McKenzie 1 Day

McKenzie River 

Full Day Rafting Trip

Highlights & Details

  • Fast & active but easy
  • Great for beginners
  • Round-trip transportation from Bend
  • Our most popular short trip
  • Crystal clear water & Douglas Fir forests
  • Class II/II+
  • Season (May-September)

Trip Pricing

Adults: $99.00

Youth: $89.00 (12 and Under)

Minimum Age: 6 years & 50+ lbs

Price Includes: Round-trip transportation from Bend, Sisters, or the Black Butte Ranch, granola snacks and beverages, and paddle jackets and pants on cooler days.

Our full-day McKenzie River rafting trip offers 4 to 5 hours of active and splashy but relatively easy paddle rafting on one of Oregon’s most beautiful rivers. 

Our one-day McKenzie River rafting trip explores 16 miles of the McKenzie River from Paradise Campground to Blue River. Round-trip transportation is included from Bend, Sisters or Black Butte Ranch, or you can meet us at Paradise Campground if coming from the Eugene area. Rapids on this section of the McKenzie are numerous but small, making the trip active and splashy, but technically easy. Towering fir forests and crystal clear waters add a beautiful scenic touch to this fun and splashy ride. Keep an eye out for osprey diving for fish. A delicious and freshly prepared deli buffet lunch is served riverside during the trip. If you have only one day to experience the Oregon outdoors, a one-day McKenzie River rafting trip should be at the top of your list.

What's it like?

The day begins when we meet you at your scheduled meeting location. You will be asked to read and sign an Assumption of Risk Form at this time and to pay your trip fare if needed. By 10:00 am. we will all be gathered at the boat ramp at Paradise Campground. We’ll get everyone fitted for life jackets and discuss safety for the trip. Once we’ve divided into paddle crews, we’ll board the rafts for 4 to 5 hours of splashy fun. The first part of the day is active with almost continuous class I & II rapids. We’ll stop for lunch at McKenzie Bridge. After lunch the river calms down a bit with fewer but larger rapids. We’ll reach our take out at Forest Glen near Blue River by 4:00 pm. Here, you will have time to change clothes before the van ride back. Guests who have met us in Bend can plan on being back by 6:00 pm.

Mckenzie River Full Day Trip Planning

Meeting Details

Full Day Trips on the McKenzie River run from Paradise Campground to Blue River and include a buffet style deli lunch. This trip is by charter only for groups of 8 or more.

Locations & Meeting Times:

Shilo Inn – Bend – 8:00 AM (2 Hours 45 Min in the van)

3105 NE O.B. Riley Rd. On the north end of Bend next to the Riverhouse Resort. Look for an Ouzel van with Ouzel rafts near the restaurant and the main entrance. 
Black Butte Ranch Rec Center– 9:00 AM (1 Hour 45 Min in the van)

8 miles west of Sisters on HWY 20. (541) 595-5879. Entrance is on the south side near milepost 93. Stay right as you pass the entrance kiosk. The Rec Center will be on your left near the main lodge. This pickup location is ONLY for guests staying overnight at Black Butte Ranch. 

Paradise Campground –  10:00 AM (Return Shuttle provided)

Paradise campground is well marked on the north side of HWY 126 just east of McKenzie Bridge and just west of Belknap Hot Springs and the junction with HWY 242. Follow signs to the boat ramp. For those meeting us at Paradise, transportation is provided back to Paradise after the trip.

What to Bring and What is  Provided


  • What to Wear

    • Visor, Cap, or Sun Hat
    • Sunglasses (w/strap)
    • Shorts or swimsuit (most women prefer wearing shorts over bikini bottoms)
    • Rafting Shoes: Sandals w/heel strap (like Chaco or TEVA) or sneakers – no bare feet, Crocs or flip flops.
    • Do not wear jeans!
    • Lip Balm (with SPF) & Sunscreen
    • Hydro-silk or Rash Guard shirt (optional). These fabrics are designed for water sports activities and will protect you from the sun as well as helping to keep you warm when wet.

  • Items to Bring

    • Lip Balm (with SPF) & Sunscreen
    • Waterproof Camera
    • Water Bottle (Important! You will be able to refill your bottle from our water cooler). 
    • Change of clothes for after the trip (stays in your car)
    • If you carry epinephrine for allergic reactions, please bring it with you and let your guide know! 
    • Small dry bag (optional). All rafts have waterproof dry bags for items you want to keep accessible. Having your own dry bag eliminates the need to share with others.

  • Lunch & Beverages

    A delicious deli lunch is served buffet style. The lunch includes a variety of whole grain breads, fresh deli meats and cheeses and a variety of fruits & vegetables sliced fresh just before serving. Lemonade, iced tea and iced water are available. Peanut butter & jam is always available. With advanced notice, we can accommodate vegetarian, gluten free and other dietary restrictions. Please inidcate dietary restrictions on your registration form. If this is a special occasion for someone in your group (i.e. anniversary, birthday, etc...), let us know and we might have a little extra something special for the occasion.  Granola snacks and sparkling water are also available at the end of the trip.

  • Cold or Rainy Trips

    We do NOT cancel trips because of poor weather.  It's important to be prepared for the trip. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Common outdoor wisdom tells us that layering is the key. You should have a base-layer of NON-COTTON tops and bottoms made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene or fleece which maintain warmth even when wet. Furthermore, protecting your head, hands and feet are extremely important and often overlooked. You should have an insulated and water-shedding hat for wearing on the river. You may also want to consider a pair of neoprene gloves. Ouzel will provide paddle jackets, paddle pants, neoprene booties, and if warranted, wetsuits, but guests need to have the proper base layer. With proper preparation, rafting in the rain is every bit as fun as on a normal sunny day!

  • Dry Bags & Gear Storage

    Small dry bags will be avaliable for items that you would like accessible during the day.  This includes sunscreen, lip balm, extra clothing, medical supplies, etc. Other items such as keys, phones and wallets can be left in our van (bring a bag or day pack) or packed in the dry bag.  An extra set of close for changing after the trip can be left in our van.  If you have questions about unusual items, please give us a call.

  • Photos from Your Trip

    For most of the summer, photos are taken by a photo company of every raft at Natural Selection.  These photos can be purchased online after the trip. A link can be found in the detailed trip planner and will also be emailed to you after the trip.

    IMPORTANT NOTE:  During the should season (May, some of June and September) photographers are not always present to take photos. Please check with our office if you want to confirm whether or not photos will be available for your trip.

  • Prices, Fees & Gratuities for Guides

    Our trips are priced to be all-inclusive. There are no additional taxes, fees or add-on costs for items necessary for the trip. The trip cost listed on the trip details page is the final price.  The only exception is gratuities for the guide staff. 


    If you have enjoyed your trip and feel that your guides have done an outstanding job, it is customary to thank them with a gratuity. The amount is up to you, but a gratuity of between 15% and 20% of your trip fare is typical for Ouzel guests. The guides share their gratuities and will appreciate any expression of thanks you care to offer.


    Sourvenier t-shirts and water bottles are also available for purchase during the booking process and afterwards by phone.

“Tim is a top notch guide and very easy to communicate with. Office staff were very responsive and helpful. Thanks for working till the last minute to get us on the trip. It was literally the last day of the season! Would definitely recommend your company to others.”   -Christina Morrison (McKenzie River)

Share by: