In our most recent blog post about camping, we discussed what you can expect on any standard O.A.R.S. river trip, but if sleeping in a tent isn’t your thing, check out the accommodations below for a flavor more suitable to your palate. Our favorites range as far as the majestic Andes to the wilds of British Columbia. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the comforts of home while visiting these remote locations.

Lodge at Chilko Lake: An upscale private residence in British Columbia’s historic ranch country at the head of the Chilko River. Overlooking the river valley and picturesque mountaintops, the main lodge is a formidable log structure manufactured from local timber and is the focal point for meals, cocktails and socializing. It has wireless Internet, a big screen television (if you must), and comfortable lounge chairs in the main dining room.  The upper level is a luxurious suite with an impressive king bedroom, sitting area and grand bathroom complete with double headed showers. The ground floor has a bar and lounge, game room and access to the popular fire pit area. The cabins feature fine craftsmanship, comfortable furnishings and a magnificent collection of antiques and collectibles. The ranch is perched closely to Ts’yl-os Provincial Park, the prize jewel of the British Columbia park system. This slice of paradise is also our home base for our 5-day Lodge at Chilko Lake Multi-Sport. Other than rafting, this tour includes: kayaking, hiking, bike riding and fishing, with additional options to go horseback riding or heli-hiking at 7,000 – 9,000 feet above sea level.

Lillaskog Lodge:  A classic mountain house that makes you feel happily stranded in the woods. Located thirty minutes outside of Yosemite National Park in northern California, Lillaskog Lodge offers complimentary breakfast each morning for their guests, fresh eggs from their chickens and homemade bread. This rustic lodge is minutes away from where O.A.R.S. meets for their Tuolumne River trips, and rests on top of a hill above a prime fishing spot accessible only by a covert trail. In 1980, a wildfire crawled across the hillside; subsequently, sapling trees sprouted in its wake the day owner Bill Charlson purchased the property. He built the rustic lodge and appropriately named it Lillaskog, which is German for, ‘small forest.’ Today it’s a two-story log cabin with wood-burning natural heat ventilation, and a common room complete with a fireplace, TV & book collection, and even a grand piano. The deck looks out over the Sierra backcountry just east of the town of Groveland. With over seven rooms uniquely named to match local fames like Tioga, El Capitan or Bridalveil, there’s no denying this place its unique character.

Written by Lauren de Remer

O.A.R.S.' Marketing Communications Coordinator & Waterblogged Editor

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Janet Walker, an experienced and savvy world traveler currently enroute to Bali, took some time recently between trips to send us photos and answer a few questions about her August 2009 Peru whitewater rafting trip.

Janet had already been to Peru twice before embarking on her O.A.R.S. Tambopata River trip. (She had not yet traveled with O.A.R.S.) I asked her if there were any specific factors that helped her decide on this particular Peru adventure. Her answer? “The clay lick and the trip’s remote location.”

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Anytime is a good time to go whitewater rafting! If you’re a student, or parent of a student, you might be thinking summer fun is over and it’s time to hit the books. O.A.R.S. won’t object to bringing school projects on the river: all of your gear, school books and book reports will remain safe and secure in dry bags while on the river. In fact, I bet some of the O.A.R.S. guides would be happy to help with homework!

Below are six ideas for September whitewater rafting trips.

• Carrie Aronson, our Private and Charter Trips Manager, suggests a trip on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon as an ideal September rafting trip. This river trip offers dramatic canyon country and ancient rock formations with fascinating geology through Canyonlands National Park. It is an ideal trip for any outdoor enthusiast. Think of it as a mini-Grand Canyon trip. O.A.R.S. offers a 4-day trip on this Class III river, with departures every Tuesday through October.
• Of course, you can still sign up for rafting trips on the South Fork of the American River, as well as the Middle Fork American River. The Class III South Fork is known as "Everybody’s Favorite River" and is a great introductory river trip. The Class IV Middle Fork steps it up a notch, with the unforgettable ‘Tunnel Chute’ rapid. Both rivers are quick and easy getaways from the SF Bay Area, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.  But, we can’t all be in Northern California, right?
• O.A.R.S. also offers special September rafting and fishing trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. These trips are offered on September 21 and again on September 28. The whitewater is world-renowned, and the fishing on the Middle Fork Salmon River is superb!  Fish for cutthroat (you might expect to catch upwards of forty fish per day), native rainbow, mountain whitefish as well as bull trout. O.A.R.S. guides are familiar with the best fishing spots the has to river offer.
• Raft the Class II-IV Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley on a unique 10-day Peru multi-sport vacation with O.A.R.S.  Stay in comfy (dare I say luxurious?) lodges and explore archaeological remnants of the Inca civilization including the stone ruins of Kenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo with a stop at the Chinchero Market before taking the train to Machu Picchu.
• Raft the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon and stay in one of West’s most glorious guest ranches, Red Cliffs Lodge. This 6-day Ranch & Raft vacation from O.A.R.S. is the ultimate blend of excitement, fun and relaxation. Throw in a little horseback riding and Moab mountain biking and you’ve got an ideal fall getaway!

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Skip the traditional Macy’s Parade, too much turkey and pumpkin pie and red wine. (oops, maybe that’s just me)  Give it a go on the O.A.R.S. Peru Multi-Sport Adventure this Thanksgiving instead.

O.A.R.S. offers one of the most diverse multi-sport adventures found anywhere.  Go whitewater rafting on the Class II-IV Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley.  Explore fascinating archaeological remnants of the Inca civilization.  Stay in luxurious Peruvian lodges.  Try the local fare (Yes, guinea pig is an option.*)  Visit the stone ruins of Kenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Sacsayhuaman & Ollantaytambo, as well as the Chinchero Market.  Of course, no Peru vacation would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu now would it?  This journey includes a two-day exploration of South America’s most renowned archaeological sites.

Remaining 2008 Departure Dates: November 11, 25

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Don’t let the fact that the California whitewater rafting season is winding down deter you from making other adventure vacation plans.  O.A.R.S. still has plenty of other 2008 departures remaining:

CHILE:
Futaleufú River Multi-Sport:  Nov 29; Dec 5, 12, 26, 28

ECUADOR:
Ecuador Multi-Sport:  November 16, 30; December 21, 28

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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