redwoods and rivers

We took a group that ranged in age from 10 - 64 and we all had a really great time. tip: Ask for Chris, drink plenty of water, take Advil ahead of time, and listen when they say to wedge your foot into the raft... That tip alone will keep you in the raft! This was a first class experience and it was worth every penny.

We had such a great time riding the rapids with a great guide-Hannah. Our family had a rough start as we hit the driveway with a little too much speed, and ended up stuck in the ditch. Not a problem for the owner of the company, Michael. He was so calm, and pleasant, and helped us out along with another of the guides. We were completely versed on safety, and felt very confident with our children, 12, 14, and 15 year olds. My son fell out of the boat on one rapid, but knew exactly what to do, as Hannah gave us a thorough lesson prior to setting out. The trip was highlighted in photos taken on the ride by a very good photographer. I can't wait to get my pictures! I highly recommend this company for an excellent adventure!

My husband and I had a great time on the full day white water rafting trip. We were along with another group of four people. Our guide was Raymond, and he was very knowledgeable of the river and of how to instruct novice rafters to maneuver the raft. After putting in the river, he gave us a lesson in rafting and was very clear of what was expected of us. All equipment such as life vests, helmets and paddles were furnished. We rafted for about 1 1/2 hours and then stopped for an excellent spread of a lunch buffet of sorts. The rest of the trip was very fun. There were different turns and bends in the river--some very exciting dips and drops (Hells Hole) and some mild and placid. We saw ducks, deer and beautiful scenery. Overall a great, fun, exciting experience -- I am glad that we took the adventure. I would do this trip again.

There are two options to consider--full or half day trips. Both run the same stretch of river, but the full day includes lunch, time to play in the water and generally enjoy the surroundings more. My friends and I opted for the full day and had a blast! We met at the company's base camp, where we were fitted for helmets and life jackets, and then were shuttled to the put-in location. There, we received safety instructions (which can be intimidating but need to be said.) Our little group of 3 had one of the smaller rafts with our guide, Jeremy, who taught us how to paddle and had us practice on the quiet, calm waters at our entry site. The current starts out nice and easy--plenty of time to get used to the commands and feel for the water. We stopped for lunch at a little beach where we unloaded the coolers and hiked up a short, steep hill to a clearing with a picnic table. While one guide was setting up lunch, Jeremy led us on an uphill hike to a refreshing waterfall. Lunch was waiting for us when we got back--sandwiches, fruit, veggies, and water to refill our bottles. It was a nice break and a beautiful spot. After lunch, we started hitting the Class II and III rapids and our paddling skills were really tested! Jeremy was great about briefing us on each rapid before we hit it, preparing us for what was coming (and definitely getting our hearts pumping!) The biggest, most challenging rapid is Hell's Hole. Our raft literally was airborne as it went over the waterfall--we were paddling the air! We landed in the white, churling water, which swamped our raft, a little too much to one side, and two of us went "swimming" (a rafter's term for being dumped!) No problem--the lead boat was waiting for us if we needed their help, which we didn't, and after swimming to the eddy, we were pulled back into our raft. That spot also happens to be where the photographers are set up, so we have some awesome photos in succession of our little adventure. Fun! Along the way, Jeremy pointed out wildlife--certain birds, a bald eagle, two fawns and a turtle basking on a warm rock. The entire experience was both relaxing and exhilerating, and Jeremy was great about answering our many questions, helping us get the photo CD, and making sure we were having a good time. The company website provides a list of what to bring/wear--all good info, so take their advice. This is a great trip for beginners--just enough thrills to keep it exciting without being terrifying. Enjoy!