OARS - Whitewater Rafting

05/23/2025

Our first Yampa River trips are off the water and the photos say it all—towering red rock, glassy flows, and wildlife around every bend. Those lucky enough to kick off the season with us will tell you: Yampa Canyon is in its own league. It’s serene, wild, and soul-soothing.

🌄 Book your spot before this short season slips away. DM us for more info.

05/20/2025

First rafting trip coming up? ⛺ Get ready for an unforgettable adventure—and check out these practical tips to help you pack smart, stay clean, and know what to expect.

Beginner tips and first-hand advice to help you feel confident and prepared before your first multi-day rafting trip.

05/19/2025

This PRIDE Month, we’re partnering with the amazing crew at Brave Trails. 🌈 We’ll be donating $5 for every person who rafts with us on Calirornia’s South Fork of the American River Sunday through Friday during the WHOLE month of June.

We hope you’ll join us in supporting this awesome organization that works to help young LGBTQ+ people to develop leadership and community in the outdoors. Check out the full announcement here: https://www.oars.com/news-press/2025-pride-month-brave-trails

05/16/2025

The Merced is firing right now! 🔥 Flows have been 3,000-5,000 cfs, creating awesome spring conditions for rafting.

05/15/2025

We’re SUPER excited for this one 🪕 This one-of-a-kind musical float trip featuring musicians Joe Craven, Larry Graff and Matt Hartle is equal parts concert, campfire jam, and riverside retreat. The trio brings incredible musical range across genres, with deep ties to The Grateful Dead. Don’t miss this special trip Sept. 18–21.

And don’t miss our other specialty trips this season:

🪨 For Rock Hounds - Explore geologic wonders with expert geologist Elliott Lips on a fascinating Yampa River journey that explores the wonders of Earth’s evolution in one of nature’s greatest classrooms. Dates: May 24 - 28

🍷 For Wine Lovers - Join OARS and Hatcher Winery for three indulgent days of Wine on the Tuolumne in California, with elevated cuisine by Chef Teal Triolo. Dates: June 10–12

🧀 For Foodies - Indulge your taste buds on a Wilderness Gourmet trip on Idaho’s Main Salmon River, featuring Browne Family Vineyards and cuisine by Chef Keenan McGrew. Dates: July 31 - Aug 5

🧘‍♀️ For Yogis - Recharge and reconnect on our Gorges of the Lower Salmon Women’s Wellness Retreat—5 days of whitewater, movement, and empowerment led by two incredible yoga instructors. Dates: Aug. 16 - 20

🌊 For Science Buffs - Join the Returning Rapids Project in Cataract Canyon for a deep dive into the science of restoration on the Colorado River and witness the evolving story of this iconic landscape. Dates: Sept. 29 - Oct. 4

05/14/2025

From how to layer to the best kind of footwear and even “guide tips,” our packing video is full of useful information to consider as you prepare for a multi-day river trip. Let's go rafting!

​Learn how to pack for a multi-day whitewater rafting trip from OARS, an award-winning rafting and adventure travel outfitter.

05/12/2025

Small portable chargers can be handy on multi-day river trips. Here's a round-up of the options we recommend.

With so many portable chargers, we've narrowed down the list to make it easy to choose the right one for your next rafting trip or adventure.

05/09/2025

If you’re new to rafting or have only done day trips, a multi-day rafting trip might seem like a big leap. If you're ready to get your feet wet, we’ve rounded up some of the best multi-day rafting trips for beginners.

Ready to find out why so many people get hooked on multi-day rafting trips? Here are our picks for the best rivers for first-timers...

05/08/2025

We’re thrilled to have two films screening at this year’s 🎬 Catch About Damn Time and A Guide to Fighting for Wild Rivers at the festival in Telluride May 22-26. Get tickets here: https://www.mountainfilm.org/.

05/08/2025

We asked guides to share the Idaho rapids that they love to paddle and row, the thrilling rapids that keep them on their toes and offer some of the best rafting in the state. These are the top picks...

These are the best whitewater rapids in Idaho, according to river guides. They're the memorable rapids that always keep guides on their toes.

05/07/2025

Every week is Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍏 We’re proud to offer a Teachers Raft Free discount that never expires.

Pre-K through 12th-grade classroom teachers, and classified school district staff, raft for free on most ½-day and 1-day California trips, Sunday–Friday, when you book with one or more full-paying guests. Full details here: https://www.oars.com/ways-to-save/teachers-raft-free/