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in the History of the Grand Canyon

Last Updated: July 4, 2022

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Is the Colorado River Drying Up and Will it Affect Your Grand Canyon River Tour?

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

"There is still a river flowing despite the drought. There are still fish swimming in the river. There are still river guides hooping and hollering as they make the cut to hit the big wave coming off the big rock that’s now just more exposed."

Boating Until the Rivers Actually Run Dry

Over the last sixty-plus years in the river rafting business, we've seen low water levels, we've seen high water levels. We've seen giant hydroelectric dams put in place, and just this year we've seen water levels drop low enough to potentially render the hydroelectric turbines of Glen Canyon Dam inert within the next 1-2 years. But there is still a river flowing despite it all. There are still fish swimming in the river. There are still river guides whooping and hollering as they make the cut to hit the big wave coming off the big rock that's now just more exposed. While the "Megadrought" of the last twenty years has proven to be the driest in the last 1200 years, we will simply calibrate the size of the craft to match the size of the river's flow. Then we will hope and pray for more snow and rain, and do our best to maintain our high standards of customer experience. We've done it this way in Utah's Cataract Canyon since 1961.

The bottom line for the rafting industry is this: Rivers rarely dry up entirely, and as long as there are rivers to run, we will run them. If the reservoirs dry up and there are ancient lakebed rivers to run, we will probably run those too! We know that is a narrow focus, but it may be the very concern that has you reading our blog post. If you're worried about the river running so dry that the trip you booked a year in advance will no longer be available, rest easy. That's not what those headlines mean.

This means that water levels in Desolation Canyon and Cataract Canyon (both located between Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell) will see water flows more typical of non-drought (non-megadrought) years. In turn, flows through the Grand Canyon from Lake Powell to Lake Mead will also see fairly normal flows. In all honesty, this could be the last year we see "normal" flows for several years to come. Unless we see consecutive abnormal snowpack years to fill the reservoirs, we can only project lower than normal flows in the coming years.

What do Lower Water Levels Mean for Recreational Rafting?

Is the river half empty or is it half full? More than just a test of whether you're an optimist or a pessimist, there are actual quantifiable reasons why lower water is just fine with us, and for you:

RAPIDS : Lower water levels don’t directly equate to diminished white water rapids. Some rapids actually come alive in lower water. Westwater Canyon is an example where higher water "washes out" the rapids because rocks in the channel get so far below the surface that they no longer scrape or ruffle the surface into a white water froth. This makes the rapids no more than fast-moving riffles.

Desolation Canyon , Cataract Canyon , and many rapids in Grand Canyon gain a bit more kick and punch with lower water. In fact, the rapids of the Lower Granite Gorge in the Grand Canyon actually become more technical as massive boulders are exposed and the waves become much larger and more challenging. Conversely, in high water, some rapids get bigger such as the Big Drops in Cataract Canyon, or Crystal and Lava Falls in the Grand Canyon. There are so many different configurations of the canyon walls and rocky river beds that you can find whitewater thrills no matter the water level. From a guide perspective, higher water flows faster, requiring faster, or more anticipated response times between moves. Lower water moves more slowly but reveals more obstacles to maneuver between. It’s all part of the fun and skillset of navigating whitewater rapids!

CAMPING Lower water levels bring broad, sandy beaches. We're talking space for endless fun with games on the beach like Kubb, Spikeball, Frisbee, and timeless sandcastles. Lower water flows provide more space in which to camp, perhaps on a sandbar, that is away from the vegetation. We witness this every year as snowmelt slows and rivers drop into more curvy and sinuous paths between the shoreline.

Another unique option with low water is the opportunity to camp on a sandbar revealed only in low water. Camping on a sandbar can provide a nice flat space for your cot and tent away from vegetation and critters that live nearby. Guides anticipate the camping spots that only become available in lower water.

BUGS: Fun fact: There are fewer bug problems in lower water. What more can we say?

Higher water flowing beyond its banks through the vegetation stirs up our six-legged desert dwelling insect friends. High water also leaves large puddles of standing water that make a perfect breeding ground for said friends. In lower water months and years, we don't see this cycle and we are a-okay with that.

Threats to the Broader Uses of the Colorado River

In contrast, and in reference to the alarm outlined in the headlines cited above, rivers in the arid West often don’t meet all the demands placed upon them from conglomerations of cities, and farmlands that have blossomed in the desert like so many rose bushes. It is a legitimate concern. As the non-profit “American Rivers” states, “Life needs rivers”. They recently listed the Colorado River as the #1 Most Endangered River .

Personally, I’m all for clean drinking water, removing pollution, water for crops that feed millions, and even hydroelectric power that allows me to type an electronic blog post. But I'm confused. Is the Colorado River itself endangered, or the overly dependent cities, crops, and hydroelectric demands that are actually endangered? American Rivers states, “The Colorado River system is already operating at a deficit, and climate change is expected to further reduce the river’s flow by 10 to 30 percent by 2050.” What does that mean? It means that on paper the demand for water is greater than the present and foreseeable supply. This is especially true in the lower basin (below Lake Mead and on toward California’s Imperial Valley and the Salton Sea. Learn more about that here: “How the Colorado River’s Future Depends on the Salton Sea”

Perhaps like you, if I’m being completely honest, I am confused about what specific action is proposed to solve the problem. What can you or I do? What can a White House Administration do? Tell people in Phoenix and L.A. they should move? Tell crop farmers in the Imperial Valley to stop producing food? Tell people to stop eating those crops? Tell 25 million people in Arizona, Nevada, California, and Mexico to get their own water?

We take so much for granted. So much driftwood is entangled with the beaver dam.

What Can We Do? Spread the Word: Sustainability

This over-dependency on water that was never there (over-allocation) didn’t begin twenty years ago with the beginning of the worst drought in 1200 years. The slow train-wreck we see today started as early as the 1920’s when the Colorado River Compact divvied-up the water among 7 Western states, and Mexico. On paper there was agreement. But no one consulted the river itself. No one besides John Wesley Powell.

Early warnings. In 1869 Powell led the first river expedition down the canyons of the Green and Colorado Rivers. Although he witnessed first-hand the river’s magnificence and power, he knew that what appeared to be an endless supply, was not. Perhaps the first to preach about sustainability, Powell witnessed and warned in an 1890 Senate Committee meeting that the rivers in the southwest could not sustain overdevelopment. But no one listened. Heedless of Powell’s prophetic warning, the largest dams and reservoirs were built and the desert blossomed like so many rose bushes - possibly in a way Powell could never have imagined. If you want to read more about this, read the Smithsonian Magazine article, “The Visionary John Wesley Powell Had a Plan for Developing the West, But Nobody Listened”

Don’t mistake that it is all water under the bridge at this point. Bad thinking (non-sustainable thinking) in some places like California continues to carry more debris toward the beaver dam. For example , one of the solutions agreed upon this year by the Lower Basin States is to keep some of their allocated water in Lake Powell AS LONG AS IT IS COUNTED IN LAKE MEAD’S LEVELS so that they don’t have to go into lower Tier 2b restrictions and reduce their water use . If we pretend the water is there, then they get to keep on using it. Is that sustainable? Maybe it would be wise to not grow high-use crops like alfalfa and rice in this region.

Looking for hope that it can be done? Look at Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Valley Water District states, “The community used 24 billion gallons less water in 2020 than in 2002, despite a population increase of more than 780,000 residents during that time. This represents a 47 percent decline in the community’s per capita water use since 2002.” Even if we get two extraordinary water years to fill the reservoirs, like in the 1980’s, places like Las Vegas should continue to conserve as they are. It is possible to live sustainably! It’s just more evidence that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! I couldn’t resist.

What can we do now? I say we pray for snow, do the rain dance, practice conservation, and teach others to think in more sustainable ways. But while the rivers are running, come run the rivers. It might be the best kick-start to being an activist for rivers that you could ever do!

Links to Articles Referenced in Opening Paragraph

"The Colorado River Runs Dry" - Smithsonian Magazine
"What Happens When the Colorado River Runs Dry?" - Science Friday.com
"The Colorado River: What's Broken and how to fix it" - GreenBiz.com
"Climate Change is Killing the Colorado River" - The New York Times
" Climate change is drying up the Colorado River, studies say " - USA Today
" Can the Colorado River keep on running?" - National Geographic

Headlines about the drought in the West are building up like driftwood against a beaver dam:

Smithsonian Magazine says, “The Colorado River Runs Dry” . ScienceFriday asks, “What Happens When the Colorado River Runs Dry?” The New York Times and USA Today: “Climate Change is Killing the Colorado River” . National Geographic asks, “Can the Colorado River keep on running?” Greenbiz.com offers recommendations: “The Colorado River: What’s Broken and how to fix it”.

The metaphor of driftwood building up behind a beaver dam is a bit ironic since driftwood is an effect of rising water, not declining flows. But just as it is hard to tell the driftwood from the beaver dam, it can be hard to decipher the truth from alarming news stories, especially from their headlines alone. There is a water crisis in the West, and the last twenty years have shown a particular cause for alarm. As GreenBiz concludes accurately, “The Colorado River Basin is the "canary in the mine" for the future of water in the American West.”

What does the West’s trending drought mean to you, our guides, our livelihood on the rivers, and the broader uses of the West’s water?

"Right now snowpack for the Colorado River Basin is 16% higher than last year (and yes, we definitely ran rivers last year) so things are looking even better this year. We also have the added benefit of higher ground water saturation, thanks to a wetter Fall than the year before. This basically means the ground will not be as thirsty and water will shed more directly into the reservoirs and rivers." - Brian Merrill

What do Lower Water Levels Mean for Recreational Rafting?

Despite the drought, man-made water releases from a series of reservoirs will keep 2022 water flows higher than expected. Higher than expected water flows like this are rare and could be the last time we will see flows like this in the West if the megadrought persists. Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which straddles the Utah-Wyoming border will release 500,000-acre feet of water over the next 12 months in order to prevent Lake Powell water levels from dipping below hydroelectric capability. Lower Basin states (ie. Lake Mead) will eventually have the use of that water for crops in California. Trying to replicate "normal" flows and natural rhythms, most of the water will be released during the hotter summer months - similar to that of a normal winter snowpack melting off and filling the rivers.

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: April 21, 2022

Why Desolation Canyon is One of My Favorite Places on Earth

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Desolation Canyon holds a special place in my heart. As a river guide, I've been extremely lucky to spend the past few summers floating the languid meanders and bony rapids of the canyon. By the time my mother finished her river guide career, she clocked in at 38 trips down the canyon, each measuring up to 86 miles. Building up muscles at the oars and buzzing through flatwater at the motor, I've managed 11 trips and counting down ole Deso.

The Green River runs in my blood, yet the canyon that shelters it is always eager to teach me another lesson. John Wesley Powell, the first white explorer to navigate the canyon in 1869, named it "desolation" for a reason; the sparse, intimidating landscape can best be described as, well, desolate.

The canyon itself teems with the history of native peoples, rugged farmers, and famous outlaws. About 10 miles from the start point at Sand Wash Recreational Area, the Green River gives way to towering stepped walls, boasting wild rock formations and shades of green that seem out of place in a desert setting. These vertical monuments that rival the Grand Canyon offer precarious refuge for wildlife such as pinyon pines, juniper trees, bighorn sheep, black bears, and even wild horses.

Accompanied by the impressive desert creatures are the impressive weather patterns. In this canyon, I've seen rain, snow, scorching sun, hurricane-force wind, and temperatures soaring indecisively within a 40-degree range during the day. Like the desert dwellers who came before, the canyon continues to welcome those with a sense of adventure.

Expect the Unexpected

Whether you're a seasoned camper or first-timer looking for a unique outdoor experience, a trip down Desolation Canyon can satisfy any level of "adventure lust". However, be aware that on any river trip (especially in the desert), once you lose sight of civilization, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature for the next 3+ days. The river guides do their darndest to prepare for any weather, equipment hazard, or freak disaster that could happen, but (as part of the adventure) anything could happen, and the best we can do is work with what we got. You'll find there can be a lot of fun to be had in unexpected situations on the Green River. On a Desolation Canyon trip my husband Grant led, a raft got stuck on a rock in the middle of a rapid. As he guided his own boat down the rapid, he threw a bag of rope to the stuck boat, with the intent of towing it off the rock. A passenger grabbed the rope, clutched the daylights out of it and crouched into the bow, not knowing the end of the rope was meant for a much stronger anchor like a boat frame. Like a cork popping off a champagne bottle, the passenger launched from the boat and flopped over the bow (still clutching the rope), plopping immediately into the water. After an involuntary swim in the rapid accompanied by rowdy laughs from other passengers, he hooted and hollered and said it was the most fun he'd had the whole trip.

Rock Creek Ranch

The historic Rock Creek Ranch, built near the 1930's and formerly maintained by the Swedish Seamount brothers, offers a glimpse into the lives of true adventure-seekers amidst a time of advancing technology. Looking at the remains of small, huddled cabins on a bank that could hardly be called farmland enclosed by looming cliffs, you can't help but wonder how that miniscule development survived, let alone got there in the first place. It may remind you of a set for an old western movie. Yet, in part because of proximity to a freshwater spring called Rock Creek, irrigation techniques provided survivable crops and fruit trees like cherry and mulberry. The mulberry trees still produce edible fruit to this day. One trip in late May, the other guides and I were pleasantly surprised to find ripe juicy mulberries on the ground below the trees. Determined to land a decent haul, we shook the tree as hard as we could as another guide immediately took off his shirt and held it outstretched to catch the berries. Though the shirt was sacrificed to irreparable purple stains, we got to share the Rock Creek mulberries amongst ourselves and the passengers, staining our hands and tongues the same color in the process. The beach that skirts the property serves as a relaxing, shady lunch spot after exploring the ranch.

McPherson Camp

"I can't forget the thrill of setting up for a run through the rapid and hitting it straight on - the breathtaking beauty of the early morning light on the cliffs, the wildlife that makes all of it worth it ... bringing an open mind - just how beautiful it is to see the whole McPherson Ranch valley open up before you as the canyon widens from the narrow Three Canyon section … seeing the wonder in nature - away from phones - I think I'm waiting to understand what the blessings of the trip are.... but that's just me." – Amy Hansen, former Western River guide

As the boats around the corner of a sandstone wall to river right (facing downstream), the canyon unfolds a panoramic view of McPherson Ranch, nestled in the Florence Creek valley. Formerly cultivated by desert rancher Jim McPherson in 1889, the land has since been reclaimed and developed into a riverside lodge by the Ute/Ouray tribe, which was abandoned due to funding issues. There are a plethora of outlaw stories to be heard about the McPhersons' encounters with the likes of Flat Nose George, Butch Kassidy, and several others making a getaway through the canyon. More can be read about the McPherson ranch in this article: https://truewestmagazine.com/outlaw-ranch/

The camp itself is across the river from the ranch, an elevated beach behind a seasonal sandbar island. My best memories of this camp involve the sandbar island; the seasonal flows may barely cover it, making it a low-current shallow cove great for wading, water-fights, beach-vacation style floating with beverage in hand, and relaxing in the blazing heat. If you're lucky, an inflatable kayak edition of king-of-the-hill may take place between guides and younger passengers. Other times, the sandbar may be totally exposed, allowing ample space for games and better bathing access.

Wire Fence Rapid

There's a child-like thrill that comes when you hear a thundering rapid around the next corner. It's like riding up to the first big drop of an amusement park ride. Even if you've done it a million times, that feeling of adrenaline always resurfaces before you catch that glimpse of whitewater. Near the abrupt transition from Desolation Canyon to Gray Canyon, Wire Fence Rapid is a narrow, chute-like waterway on the left side of a wide rock field. Rated as a class III rapid (out of five, one being the easiest), the oarswoman/man or inflatable kayak passenger is in for a mini splash mountain-type experience. A half-submerged boulder on river left marks the entrance of the rapid. As the boat approaches the drop-in point, a smooth hydraulic highway can be seen plummeting into frothing whitewater. Once the correct entrance angle is achieved, the boat is swiftly carried down the chute and bucked around by roller-coaster waves. The rapid quickly subsides into a placid current, leading into another chute-like class III around the next bend called Three Fords. Easy enough to swim through yet big enough to give a good splash, Wire Fence Rapid has stayed on my list of favorites throughout my river guide years.

Fremont Petroglyphs

A short hike from the river, thousands of Fremont petroglyphs can be found on areas of sandstone (many times carved under ledges to prevent erosion and sun damage). The Fremont people (named after the man credited with discovering remains of the tribe itself) inhabited the land from around 600 to 1200 A.D., living as semi-nomadic and moving with the change of the seasons. As we show respect to the relics of ancient inhabitants, it is even more important to respect the present native inhabitants who still claim the land. The Ute/Ouray tribe owns the land spanning the left side of the river about 70 miles down. Until recently, recreational boaters were granted access to camping on their side, but because of illegal poaching and campers leaving sites unkempt, the tribe has shut off public access on the left side. That means less camping for the dozens of private and commercial trips embarking each week, but the good news is there are many great beaches and beautifully preserved petroglyphs on the accessible side. Scenes of bighorn sheep, sun-like spirals, and sunflower stems thought to be used as harvest trackers can be seen etched into the rocks in places such as the Big Tree, Flat Canyon, and Price River Confluence areas.

More can be read about the history of Green River peoples at this article:

https://historytogo.utah.gov/green-river/

Three Canyon Overlook

The Three Canyon beaches are easily the most coveted camp spots in Desolation Canyon. Expanding like a large beach volleyball court amidst a backdrop of desert vegetation, the upper Three Canyon beach triggers daydreams of every beach activity you can imagine. When we're lucky enough to snag that camp spot, the group is blessed with access to a trailhead of a once-in-a-lifetime hike to a scenic overlook witnessed only by river runners. Although this hike is not a light stroll (we rank it as moderate to advanced) and involves steep, rocky terrain, the view at the end is unforgettable. The whole river becomes visible right before your eyes, as well as its ancient winding path to the left. Three Canyon was formed by the river in its younger years; its path created a wide double-canyon meander (the third canyon giving the name "Three Canyon" can be seen on the river's other side) that slowly dried up as the river bored its way through the southward cliffs. Many guides like to facilitate five minutes of meditation at the overlook, allowing for passengers to experience the true, arid silence of the desert. I've been told by many passengers at the conclusion of trips that those five minutes were the highlight of the whole week.

Desolation Canyon is the perfect introduction to river rafting. For any river runner, it holds a place at the top of their bucket list for good reason. The trip is extremely family-friendly and a great option for most ages. Although there are many other river trips known for their epic whitewater, nothing quite compares to the scenery and history of Deso. Throw on those river sandals and get some sand in your hair, you won't regret it!

Last Updated: March 30, 2022

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before my First River Rafting Trip

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

One of the greatest ironies of my life is this: my parents met while working as river guides, and I had NEVER rafted before training to be a river guide at 20 years old. Needless to say, I had a lot to learn my first time!

If you're getting ready for your first rafting trip, take comfort in the fact that there's a first time for everything, and your guides have gone through combined years of trial and error so you don't have to! During my five years on the river, I've picked up some tips from other guides and personal experience to make life on the raft a LOT easier.

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: September 17, 2026

1. BRING. WET. WIPES.

This will mean the difference between sleeping crusty and feeling clean and relaxed. A nightly "wet wipe shower" focused on the face, armpits, hands, and feet will keep your skin feeling comfortable throughout the week.

A tried-and-true tip from my mom's river years to minimize chances of sleeping sandy: wipe your feet down before getting in your sleeping bag, coat them with a generous layer of lotion, then put on socks. You'll wake up with replenished feet ready for another day on the river.

You can find some great biodegradable options here .

3. DRINK WATER, DRINK WATER, DRINK WATER

"Feeling sick? Drink water. Depressed or tired? Drink water. Is the world literally ending? Drink water." It was my mother's response to all problems. I cannot stress this enough. Even while spending a cool, cloudy day on the boat, the desert air is constantly sucking moisture out of your skin. You may hear a bad guide joke about dehydration causing grumpiness (trust me, you'll hear it), and it's true! Monitor yourself, and if you feel yourself getting slightly more annoyed than usual, take some big gulps of liquid.

If more serious dehydration sets in, you may experience symptoms such as extreme physical weakness and swollen ankles (this happened to me on my first trip down the Grand Canyon ). To prevent this, balance your water intake with electrolytes. Luckily, Western river trips include special lemonade packed with electrolytes along with the normal daily water supply. For a less sugary option, electrolyte hydration tablets can be found at a grocery store and dissolved in normal water. Their results are amazing; you will feel twice as hydrated as before.

4. Be prepared for the river schedule

For the first day or two of the river trip, it can be tough adjusting to the daily schedule. Guides like to get on the water as early as possible to beat the afternoon wind and ensure a good camp spot for the next night, so the expected morning coffee call can be as early as 6:00 am. There is a lot of camp set-up and take-down to consider as well, creating a repeated schedule that goes something like: get to camp, set up tent and cots, free time, dinner, sleep, get up, breakfast, take down tent and cots, pack up stuff, get on the water.

Apart from the essential tasks, there is plenty of time for games, chatting, bathing, and relaxing in between. As the trip progresses, a natural rhythm develops to the point where it becomes a normal part of the day. I was not a morning person before my first river trip, and I'm still not a morning person. But like many others, I am a creature of routine, and the river routine is fairly consistent.

No matter what you or your guides prepare for, there will ALWAYS be something unexpected on a river trip. It can come in the form of weather, fluctuating water levels, equipment failure, injuries, or just freak occurrences. For example, big winds can be a factor in the flow of a trip schedule. The biggest thing to realize is that any time you're in the outdoors for an extended time, you are always at the mercy of Mother Nature.

The best anyone can do is come prepared and work with what you have. If you're someone who has little or no experience on a rafting trip, my best advice is this: come with an open mind . Be willing to learn from the raw, untamed beauty of the desert. Don't be afraid to reconnect with the same elements that humbled the first civilizations of our desert ancestors.

For me, the biggest thing to remember is that whatever I get out of a trip comes from what I bring to it. Most of all, be ready to leave the river with an unforgettable experience!

5. Come with an open mind

Of course, for any outdoor activity, sunscreen is a must. However, if you're like me, it's easy to forget to reapply throughout the day, so it's good to take extra precautions. During multi-day river trips, you'll notice most river guides wearing long sleeves, hats, sunglasses, and sometimes even long pants. Sun protection is key in the desert, and most pre-sunscreen era river guides get melanomas removed regularly.

For arm/face protection, a quick-dry sun hoodie, or "shoodie, " is a favorite among guides. It's lightweight, and it can keep you cool when wet. After 2-5 days' worth of exposure to the elements, you might experience the "elephant skin" or heat rash. This is characterized by excessively dry patches of skin due to dust or heat. I commonly get it on the tops of my legs from sitting on the raft all day.

A great prevention tool: a SARONG. Like the ones you wear on a beach vacation. No matter your gender, make a fashion statement with a sarong skirt while protecting your legs from the sun! Many guides will tell you it's a lifesaver. Lastly, sunglasses and hats are essential. Bring at least two of each in case you lose one, which, on a river trip, is as common as a bad guide joke.

2. Invest in good sun and rain protection

Feel the Connection on the River

Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

" It's a rare thing, in modern life, to reconnect with nature... to spend time with a group of people who are also enjoying that same adventure."

"It's great to spend time with friends and family. Your whole focus is spending time with one another out here in this beautiful country, and having a lot of fun at the same time."

"This is definitely a great family adventure. And that's what we wanted to give these kids, is an experience that they would never forget."

"Certainly, there are memories here that will continue to be talked about for years to come."

"The river just kind of connects people in a way that nothing else really does."

We couldn't find better words than what guests and guides already uttered at the conclusion of a Desolation Canyon 5 Day Expedition - and captured in this video short.

Want to feel the connection? Gather your group, your clan, your family units, and come feel the connection on the river with us on the river. Already felt that connection? Make the world a better place and share our video with someone you like!

Last Updated: May 11, 2021

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Come to Your Senses in the Canyons and Rivers of the West

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Like a wave on the river, life can hit us all with some stronger-than-expected impacts, and sometimes the hits just keep on comin'. But some wise words from Sandy (who has answered so many emails and phone calls at Western for the last 30+ years) have helped us hold a little tighter:

"The waves never hit us all in the same way. So you just support others as they go through their rapids. We help each other regain hand-holds, and have each other's back when things slip loose again. We all need each other."

Rather than tumbling all the way downstream, there's a point at which you realize it's time to "come to your senses". You pull over, take a breath, and...breathe.... Smell a wildflower. Touch the warm sand through your fingers and toes, and simply "sense" that life, like the canyon, is big enough for calm too.

There's a natural healing that comes from the rivers and canyons out west, and we are privileged to guide you through them.

Where will you find a better place to "come to your senses"?

Last Updated: March 11, 2021

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Fitting Everything in One Bag: Rafting Survival Kit

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The nationwide lockdowns probably put a damper in your enthusiasm as it has prevented most of us from pursuing our travel plans. But instead of sulking and imagining what could have been, you can take this extra time to do further research and prepare, so you can be ready for when your planned adventures finally push through.

If you're planning on going on a rafting adventure, one of the most critical steps you need to take is packing. Doing so allows you to prepare your belongings and have everything you need for the upcoming excursion. But seeing as packing is a mammoth task, you may need some guidance as to how to execute it right. Below are some tips on how to pack for a rafting trip like a pro:

Create a master list.

Gear Junkie highlights the importance of creating a master list of every essential prior to going on a trip. Begin a list either on paper or on your phone, and jot down everything you think you might need and secure. Make sure to keep your list handy on days leading to the trip, so you can easily add items on it as things pop into your head. After the trip, it would help if you saved the list so you'll be ahead of the game for your next adventure.

Secure all the essentials.

Wherever you plan on going rafting, you would need to do lots of research prior to the trip to ensure that you're not missing anything you might need. Ideally, you would need to bring weather-appropriate clothing, swimsuits, hats, sunglasses, and footwear that is suitable for whatever activity you're planning on partaking in. You would also need aqua socks and gloves, as well as other essential items like sunblock, towel, toothbrush, shaving equipment, toiletries, prescription medicine, water bottles, and a flashlight. Here are our recommendations for what to pack to trips to the Grand Canyon :

As well as what to pack for trips to Desolation Canyon :

Find a bag that fits everything and pack your items securely.

Securing all the essentials is one thing, but managing to fit everything into your bag is a whole different thing altogether. You would first need to find a bag that is capable of storing everything you need, and then pack your stuff in such a way that every item is secure, and nothing is bent out of shape. Daydreaming in Paradise recommends investing in packing cubes to keep all your different items organized—they not only reduce the stress of packing and unpacking because everything is in well-designated areas, but they also let you see how much space you have left in your bags, allowing you to maximize the space. However, you must be wary about the size and weight, too. Most airlines allow up to 10 kg or 22 lbs. for carry-on bags. If you keep to this weight, it’s unlikely that you’ll overpack.

Get organized.

If you're finding it hard to fit everything inside a bag, it may be because you're not doing it right. Backpacker notes that it would help if you first organized everything you're going to bring before you start arranging it in your bag. That way, you can see everything and quickly identify what's missing and what may not be needed. And if you want to pack light, a good tip would be to make a game out of reducing your luggage. Challenge yourself to nix at least three items from your piles. As an extra challenge, dump one more item before you leave for the trip. Just make sure you don't accidentally get rid of something you actually need!

By following the tips above, you'll get to go on the trip equipped with all your essentials. As we all know, the true mark of an adventurer is being prepared for anything.

Last Updated: June 18, 2020

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

A Behind the Scenes Look at Grand Canyon Rafting with Western River Expeditions

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Our Grand Canyon rafting season starts every year on April Fool's Day - but the preparations for the big season launch day are no joke! This video gives a great behind-the-scenes look at just what goes on to make these rafting expeditions possible in the Grand Canyon. We follow Trent Keller, Grand Canyon Operations Manager, around the Fredonia, AZ warehouse and learn that preparations for a trip begin weeks and months before a trip actually goes out on the water. For example, if they don't begin stock-piling blocks of ice into the deep freezer in March, then trips that go out in the hot months of mid-summer will not have enough ice to last a trip!

Food, of course, gets ordered well in advance for a "blip on the map" town like Fredonia, Arizona. It's one eternal round for the truck drivers, delivering rafts and guides to get rigged, then driving around "The Big Ditch" to retrieve guides coming off the river and returning to the warehouse. Checklists, mechanics, maintenance, and all the parts working together make it work.

Other "behind the scenes" scenes that go unseen are:

Industry conferences like America Outdoors in early December
Sub-committee meetings in DC for the industry, the National Parks, and land-use permits and compliance issues (thank you Brian and Trent!)
Guide hiring process in January
Guide training meeting in March
Guide training and re-certifications through May in preparation for the Utah raft guides
And an endless river of marketing content to fill the boats! Fun! Fun! Fun!

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: June 10, 2020

"Cowboy Up" He Said

Mon, 11 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

This video was filmed and edited a few years ago when Garth Bundy retired. Garth had a positive impact on me as a young river guide, and then years later when I came to film Western's videos for their website. When his retirement was announced, I asked Western River Expeditions, in combination with Bar Ten Ranch if I could use Western's video resources and a bit of time to interview Garth and highlight his life. Western River and the Bar Ten Ranch have a long history together, so they immediately obliged. This video is our combined tribute to Garth Bundy at the time of his retirement:

Meeting Garth Bundy: For decades most folks would only meet Garth for a few whirring seconds before boarding the helicopter at Whitmore Wash in the Grand Canyon. Although brief, the meeting was memorable. He'd ask every individual their weight in order to tally the grand total load on each helicopter ride in or out of the canyon. After asking their weight he would follow it up with the terse but sincere phrase "You lie, you die". His memorable warm smile, his white cowboy hat, his brush-popper cowboy flair shirt with pearl snaps, and the look in his eye told you in an instant that this stranger wasn't asking about your weight out of strange curiosity, but to get a serious job done. Garth's authentic cowboy way always broke down walls, and it would happen in an instant, for every individual river guest, every trip. Garth was part of many people's river trips, even if only as punctuation to the end of their photo albums.

Some guests who had opted for the 4-day lower Grand Canyon trip with a stay at the Bar Ten Ranch the night before the river trip, may have learned a little more about Garth, a talented and friendly cowboy from the Arizona Strip turned ranch hand (and helicopter logistics manager) for the Bar 10 Ranch located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Whitmore Valley.

For me personally, I met Garth in the Spring of 1988 as a river guide. Garth has provided me perspective on "Cowboying Up" when life challenges come our way.

My assistant Joe and I had successfully navigated the upper 6/7 day river on a single boat trip, Joe had been a great help and motored the J-Rig through many of the rapids such as Hermit, Granite, Crystal, and Lava Falls. It had been a difficult trip for me, learning the rapids as we went. As I motored the nose of the J-Rig gently to the beach at Whitmore Wash, Joe started to unlash the tarps covering the gear and he then began to instruct guests what the processes would be for getting them to the ranch, the plan was to unload in the 15 or 20 minutes we still had before the chopper would arrive. But sometimes "Plan A" has to turn into "Plan B".

The thumping sounds of the incoming helicopter echoing off the canyon walls coincided with my last nudging of the outboard throttle as the J-rig tubes gently touched the shore. "Incoming Chopper" Joe yelled above the drone of the boat motor. Joe jumped off the J-Rig and quickly tied up the boat at the Whittemore exchange point. The chopper was 20 minutes early. This short amount of time would allow a group photo to be taken and to say goodbye to all our new friends we had made over the past week.

As the pilot gracefully landed the chopper, out stepped Garth Bundy. He hollered above the winding down of the helicopter rotor and motioned me to approach the chopper. With a sparkle in his eye and a smile to match, I met Mr. Garth Bundy. He extended his well-worn hand, gave me a firm steeled grip handshake, then hollered - you must be Mark... It's nice to meet you... "Let's get er done.. we are a bit early".

The Bar 10 and Garth ran a time-sensitive operation as each minute the chopper was running was a cost. The guests who had spent the night enjoying a dutch oven dinner and sleeping in covered wagons at the Bar 10 had been anxious to get to the river this morning. The pilots had been fed a great breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and eggs and our trip was first on the list of other exchanges to be done. An early start with calmer air and cooler temperatures helped them with weight allowances and smoother rides.

We scrambled to make up for the early arrival.

Garth choreographed the operation at the helipad. Cowboys adapt, cowboys weather hard living conditions, when the storms come, they often ride into the storm. I was intrigued by this man Garth Bundy. Without apologetics, Garth would smile from ear to ear, look guests in the eye, and ask how much they weighed - an especially uncomfortable question for the women. But he had a job to get done. He would make notations on a little pad of paper, perhaps making his own calculations to compensate for the fudgings of some. "You lie, you die" he'd say to everyone.

He would smile, add up his estimates and arrange and balance the load in the helicopter with seating assignments. When the air warms up, the choppers capacity for transporting cargo diminishes. Loading the chopper was both an art and a science. Once Garth had an accurate accounting of cargo and total weight of those flying out he would report to the pilot. With a thumbs up, the pilot would take off and fly up to the Bar 10 Ranch.

Between flights Garth would sit on a rock and wait for the chopper to return. In these short moments between flights, I always looked forward to hearing one of his tall tales. I was fortunate to see Garth a handful of times that summer. He always remembered my name. That was impressive as he moved thousands of guests each year.

Years later, after having raised 4 children as a single dad, I found myself with the chance to meet Garth (and the Grand Canyon) again. This time as a videographer for Western, I stepped off the helicopter and was instantly greeted by an ear-to-ear smile and Garth calling me by name saying, "Mark, it's good to see you again!" I was blown away. The young river guide in me facing "learn-as-you-go" challenges, and years of the same as a single dad warmed instantly to Garth's smile, firm cowboy handshake, and the "cowboy up" attitude he just lives every day. He's a hero to me.

I hope this video tribute to Garth can help rub a little grit into your everyday struggles and challenges. We could all use more grit, and a lot more smile, just like Garth.

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: May 11, 2020

Western River Expeditions wasn't always Western River Expeditions

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

So I've been told...

Western River Expeditions wasn't always Western River Expeditions. In the beginning, it was just one man, Jack Currey, living in California, who had grown tired of hiking in the High Sierras, and after he conquered Mt. Whitney, began looking for new adventures. In 1957, after reading an article in National Geographic magazine about the San Juan River he convinced a few of his friends that a trip on the San Juan River would be an exciting thing to do.

They went down to the local Army Navy Surplus store and purchased 2 large Navy balsa wood life rings and made 4 rafts by cutting them in half horizontally, and attaching plywood floors. They loaded their rafts, life jackets and oars into a station wagon and took off for Bluff, Utah. They needed someone to drive their vehicle around from Bluff to Mexican Hat, where they would end their trip, and Rusty Musselman was recommended. When Rusty met them at the launch point to get the car he started laughing and said 'You guys will never make it to Mexican Hat"! But they were determined and as Rusty drove away, they put on their life jackets, grabbed their oars, and started off! What they didn't know was that (unlike cork) uncoated balsa wood absorbs water… Quickly!...and after the first hour, the little rafts were no longer floating high above the water but were gradually beginning to sink!

They paddled on….furiously!.... and finally made it to Mexican Hat. It was a pathetic sight….they were sitting in the water, supported by their life jackets, but the rafts were totally under the water! Invisible!...and they weighed tons! Well not literally….but it took all of them to finally pull them out of the water, up onto the shore, and tie them off to a tree, to prove to Rusty that they had made it. As they drove back to California they were determined that their next river trip would be with better rafts. They were determined that there would be more rafting adventures!!

READ: How did Jack Currey go from balsa wood boats to inventing Western River's patented J-Rig raft (J for Jack)?

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: April 22, 2020

Five Stories, Five Boats: White Water Rafting Down the Grand Canyon

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

My first exposure to white water rafting down the grand canyon was as a 17 year old "extra swamper" on a motorized J-Rig raft. Maybe that skews my perspective to favor the J-Rig, but it does give me a perspective to build upon. Now, if all I had ever tried was a motorized raft, never experiencing other methods of challenging the Colorado River white water rapids in Grand Canyon, you'd be allowed to skewer me as downright skewed. But my experience is enlightened thanks to an amazing community of rafting guides and outfitters in Grand Canyon, nurtured in part by the Grand Canyon River Guides association.

First I have to explain that if anyone tries telling you that there is sour division about motors vs. rowing in the Grand Canyon, they are oversimplifying the ecosystem that exists amongst the guides and outfitters. Competition between different companies is natural, but it feels more like community. Every spring, the Grand Canyon River Guides association holds a Guides Training Seminar (GTS) on land and on the river. These guides-only river trips alternate hosting responsibilities for the trip among the sixteen different outfitters in Grand Canyon. This is a flotilla of otherwise competing rafts and rafting companies floating, camping and running rapids together for the common cause of being better guides, better interpreters of the experience of Grand Canyon to guests, and of course advocating for the amazing resources unique to Grand Canyon. These trips run though the canyon at the pace of human power, but rely on motor raft support. One year, as a guide for Western River Expeditions, I had the opportunity to participate and co-captain the J-Rig support boat. These GTS trips offer a rare glimpse of different and competing outfitter's rafts both in camp and on the river.

The GTS trips only help to enhance the already symbiotic relationship between motor and non-motorized trips - and even private vs. commercial trips in Grand Canyon. When things hit the fan, everyone works together. Those motors are appreciated when they are needed in such situations. When private trips run low on ice on their twelfth day in the canyon, and a motor rig comes floating by, you can be sure they are grateful when we offer them a few spare blocks of ice. The list goes on and on.

Five Kinds of Boats Used for Grand Canyon White Water Rafting

Oar Rafts - Having witnessed the almost appalling force with which the J-Rig smashes into the final wave in House Rock rapid, and watching from the very back of the boat the way the thirty-seven foot long boat climbs vertically up the steep waves of Hermit Rapid, I was more than intimidated about the prospect of taking on those same waves from a much smaller row rig or paddle raft. Drifting in the calm water above the first really big rapid on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, House Rock Rapid, I was very afraid. I was a newbie at the oars for one thing, but I was imagining this small cargo boat smashing into the final wave in House Rock with the same force as I'd seen on the J-Rig. I knew I was only human and that scared me all the more. I bailed out and let my more experienced cargo-boat compatriot take us through. She did, while laughing and explaining that I would soon see that the waves, the rapids, are simply different in a smaller boat.

She was right. If you put it to a discussion on physics, I'd guess it has everything to do with momentum. With very little forward momentum, a wave doesn't necessarily crash against the boat as much as it passes under the boat. Some waves crash differently, so forward momentum is needed to punch through the wave. For waves or "holes" that crunch and stop any forward momentum, a small oar and paddle powered raft can easily skirt the edges. Most times those kinds of "crunchy" holes are avoidable. Lava Falls does make it hard to avoid them though!

Dories - I have always admired the curved lines of the dories. They are elegant wooden boats that pivot far better than any rubber raft. Did I mention they are made of wood? Knowing the river, and how to make your move in it, is a thrill beyond description - when you do pull it off successfully that is!! There's nothing like perfecting the run in wooden boats that offer very little mercy when it comes to banging into rocks or "rumbling" over them! On the aforementioned GTS trip I had the opportunity to row Brad Dimock's dory through Grapevine rapid. Brad Dimock, a heckuva boatman and story-teller, asked who wanted to give it a try. Climbing into the helm of his prized wooden dory above Grapevine rapid felt like rock climbing without a rope. It was an almost surreal thing to have Brad (a boatman of 26 years at that time) calmly in command over my shoulder telling me what to look for, when to stroke with the left or right oar, and what would happen when I did. I knew Grapevine Rapid, but not from the perspective of a Dory, until then. The run was smooth, memorable, and fun. I could tell he knew that river and each of its rapids in an intimate and very nuanced way. I was glad he shared that perspective.

Paddle Rafts - Hance Rapid is a rock-strewn mess, full of gnarly holes that swallow motor rigs and damage motors if you're in the wrong place. On this GTS trip in early spring the water was flowing high enough for our J-Rig support boat to run through those holes. I was ill-prepared for the cold and wet, but I was curious how paddle rafts make it through rapids like Hance, so I jumped in for the ride. Paddle in hand, we took the same route the motor rigs usually take: tucking behind the big boulder at the top to eddy out, (or rest in the calm water) in "the duck pond" to get a glimpse of where to paddle next. Maybe because we were occupying the duck pond, and because the higher water flow meant less crunch on the holes, Mark Pierce took an empty (no passengers) J-Rig down the gut through the holes of Hance Rapid. We watched with the perfect view from the duck pond. It was spectacular! The load in the middle came loose after a few blistering hits on the riderless J-Rig. That J-Rig (and Mark) got one memorable ride! Meanwhile back on the paddle boat... With expert commands shouted by our paddle captain, we made it through Hance rapid with nothing memorable happening at all - except that it began snowing mid-rapid. I was in the paddle raft freezing my pechugas off with large snowflakes coming down in the early April weather. I was slightly hypothermic, and remember wishing I could get to the J-Rig "home" and put some warm clothes on on that large stable raft! But paddling kept me warm until I could change at camp. The best part of being in a paddle raft is pulling off the teamwork required to do it right. It takes a keen ear, a strong quick stroke, and a willingness to swim! But when it all goes right, it's perhaps one of the most rewarding things you can do in river rafting. You literally are part of making it go right, or suffer the consequences!

Another story of paddle rafts in the Grand Canyon... One warm summer day guiding a J-Rig full of guests, we emerged victorious and cooled off from a great run through Horn Creek rapid. We saw something floating up ahead and fished it out of the water. A paddle. Then another, and another. Then a helmet... We began fearing what would come next! Soon we came upon a lone paddle raft that had very apparently suffered the worst consequences Horn Creek could serve up! Their helmets were ajar, half their paddles were missing, and the paddlers (guests who had just hiked down that day from the rim at Phantom Ranch) looked nothing short of shell shocked. They were most definitely showing signs of trauma! I swear a few of the paddlers, looking like "half-drowned rats", would have given anything to climb aboard our giant stable J-Rig raft and dry out for a while. Their guide, the paddle captain, tried making the best of the situation on behalf of her guests. As we handed them the paddles and helmets, she said "That right side is BIG!" I laughed and said it looked like they had everyone accounted for. She confirmed that and then added that "Horn Creek is a heckuva warm up rapid for first-time paddlers!" It took me a minute to absorb what she'd just said. These guests had just started their rafting trip from south rim of the Grand Canyon, met their paddle captain at Phantom Ranch on the shores of the Colorado River and gotten only a few miles of white water paddling experience before being challenged to paddle through Horn Creek rapid (an 8 on the Grand Canyon scale of 1-10). Their first rapid to paddle through on the first day of their 5 or 6 day expedition was Horn Creek?!! I give props to the paddle captains that take on that!

Duckies (aka Inflatable Kayaks) Later in the same year, I had a chance to run an inflatable kayak through nearly every significant rapid in the Grand Canyon. By the time Lava Falls came around, I was adequately confident that we'd survive! Just in case, my guide friend and I doubled up on life jackets, scouted the rapid, said a prayer, and then put on a show. We had scouted Lava Falls for this run, but neither of us were very confident that we could pull off the move we needed to make. The plan was to break through the lateral wave that funneled into the "V-Wave". We gave ourselves about a 20% chance of breaking through that lateral to relative safety below the ledge hole. The other 80% of our chancy run would put us sideways into the swallowing V waves and swimming the rest of the way through the length of Lava Falls. We could only hope to hold our breath that long. But, Lo, and Behold! We lined it up, and had the momentum exactly right. We had fought off the strong hydraulics that swirl off the chunk of basalt on the right bank, making sure we didn't get too far left or middle and pour ourselves over the 15 foot ledge hole that swallows the biggest boats in the canyon if they are in the wrong place. We paddled hard to give ourselves momentum to punch through the lateral wave and into the calmer whitewater below the ledge hole. To our utter amazement (and everyone else's watching), we did the run precisely as we'd planned it. We barely paddled the rest of the way out of the rapid and were home free. The feeling was amazing. It only lasted so long though, as our next raft through (the cargo boat) overturned, or flipped, in the bottom waves near the Big Bertha rock, as we called it. I'll never forget how the fellow river community, watching the carnage and amazing duckie run, swooped in below Lava to help flip the cargo boat back over with cheers all around.

Western River offers plenty of other trips in Utah , Idaho and Oregon - and Costa Rica , where you can paddle your own duckie (inflatable kayak) or experience the team thrill of a paddle raft, or let the guide row you through on an oar boat! They're all fun.

Motorized J-Rigs and S-Rigs in Grand Canyon whitewater

J-Rigs were built by Western River's founder Jack Currey specifically for the guests to experience the adventure and thrill ride of the exceptionally large waves of the Colorado River on a Grand Canyon white water trip. If you want the full scoop on what makes the J-Rig great, take a look at Western's J-Rig page with full descriptions and video testimonials from guests and guides. Many of Western's guests are so beholden to what the J-Rig (and the Western way) offers, that they can hardly fathom white water rafting in the Grand Canyon with anyone but Western. That's part of why we sell out in the Grand Canyon each year. What Jack Currey found in the 1960's, as they experimented with the J-Rig design was that they could see much more of the Grand Canyon within the typical one-week holiday that most guests have - this includes time to explore up side canyons now made famous by a thousand postcards and Kodak moments over the years. Ride and safety were top of mind for Jack. He saw other motorized rigs (the S-Rig and Georgie's "Triple-Rig") and quite frankly created something that was much, much better for the guest experience. Experiencing rapids on a J-Rig is an experience found nowhere else (except in Cataract Canyon, Utah ). Bottom line is that the canyon itself is enough of an overwhelming experience, and six or seven days on a motorized vessel allows you to see and experience the best of it with comfort both on and off the river at camp. The J-Rigs and S-Rigs are motorized, or powered by a 35 horsepower four-stroke outboard motor from the rear behind the noise-dampening cargo piles. While noise is a factor, compared to the creak of oar-locks, the decibels really are quite minimal.

The difference between an S-Rig and a J-Rig? I never got the chance to ride a rapid from an S-Rig. From what I have been told, the frames on S-Rigs are solid from bow to stern (no flex points), and therefore an s-Rig tends to punch through the middle of the waves, rather than ride and flex over the waves like a J-Rig is built to do. From my observations of the S-Rig setup, there is no variety of seating other than left side or right side with your back against the duffle pile. Perhaps S-Rigs were built primarily for duffle and cargo (motor support) more so than for the guest experience.

Cataract Canyon Mindfulness/Yoga Retreat - Utah Yoga & Wellness

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Hello! We are so excited to be offering this amazing trip, created just for you! If you're booking a river trip with Western, you're already looking for a scenic and outdoor adventure created with professionalism. Adding many therapeutic elements of specific mindful practices within the beauty of the canyon, with optional yoga, only adds to the experience. Plus, our in-house massage therapist comes along for 30 min. riverside massages for only $40, paid to her directly.

*We limit the numbers on purpose to keep a feeling of connection and unity, so book your spots now.

Who we are:

Utah Yoga & Wellness
Elise Jones, certified Yoga Therapist, EYRT 500, SUP & Aerial Yoga
Christian Jones, RYT 200, teaches specifically Mens stretch classes ("Broga") catered to stiffer bodies like his

Bonus: We both guided for Western for several years (how we met) and still guide when needed, among our annual private river trips for the past 21 years.

The river is our second home, and along with your guides, we are there to enhance your experience in every way.

Basic added itinerary to your river trip:

We know the canyon(s) well, and have prepared special mindfulness opportunities during specific places in the canyon to cultivate a greater experience.
Daily morning & evening meditation
Daily yoga stretch and movement
Journaling (journals provided)
Yoga Therapy workshop learning the tools of self soothing & overcoming stress & anxiety, which can come in handy on big rapid days

Did we mention everything is "optional?" We know that couples, friends & families all have different interests, yet want to enjoy a trip together, which is why these added elements are optional. There is so much to enjoy on a Western river trip, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to do what they most enjoy.

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us through Western and we'll be happy to talk to you more about it. This trip has been very carefully and methodically planned to cultivate & blend the ultimate wellness adventure.

Please join us, we can't wait to meet you!

Elise & Chris Jones

Utah Yoga & Wellness

FAQ's:

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: March 10, 2020

10 Tips for the First Time Whitewater Rafter

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

1. Don't over pack

Everyone over packs. I've done hundreds of whitewater rafting trips and I've over packed for almost every one. I've come off river trips with unopened 12 packs of soda, flashlights I never turned on, and shorts I never wore. As guilty as I am, first time rafters are in a different league. Trust me; you'll only use a quarter of the stuff you brought. Throw it out before you have to haul it up the beach into camp every night. You won't need a fourth pair of jeans or a second pair of sneakers. That third hoodie? That fifth t-shirt? Your "backup" hydration system? Leave it home.

2. Unplug

People bring too many electronics. Don't be one of them. Cell phones won't work and nature sounds better than your iTunes collection. Pack that stuff away and forget it. Listen to the wind, the water, and the wildlife. Have a conversation. See satellites and the Milky Way in the night sky. River trips reboot your brain with fresh air and excitement. A Colorado River rafting trip can be profound and intimate, but only if you let it. Consider limiting or banning electronics for kids while on the trip. Bring a book instead – and don't feel guilty if you don't finish it.

3. Use your camera

Sure, I argue against electronics on a river trip, but everyone should bring a camera and use it. Be sure to bring spare batteries and memory (or film if you prefer). As a guide I've seen many people arrive in camp the second night with dead batteries and full memory cards. I've heard people argue over whether or not to take a photo simply because they didn't want to drain the battery. Bring a camera, bring memory and batteries, and fill them up. As a side note, a GoPro is not what I'm talking about. If you insist on bringing a GoPro, Be aware I can't stop the raft in the middle of a rapid to wait while you change batteries, alter the mount location, and shoot some "B" roll. Before you ask, no, we can't "do it again." Shoot the scenery and the people in camp. Remember the rapids.

4. Bring a journal

A camera is great at recording visual moments but terrible at recording thoughts. The remote wilderness of a rafting trip is a superb place to reconnect with reflections and feelings that go unnoticed in everyday life. Every evening I take a few minutes to write down where we're camping, what we did during the day, and some of the thoughts I've had during the trip. After twenty years, these writings are priceless to me.

5. Ditch the fancy duds

You were going to order three new shirts that have some techno-i-Xtreme coating that repels sand and sweat and smells new on day five, right? Forget it. Know what guides wear? Thrift store dress shirts. They have long sleeves and a collar to fight off summer sun and they're cotton so they stay wet and cool a good, long time. They also cost about 4 bucks. After they get worn out – ripped and torn on a hike in Grand Canyon, or mud-stained and red in Cataract Canyon – we just throw them away and get more.

6. Skip the tent

Everyone wants to sleep in a tent. Why? Guides will never understand this. A tent in the desert is stifling. You'll sleep better in the open. The stars are beautiful. The night sky in Grand Canyon or Cataract Canyon is bigger and better than all the cats and unicorns on the internet combined. Don't block it out by setting up a tent for no reason. Enjoy the fresh air. If it's cold or raining, well, okay, set up the tent. But just this once.

7. Be prepared to lose anything you bring

I won't take anything I cherish on a river trip. If I can't lose it over the side of the raft without crying, I don't want it on my raft trip. Losing a camera is expensive, but heirloom jewelry or sentimental items are irreplaceable. Leave them home.

8. Listen to your guide, Seriously

We tell you to drink water all day and to wear sunscreen. Do both. The first sign of dehydration is a slight headache and irritability. Nobody wants you to be irritable, and you don't want to be stuck on a raft with other irritable people. The happiest people on the river are ones that didn't get sunburned in the first twenty minutes. If you want to be happy on day four, wear sunscreen on day one. Also, if we tell you not to jump off something, don't. We all know someone who got hurt doing exactly what you're thinking about.

9. You still over packed

Those last few things you can't decide on? The third headlamp? The items in your bag you probably won't need but maybe you will? You won't. Take them out.

10. Relax

Really, seriously, honestly relax. It's why you hired a great company with an experienced guide for this vacation. We have plenty of food. We're going to hike a little, run some fun rapids take in some unforgettable scenery. I'll worry about the rest. Pull down your hat, lean back, and take a nap in the sand if you like. I'll wake up when it's time to eat, or maybe, if you want, when the sun hits the cliff just right for a photo.

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: October 3, 2019

11 Myths of Whitewater Rafting

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

MYTH #1- "Rafting is for adrenaline junkies"

We know that the videos and photos of extreme (extremely questionable) rafting antics seem to be the most viral, but they only perpetuate the myth. Trust us, not every rafting trip is extreme, in fact most are great for just about anyone. Like a caffeinated beverage, they will all stimulate your senses, but there is a wide variety. Even the packaging helps, such as Western River's exclusive J-Rig raft that matches the size of the waves in Cataract Canyon or Grand Canyon to combine maximum ride with maximum safety and comfort. Kind of like a smooth Cappuccino? The result is that even first-time river rafters can enjoy some of the largest whitewater in North America.

Whatever the case, you should know that river rafting is very popular among the "Bucket-Listers" and active "kids" between the ages of 40 to 70. If you don't know what a "bucket list" is, then you're too young to get it.

BUSTED

MYTH #2- "I will be sitting on a raft all day"

First of all, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn would hurl rocks at you if you complained about sitting on a raft all day long. But even they had their adventures off the raft. Each day of a river trip offers something new around the corner. In fact, on a multi-day rafting trip, you'll generally spend much more time out of the raft than in it. One day it may be catching a short hike to a moonshiner's cabin, or pondering Native American etchings into prehistoric stone, or jumping into a waterfall hole, or climbing for an hour to a photographic vista you couldn't possibly contain in a photo. You might think you can't contain yourself in a raft all day, but more accurately, you will not be able to contain the adventures you'll encounter into anything coherent and describable to anyone back home. Maybe that's why the myth continues…people just can't find the right way to describe the magic experience of a river rafting trip.

BUSTED

P.S. You should get familiar with Western's patented J-Rig raft if you're uncertain about the small rafts you're accustomed to seeing on rafting trips.

MYTH #3- "There's only canned food on rafting trips"

Here's food for thought: Western River Expeditions' J-Rig raft carries 750 pounds of ice per trip down the Grand Canyon. We're not giving out any secrets about our fresh salads, fresh fruits, grilled meats, and ice-cold dessert items, but 750 pounds of ice is certainly not for keeping canned food cold! Sure, these are expeditions into remote wilderness canyons, but who says you can't combine a little bon appetit with your bon voyage! (Various and sundry food supplies per trip totaling over 1000 pounds include: 24 pounds of bacon,14 bunches of bananas, 360 eggs, 30 kiwi, 70 apples, 65 oranges,100 gallons of lemonade mix and 128 pounds of the finest BBQ charcoal briquettes. Oh yeah, and one large jicama).

BUSTED

MYTH #4- "I have to enjoy camping"

Many guests with Western River experience camping for the first time in their lives. Do they have to enjoy it? Well, they don't have to like witnessing the Milky Way up close and personal, under a cloudless night of endless stars. While they say their lives will never be the same again… they don't have to enjoy it! They don't have to enjoy having mouth-watering meals prepared for them for up to 7 days, dining under golden sunsets as the river rolls by at their feet. They don't have to enjoy resetting their internal clocks by the rising and setting of the sun, or bathing in a cool river before bedtime…but they DO enjoy it.

MYTH #5- "There are no bathroom facilities on rafting trips"

Warning: There will be no clever double meanings in the busting of this myth. This is serious business. Rest assured, thousands of guests we host down the river each year have been just fine with both the privacy and the accessibility of the two systems we provide. Yes, we set up bathroom facilities at camp each night. Other than a flushing handle, these toilet facilities are just like you are familiar with at home. You may find a large enclosed tent in a remote corner of the camp. The second option is down a designated trail, outside of camp, to a highly secluded area, which is off-limits for any other use except the one person at a time who uses it. It is worth mentioning that you'll never find a view from the bathroom facilities quite like the ones we provide at each camp. We recommend you experience them for yourself – and, of course, by yourself! Both of these facilities are regulated through a staging area next to a hand wash system that ensures our guests' privacy while using it. Hey, it's not as complicated as the stuff the NSA does, but it may provide better privacy! Very clear instructions will be provided during the camp orientation by your guides.

During the day we issue a self-contained disposal kit for solid waste which can be carried off to any private location if anyone ever requests a stop for this purpose. We also take frequent comfort stops during the day. On the river, daytime temperatures can often be quite warm. Most guests jump in the river to cool off frequently, while taking care of other needs at the same time (liquid waste only, of course). We also have tents available to set up in camp for changing clothes, often the natural vegetation provides nice private areas for campers.

BUSTED

MYTH #6- "I have to be a good swimmer"

Swimming is for the Olympics and the English Channel. The first plan is always to stay in the boat, but if you find yourself having an "out of boat experience" on a rafting trip, the proper technique is more like "orchestrated floating," than swimming. The orchestrated part will be explained by your guides when you get to the river, while the floating part is far easier than you may think. After all, you'll literally be wearing a tightly-buckled Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times on the river, in case you have a "personal flotation experience." Involuntary personal flotation experiences are not very common, but if it happens, you'll need to be comfortable making active strokes in the water to propel yourself toward a safer place (ie. towards the boat or the shore). Either way, you won't have to be concerned whether you will sink or float if you are wearing your PFD properly.

BUSTED

MYTH #7- "The best rapids are gone after spring runoff"

The more water in a river, the bigger the rapids, right? Not always. Every rapid is caused by the surrounding terrain: canyon walls, boulders, gravel bars, and constriction within the channel. If the volume of water increases to the point where the boulders on the river bottom are far below the water's surface, then a rapid will wash out. Sometimes the boulders that seem high and dry during late summer flows become rapids-forming boulders in the higher water of spring runoff (and vice versa). In other words, it is relative. One absolute, however, is that high flows mean swifter water while low flow means slower water speeds. Lower water can give a guide more time to react between obstacles, but it can also reveal more obstacles! Also remember that dams can regulate a river to the point that high or low flows of spring and fall are virtually forgotten. The Snake River through Hells Canyon is dam regulated and so is the Colorado River through Grand Canyon and the Rogue River in Oregon.

BUSTED

MYTH #8- "The quality of the trip depends on guides and outfitter"

The quality of your experience, the standard bar of river lore, canyon history and all-round "info-tainment" will increase with outfitters that specifically select their guides for such qualities. Western River guides know how to tell a joke, tie a knot, cook a meal, dress a certifiable boo-boo, lead a talent night competition, pontificate on a variety of topics from ancient philosophy to modern day astrophysics. Western River Expeditions has a unique hiring philosophy: Individuals are selected for their extraordinary personalities and then trained "in-house" with skills like river navigation, whitewater rescue, geology, culinary arts, wilderness first aid, and more. In fact, every Western River guide will have had over 300 hours of training before guiding their first guest down the river.

CONFIRMED

MYTH #9- "I have to be athletic to enjoy rafting"

Athletic people may have an advantage when compared to, let's say, clumsy people. But if you can grip a rope, walk, step over stuff, occasionally do a slow-motion butt slide, and carry a bag to your campsite in soft sand, then you're golden. We often tease that the only true requirement of a river trip is being able to get in and out of the raft! True, some of those maneuvers are not done on a daily basis in regular life, but they don't require athleticism, or even grace – especially on a rafting trip. Yes, we do have short hikes. Yes, these hikes are optional, but they lead to majestic waterfalls and slot canyons, so you won't want to miss them! Pre-conditioning for your "Trip of a Lifetime" is always a good idea. Being self-aware (aware of your surroundings, and what you're capable of) is far more important on a rafting trip than athleticism alone. After all, sometimes over-confidence can be a detriment. It's also worth a word that river trips have a way of revealing that we are more capable than we may think we are – sometimes we shatter the comfort zone shackles we never realized were there. That's part of what makes a rafting trip so life-changing!

BUSTED

MYTH #10- "I will miss my electronic devices"

We do important things in our day-to-day lives, and we rely on little rechargeable devices to get those important things done. It can be hard to imagine leaving all that important stuff behind. The funny thing is, we hardly ever forget to recharge those devices each night, but sometimes forget the importance of recharging our own batteries! Ironically, humans have to unplug in order to recharge. So many other vacations allow at least a trickle connection to drain that precious unplugged recharge. It really can be hard to not "check in" when the access is available. A multi-day rafting trip is one of the last vacations on the planet where you can truly disconnect.

Give yourself the gift of true "roaming" mode on a longer trip like the Grand Canyon 6 or 7 day trip , or the Desolation Canyon 5 Day , Cataract Canyon 4 Day , or any trip Western River offers in Idaho . Life on the river is so straightforward and simple. The linear flow of events unfold on a river trip in a way that is very different from regular life "up on the rim" where life comes at you in all directions. You'll feel untethered, and it will be a feeling you'll want to share with the world – once you plug back in!

BUSTED

MYTH #11- "Rafting is the same no matter where you go"

Going whitewater rafting before you kick that proverbial bucket might satisfy the bragging right, but if you think it's the same no matter where you go – or that going just once will do, then you're missing the boat, or boats, as it were. Every river trip is unique, even if you do the same run every time. There is hardly a way to see everything the canyons of the West offer in just one run! You might think you've seen what there was to see, but then a second trip reveals new side canyon gems you never knew were there on the first trip through. As you begin to explore the various rivers of the West, you find not only obvious differences in canyon landscapes and vegetation, but you see that each river and canyon has its own personality and temperament.

BUSTED

CONCLUSION:

Do you agree with our list? Did we miss anything? Share this page with a friend you think needs it, and get a conversation going… Let's bust some myths!

MYTH #12- "Rafting is Just Day-Trips"

A lot of people picture whitewater rafting as a few wet hours followed by a bus ride back to town. Out West, rafting can be something much bigger. Multi-day river expeditions travel 80, 100, even nearly 200 miles through canyons where roads simply don’t go—running rapids, stopping to hike hidden side canyons, camping on beaches, then waking up and continuing downstream. The raft isn’t an amusement ride; it’s your way through the wilderness. You don’t just visit the canyon. For a few days, you actually live inside it.

BUSTED

If you're still not sure about the camping part of it, you can run the Rogue River in Oregon where you stay each night in a different lodge along the river for 3 or 4 nights. You're out of excuses now.

BUSTED

Last Updated: October 3, 2019

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Top Ways To Avoid Injuries On a Rafting Trip

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Perhaps the greatest concern guests interested in a river trip have is the fear of injury. Western River Expeditions and its staff and guides spend a significant amount of time preparing for and discussing ways to mitigate the risks of such an event. Serious injuries, though possible, are rare. Smaller injuries such as stubbed toes, sunburns, and blisters are the real bummers on a trip. Fortunately, they are preventable!

Foot injuries are the most common, yet easily preventable discomforts of rafting. Wearing good water shoes is the first step to taking care of your feet. Try to wear your footwear for a few weeks prior to the trip to make sure they are comfortable, get used to wearing them before arriving. While on the trip, it's a good idea to use sunscreen on your feet during the day. It seems unnecessary but sunburned feet are one of the most common mishaps that cause guests irritation.

Everyone is familiar with sunburns; don't get sucked into thinking you'll get a tan while on the river, you'll end up with a nasty sunburn if you don't stay covered. The sun in the southwest and Grand Canyon is more intense than in other areas due to the desert's low humidity and long days. A sunburn on a longer Grand Canyon expedition is painful and can wreak havoc on your trip enjoyment. Pack long sleeve shirts with collars, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen.

"Being careful" is a vital mindset! An ounce of prevention goes a long way. Watch your step and think about how your actions might lead to an injury. You've spent a lot of time and money to be on this river trip, don't ruin it with a rolled ankle as a result of being careless. Part of a river trip's beauty is its untamed nature, which has inherent hazards. Simply looking around you and being careful while boarding/un-boarding the raft or walking up the trail can prevent most injuries.

Ask a guide for help. If you're nervous about a hike or need assistance don't be afraid to ask for help! Your guides are trained and carry extensive first aid kits to treat an array of ailments and injuries. If you've been injured in any way we can help! A quick patch job will improve your comfort level and keep things from getting worse.

Learn more about what to expect your first time whitewater rafting

Last Updated: June 15, 2018

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Minimum Ages, Weight Limitations, and Lifejackets on our rafting trips

Thu, 02 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

We get a lot of questions about the minimum age for participating in one of our raft trips.

On our more challenging rivers such as Grand Canyon 6 & 7 Day, and Cataract Canyon motorized (high water), we have set 12 as the minimum age. On our Grand Canyon 3 and 4-day trips the minimum age is 9, and the age is 10 on our Cataract Canyon rowing trips (low water). For all other trips, the minimum age is 5. However, when a child is that young, we also need to know an accurate weight because the child must also weigh at least 50 pounds. The weight restriction of 50 pounds is a hard and fast rule set by the United States Coast Guard and adopted by the State and Federal agencies that regulate our industry.

The ages of 12, 10, 9, and 5 are set by us. We have to draw the line somewhere and feel confident, after decades of experience, that we have determined the proper ages for each expedition we offer. We estimate minimum ages for each trip based on the average strength (ability to hold on) and an average level of emotional maturity of most of the kids we take down the river.

On a professionally guided river trip, we are only allowed to use "Type 5 Whitewater Lifejackets". The United States Coast Guard has established the numbering system for types of lifejackets and their system is adopted by the State of Utah, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management. The "youth" sized, Type V jackets that we are required to use are rated from 50-90 lbs. If a child weighs less than 50 pounds, then it is a violation of Federal and State law for him or her to participate in a commercial river trip. For Western River Expeditions, it also would put us in violation of the promises we have made as permittees and contractors with the federal and state agencies.

Five-year-olds that are under 50 pounds tend to be so skinny that Type V "youth" lifejackets consistently pop right up and over their heads when they hit the water, leaving the child suddenly without a lifejacket. We often get the suggestion to add a strap that goes between the legs to help keep the jacket on an under 50-pound child. Besides being very uncomfortable, the law also states that the jacket cannot be modified. To be sure, there are great lifejackets on the market that work well on smaller children in pools and lakes. They are all "Type 3" jackets and are not allowed for commercial use. Ultimately, these ages and weight restrictions are about safety. Again, if a lifejacket does not fit snugly, then it will come off when in the water. The same is true for adults who do not adequately tighten their jackets.

We understand the frustration of not being able to include a younger child, but this is a situation where, for reasons of safety and compliance we have to stand firm.

Published: October 21, 2020 by Eileen Ogintz

Last Updated: June 2, 2016

western-river-expeditions

Understanding the Flow of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Why the Middle Fork Is Legendary

What Different Water Levels Mean for Your Trip

The “Best” Time to Go? All of Them

When We “Deadhead” and Why It Matters

Embracing the Whole Journey

Low-Water Middle Fork FAQ

Rogue River Lodge-to-Lodges

Real Beds. Hot Showers. Remote Comfort.

Night 1: Black Bar Lodge

Night 2: Marial Lodge

Night 3: Half Moon Bar Lodge

You've Always Wanted to See the Grand Canyon. This Is Your Year.

What if This is Your Year?

This Trip Is Worth It

What Happens If You Don't?

Bring a Friend. Or Three.

When the Grand Canyon Says 'Now,' You Go.

Why a Rafting Trip is the Ultimate Bridge Between Generations

1. Desolation Canyon: Where Memories Are Made Together

2. Main Salmon River: The "River of No Return" Returns Everyone to Wonder

3. Lower Salmon River: Pure Magic for Families

Why This Beats Other Vacations

The Guides Make the Difference

Thinking About Booking?

7 Reasons to Choose Western River Expeditions

1. World-Class Expert Guides

2. All-Inclusive in the Wild

3. Rafts Designed for the Ride

4. Eco-Friendly Exploration

5. Intimate Small-Group Vibes

6. Photo Opportunities Galore

7. The Adventure of a Lifetime

How Social Media and AI are Warping Our Sense of Adventure

Beyond The One Shot: The Joy of Actually Doing Stuff

Take the Shot, Then Take a Breath

Why a Rafting Trip May Be the Best Vacation You've Ever Done

1. Disconnect to Reconnect

2. Thrills for Every Adventurer

3. All-Inclusive Comfort in the Wilderness

4. Stunning Scenery You Can't See Anywhere Else

5. Build Memories That Last a Lifetime

6. Expert Guides Make All the Difference

7. Adventure Close to Home, Yet Worlds Away

What is the Meaning of JOMO, the "Joy of Missing Out," and How Can You Find it Right Away?

Escape the Digital Overload

Rediscover Connection (the Real Kind)

Savor the Moment

Where to Find JOMO with Western River Expeditions

The Joy Awaits

5 Reasons to Choose April for Your Grand Canyon Rafting Trip - Especially if You Love Photography

1. Better Timed "Golden Hours"

2. Hiking Temperatures Are Primo in Spring

3. Fewer Crowds for Better Photos and Experiences

4. Green, Yellow, Pink, Red… and Blue Skies

5. Campfire Delight

Five "Happiness Hacks" from the River

1. Flow with Life's Rapids and Eddies

2. Appreciate the Beauty Around You

3. Find Joy in Simplicity

4. Embrace Community and Connection

5. Discover Inner Strength Through Challenge

The River's Ultimate Lesson: Happily Ever Rafters

Buckskin Bill: The Mountain Man of the Main Salmon River

Sylvan Ambrose Hart, better known as "Buckskin Bill"

Early Life and Arrival on the Salmon River

Buckskin Clothing and a Solitary Existence

Controversies and the "Threat" of Progress

​Sylvan Hart's "Buckskin Bill" Legacy and his Final Days

"I Figure It's About 99% Willpower"

Buckskin Bill Museum

Get Your Digital Detox in a Place Where Only Canyons Call

Science Says: "There's no vacation like a river trip"

Prescription #1: Take 5-Days of Desolation Canyon (then call us in the morning ...once you get a signal)!

Prescription #2 (with a kick): 4-Days of Cataract Canyon

Five Things to Add to Your Rogue River Rafting Trip in Southern Oregon

Crater Lake National Park: A Wonder of Water and Fire

Redwood Giants: A Humbling Encounter

Umpqua Valley Wine Country: Pinot and Beyond

Sylvan Hart's "Buckskin Bill" Legacy and his Final Days

8. There's this River
Grand Canyon Boatman Stories

9. The Very Hard Way
Bert Loper and the Colorado River