• Weekly departures from Bend and Sisters
• 9 a.m. from Bend, return at approximately 4:30 p.m.
• 9:30 a.m. from Sisters, return at approximately 4:00 p.m.
• 9:45 from Black Butte Ranch, return at approximately 3:45 p.m.
• Class II and III whitewater rapids
• 3 - 4 hours on the water covering 8-12 river miles (depending on water levels)
• Appropriate for kids 6 and older
• Includes transportation, deli-style lunch, professional-grade equipment, splash gear and expert, interpretive guiding
• Pacific Northwest scenery of lush, verdant forest with conifers, ferns and moss

General Seating Rafts are booked by seat with a maximum of 6 paddlers per boat. Your boat may include guests or parties from different households/travel groups. Private Rafts are offered at a base price and include up to 6 seats, with a minimum of 2 paddling adults required per raft. If you have more than 6 people in your party, you will need to book an additional raft. Youth (ages 6-12) must be accompanied by at least 2 paddling adults (13+) on both General Seating and Private trips.

Sun Country Tours requires a minimum of 8 people per travel trip. Trip days are subject to changes to meet this requirement. 

Standard in-season rates apply to all trips.

Times are approximate and subject to change.

9:00 a.m. — Shuttle with guests, guides, and gear departs for the Upper McKenzie River area from Sun Country Tours Office in Bend. Please arrive 20 minutes early to check-in for your trip and get outfitted for your gear. If you have arranged to be picked up in Sisters or at Black Butte Ranch, stops will be made along the way at the times listed below.

10:45 a.m. — Arrive at the launch site on the McKenzie River in the Oregon Cascades. A trip briefing with your guide will include instructions on basic paddle strokes and tips for a fun and safe trip! Restrooms available.

11:00 a.m. — Get geared up with your PFD and helmet, grab a paddle, and start rafting!

1:00 p.m. — Stop midway for lunch on the riverside. Take a quick dip in the icy cold waters (if you dare!) or relax in the sun before continuing your whitewater adventure.

2:30 p.m. — Arrive at McKenzie Bridge take-out, change out of river clothes and gear as the guides load up the boats for departure back to Bend.

4:30 p.m. — Shuttle arrives at Sun Country Tours Office in Bend.

Weekly departures June 15 through August 31, 2026, out of our Bend office at 9:00 a.m. with pick-ups in Sisters and Black Butte Ranch offered. Total trip time from Bend, including both river time and transportation, is 7.5 hours.

BEND DEPARTURES:

Sun Country Tours' office is the pick-up & drop-off location for all rafting trips with a Bend departure. The office is located at 531 SW 13th St, Bend, OR 97702, on the westside of town.

OTHER DEPARTURE LOCATIONS:

See more details about our alternative pick-up locations in Sisters and at Black Butte Ranch here.

• One expertly trained and certified rafting guide per raft
• Professional-grade river raft, paddle, PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and helmet*
• Instruction on paddling basics, maneuvering through rapids, and safety procedures before getting on the river
• Transportation to and from the river
• Interpretive tour covering the natural history and geology of the region
• Deli-style lunch: sandwiches, fruit, chips, and beverages

*PFD and helmet are required to be worn by all guests. Splash jacket/gear available upon request.

For your safety, it is important that everyone in your party is wearing appropriate river footwear. NO BARE FEET OR FLIP FLOPS ALLOWED. Those without proper footwear will not be permitted on the raft and/or may be asked to purchase water shoes prior to boarding.

Acceptable shoes or sandals include:

• Secure strap-on sandals that fasten around your ankle (crocs are acceptable as long as they have a sport strap behind the ankle)
• Water socks or water shoes with a sturdy sole
• Old tennis shoes that can get wet

Other Recommended Items include:

• Swimsuit or clothing that can get wet
• Waterproof pouch for essential valuables (i.e. keys or phone)
• Tether or lanyard for your sunglasses and waterproof bags

SEE THE FULL LIST