A guide for 13 years, Laynne grew up in California and has spent much of his time rafting the states many
rivers. Including runs class V runs like the Forks of the Kern, Cherry Creek, and Giant Gap. He also has spent time guiding in Chile and managing various operations of one of California’s largest rafting companies. Layne also enjoys sailing, mountain biking, traveling, and losing to Pete in one-on-one basketball. He is a Swift Water Rescue Technician, an EMT, and is now studying to be a Paramedic. Layne is also infamous for his on river entertainment including his alter ego the “Minister of Whitewater”.
The Wild and Scenic Upper Klamath River is our signature run. Cutting a steep wilderness canyon through the Cascades of Southern Oregon, this stretch is one of the finest and most exciting class-IV whitewater rafting trips in the west. It’s fun and it’s addicting! While other rivers are experiencing low, rocky summer flows, the Upper Klamath still has more than enough water to make it feel like spring again. Over 30 major class III to IV+ rapids, from long turbulent drops to short charges through huge standing waves, pepper this beautiful volcanic high-desert canyon. The area is rich in Old West history with old cabins, mines, and long-deserted Indian settlements dotting the run. It’s also a major stop on the Pacific flyway, making sightings of bald eagles, osprey, and blue herons regular occurrences.
The Rogue River begins in the Cascade Range of Southern Oregon and empties into the Pacific Ocean some 200 miles later in the heart of the spectacular Oregon coast. Its beauty earned it a spot as one of the eight charter members of the National Wild and Scenic River System. We offer 1/2 day trips on the “Nugget” section of the Rogue River.
The Nugget run of the Rogue is a great trip for those wanting a fun float with a few bigger rapids. We may see blue herons, golden eagles, and probably a fisherman or two. A very pleasant 1/2 day rafting trip capped with Nugget Falls and Powerhouse rapids. The Rogue is a wonderful taste of whitewater excitement, and is great for the intrepid first timer, families, and those on a short time schedule.
The Wild and Scenic Owyhee River is described in many ways; Grand Canyon of Oregon, the loneliest river in the U.S., bizarrely beautiful, and more. These descriptions are usually delivered with a reverence reserved for places that are always on the “must do list” but rarely actually done. Located in the remote southeast corner of the state, the Owyhee River is almost unmatched in its remoteness and beauty. The river travels through magnificent desert canyons with walls towering over a thousand feet overhead and is home to a wide array of wildlife and birds. The area is rich in cultural history with Native American petroglyphs up to 9,000 years old and abandoned ranches from a far more recent time. The Owyhee’s canyon is also home to beautiful side hikes, big sandy beaches, and riverside hot springs (oh yeah!).
Southern Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Illinois River is considered by some to be the best wilderness rafting trip in the country. Few rivers can match its combination of extreme isolation, solitude, beauty, and whitewater. The Illinois features crystal clear water, countless waterfalls tumbling into the river, a spectacular canyon with steep walls draped in moss and ferns, and world-class pool drop whitewater. This rafting trip is what wilderness river running is all about and we are honored to offer it.
The Illinois begins at the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains along the Oregon California border. The river then makes a very brief run through civilization before tumbling through the coastal mountains of the vast Kalmiopsis Wilderness (where we begin our trip). This section is one of the most inaccessible stretches of river in the country and the canyons and mountains are as rugged and steep as any in Oregon.
