Whether I’m laughing my way through Lava Falls in the Grand Canyon or camel trekking in the Sahara desert, I love to travel. I’ve explored five continents and paddled or rowed my way through nearly 200 whitewater rafting trips, and I’ve never tired of meeting people and experiencing life through their eyes. I go hog wild researching an area before arriving at my destination—I enjoy the research almost as much as the vacation! Here are 10 tips that can assist you before booking your adventure travel vacation.

What Are You In The Mood For?

• Be honest, you’ve worked hard for this vacation. Do you want to crank up the adrenaline, relax and enjoy a river from the bow of a boat, explore desert canyons and Native American artifacts or paddle your way through misty Canadian bays in search of killer whales? Do you want to relax around a campfire and sleep under the stars or would you like to experience a hot shower and linens at the end of your day—or perhaps you’d prefer a little of each? If you are traveling with a friend, child, and/or loved one, make sure you want similar vacations to avoid unnecessary friction.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Can’t say that it is here in Northern California! Our days are still filled with warm sun and some of our most accessible rivers continue to offer fun flows. O.A.R.S. whitewater rafting trips will run through the end of September on the South Fork of the American River and the Middle Fork of the American.

The South Fork of the American River, located a short distance from Sacramento, is an ideal trip for those looking for their first whitewater rafting experience. We call it “Everyone’s Favorite River” because it has an ideal combination of fun, splashy rapids, excitement, challenge, as well as calm sections in which to have water fights or go for a swim.  Its close proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area makes it a fun and easy one-day getaway.  The South Fork is rated Class III.

The Middle Fork of the American River steps it up a notch.  This river, located between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, offers one of the most unforgettable rapids in the state – Tunnel Chute. Technically, the rapid should be called Chute Tunnel, as you will drop down a chute (approximately 15 feet) over a distance of 80 feet, concluding with a big drop into frothy, churning water. You will then pass through a 90-ft long tunnel. This secluded river canyon is a must-do for any river runner.  The Middle Fork is rated Class IV.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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National Geographic Adventure magazine thinks you should enjoy a whitewater rafting trip on the Wild & Scenic Rogue River in Oregon and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho with O.A.R.S.  Check out the full article here.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Recent "splash news" from O.A.R.S. Idaho whitewater rafting operations based in Lewiston, Idaho:

According to the O.A.R.S. Idaho Regional Manager, Curt Chang (Curt was an original Grand Canyon Dories guide) – High water is fading and the river temperatures are rising. The Idaho crew is looking forward to perfect summer weather. The weather has been nice, a bit cooler than normal with highs in the 80º’s to 90º. A June 6th Middle Fork of the Salmon River trip was a little cool, which was ideal for hiking. There had been rain showers on and off the past two week on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and the Main Salmon River, but that is giving way to fair and warmer temps now.  Fishing success is starting to pick up now as well. The Middle Fork, Main Salmon and Hells Canyon on the Snake River trips have been very successful with lots of happy faces from passengers and guides.

Curt sent these images from the June 6th Middle Fork of the Salmon River trip. 

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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What the ?#%$#@!?!  Can it be?  The unofficial start of summer… Memorial Day Weekend?  Wasn’t it just spring?  Weren’t the O.A.R.S. California whitewater rafting guides just out on their training trips?  Weren’t the California hills just lush green with swaths of orange poppies?

If you need any last minute ideas for the Big Weekend…

Here in Northern California, the three major Mother Lode mountain passes are all open for the season:

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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