About the Author

Zachary Collier

Zach Collier owns Hood River based Northwest Rafting Company. He spends his winters exploring new rivers and summers guiding on the Rogue River. He's paddled and guided trips around the world, but chose to call Oregon home due to the abundance of amazing whitewater rivers.

Rafting in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness

December 31, 2018
All three of these emerald green rivers are world-famous among river runners for their challenging rapids, rugged terrain, and absolute remoteness. More
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Southern Oregon , Rafting ,

Celebrate Oregon’s National Wild and Scenic Rivers

March 6, 2018
Of the 200 Wild and Scenic Rivers in the U.S., 58 of them are here in Oregon. You could say we have more than our fair share. More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Favorite Trips , Rafting , Rivers & Streams , Paddle Sports ,

The First Rogue River Trip

May 18, 2016
My first trip down the Rogue River was in 1997, the year before I became professional river guide. After a three-day trip down the Lower Klamath, four of us decided to make our way up to the famous Rogue River. We left the take-out for the Klamath, stopped in Ashland for dinner and a play… More
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Southern Oregon , Rogue River , Lakes & Reservoirs , Guides & Charters , Tour Companies , Rafting , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Kayaking the Chetco River

May 17, 2013
In the heart of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in southern Oregon, the little-known Chetco River flows for 55 stunning miles before reaching the Pacific Ocean near Brookings. Nestled between two well-known whitewater runs, the North Fork of the Smith River and the Illinois River, the Chetco is often not sought out by paddlers due to its… More
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Southern Oregon , Kayaking , Lakes & Reservoirs , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Get Ready for Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival

May 1, 2012
The Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival is an annual gathering for rafters and kayakers from throughout the Pacific Northwest. Affectionately termed Clack-Fest, the event is designed for boaters to compete in whitewater races, try out the latest and greatest gear from leading raft and kayak manufacturers, meet up with old friends, and make new ones! 2012 will celebrate the… More
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Kayaking , Lakes & Reservoirs , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Sustainable Travel , Sports , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

Winter Rafting & Kayaking in Oregon

January 4, 2012
Some people think we're crazy for hopping in our kayaks when it's 35 degrees and drizzling, but if you love to paddle, there are many reasons to get out in the rain. If you wait for summer in Oregon, many rivers and streams are too low for boating; it's the rain that feeds the rivers… More
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Portland Region , Estacada , Kayaking , Rafting , Trip Ideas ,