Epic Rafting Without Having to Rough it at Night
OutdoorHub 03.27.13
Celebrating over 50 years of navigating the West’s wildest rivers, whitewater rafting pioneer Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) suggests three ways to experience river rafting that range from inn-to-inn hospitality to multi-sport adventure to a sampler of overnight, all-inclusive camping.
“Until someone has experienced the beauty of sleeping under the stars on a riverside beach, they can often be reluctant to sign up for an overnight rafting adventure,” says Brandon Lake, Chief Marketing Officer of Western River Expeditions. “We realize that many want to experience a one-of-a-kind overnight rafting adventure without sacrificing the roof over your head. Some folks just want to sample a single night under the stars before signing up for a longer experience.”
With this in mind, Western River Expeditions offers three experiences to accommodate those searching for an adventure vacation with all the comforts of home. The waterful choices are rivers in Oregon and Utah.
Oregon’s Rogue River near Medford remains so remote that boats deliver the mail in some regions where the river is the only road. Wildlife sightings may include otter, deer and black bear. Whitewater on this itinerary is classified Class II-IV. Three and four-day whitewater rafting trips include overnights at riverside lodges where dinner and breakfast are served. The per-person double rate is from $959. The trip accommodates ages 5 and up. See http://www.westernriver.com/trips/rogue-river-rafting/
Utah’s four-day Southwest Sampler includes two nights at Moab, Utah’s hip and trendy Gonzo Inn with a scenic off-road Hummer Safari and a tour of Arches National Park. The final two days are spent rafting a mild, but breathtaking section of the Colorado River where guests can experience one night of all-inclusive beach camping Western River-style.
“This trip is incredibly popular as it allows guests to ‘sample’ a single night under the stars and dine in the most amazing setting. Once they realize how easy it is to camp with us, they often come back for a longer rafting experience,” says Lake. The per-person double rate is from $615. The trip accommodates ages 5 and up. See http://westernriver.com/trips/southwest/
Moab, Utah is also home base for Western’s popular Westwater Multisport Adventurethat includes three nights at Red Cliffs Lodge on the banks of the Colorado River, an off-road Hummer Safari on a trail known as “Hell’s Revenge,” and a full-day of rafting through Westwater Canyon, known as one of the best short whitewater trips in the West. Whitewater on this itinerary is classified Class III-V. The per-person, double rate is $675. The minimum age is 12. See http://westernriver.com/trips/westwater/
Western River Expeditions
Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).
Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, and Idaho rafting trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. Today it pursues a “guiding green” philosophy and belongs to some of the top environmentally conscious organizations in the world: Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association, American Rivers, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, Utah Rivers Council, America Outdoors, and National River Cleanup Week. See:http://www.westernriver.com/whywestern/environment.php
Western River Expeditions has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company was honored last spring as the 2012 recipient of “Best of State” through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program. This is the ninth consecutive year Western River Expeditions has earned this distinction. For 2013 season reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 or 801.942.6669.
