WHITEWATER RAFTING

North Umpqua Luxury Lodge

This trip is recommended for experienced paddlers or adventuresome first-timers. It will challenge even the most experienced Orange Torpedo Tours veteran. This trip is also available in a paddle raft, or during the early season on an oared raft. On an oared raft feel free to sit back and let the guide do the work while you take in the scenery. Trip can be two or three days.

OTT provides transportation from Roseburg or Grants Pass. Lodging is provided both nights at the famous Steamboat Inn. Join Orange Torpedo Tours on what many of their experienced paddlers have described as some of the most exciting, technical whitewater offered. The intense whitewater, combined with the luxurious lodge, makes this trip a must for serious "torpedoers".

Trip Details

Day 1: Meet and Run Your First Rapids
Meet the guides at the AURA River Center (210 Merlin Rd, Merlin OR) at 6:30am. If you are coming from the north or are already in Roseburg, you may find it easier to meet at the Windmill Inn, in Roseburg (exit #125), at 8:00am. Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast before meeting. It will seem like a long time until lunch. After meeting the guides, load the van for the scenic 45-minute drive upriver to the put-in.

At the put-in, you will have plenty of time to change to your river gear, including helmet and wetsuit, while the guides are rigging the equipment. Your head guide will then give you a detailed safety and paddling orientation before boarding the boats and heading downstream.

Day 1 starts off with a bang and puts you in some perfect warm-up Class II+ whitewater. This is where you will learn the needed skills of weaving around boulders and riding over waves while your guide is by your side to give you a hand when you need it. In the morning you will see awe-inspiring scenery and great warm-up whitewater. Keep a lookout in the many deep pools you float through for the trout this river is famous for.

After a riverside lunch prepared by the guides, it will be time to head back out for the whitewater–packed half of the day. The afternoon is filled with Class II, III and one Class IV rapid hiding in the middle. After paddling through rapids like the Froggers, Amazon Queen and Pinball, you will be a master in your boat ready to take on any whitewater you can find. In the late afternoon when your knuckles are white and your smile has become a permanent fixture on your face, the group will reach the takeout, the vans and your luggage. Load up. It’s time to head for the beautiful and relaxing Steamboat Inn.

Upon arrival at the inn, you will be given a room assignment and the evening is yours. Unpack and hop into the shower or the hot tub. Depending on how early the group arrives at the inn, the guides may be leading a hike to one of the many waterfalls in the area. Feel free to take your fly rod down to the river and try your skill on one of the most famous fly fishing rivers on the West Coast. Whatever you choose, be back and ready for dinner; this is a meal you will not want to miss. And please remember that Steamboat Inn requests collared shirts at the dinner table. After dinner relax out under the stars or play a board game with family. Just have fun and rest; this is your vacation.

Day 2: Getting Some More
After a filling breakfast on Day 2, it is into the vans and back to the river for another day filled with crystal-clear water, big waves and fun with your family. The day starts off at Bogus Creek with plenty of exciting morning rapids, including Wright Creek and Bathtub. Make sure to take in the scenery as you float through the pools; you are floating through the heart of the beautiful Cascade Mountains. Another riverside lunch will lead you into more Class II and III rapids, such as Cliffside and Island, filling the adrenaline quota for the day. Arrival at the takeout means it’s back to the Inn for another night filled with plenty of relaxation and family fun. The afternoon will be the perfect opportunity for a hike to one of the many scenic waterfalls that are in the area.

The second night at Steamboat Inn is often filled by reliving the stories of the last two days with your trip mates. Expect to leave the evening with sore sides and permanent smiles from all the laughter and great memories.

Day 3: Getting Some More
Today you will have a second chance to conquer any whitewater that may have given you trouble the first time through. The group will be re-paddling whatever stretch you prefer from the first two days. Pack up your gear in the morning and load the van. Say goodbye to the beautiful inn you have called home for the last two days and get ready for the river. As you float down today, really take in the scenery: This is one of the most beautiful places in the country, filled with deep and luscious evergreen forest and crystal-clear water.

After your third day of rafting, it will be time to load up and head back to civilization. Orange Torpedo will drop you at either the Windmill Inn in Roseburg or the AURA River Center, depending on where your car is. After hugs and handshakes with the guides, you will be on your way, reliving the memories in your mind so you can best retell them to your friends, family and co-workers.