• Hat for sun protection
• Sunglasses (w/strap)
• Shorts or swimsuit (most women prefer wearing shorts over bikini bottoms) 
• Rafting Shoes: Sandals w/heel strap or sneakers (No flip flops, crocs or bare feet)
• Lip Balm (with SPF protection) & Sunscreen (spray sunscreen runs out quickly)
• If you are sensitive to the sun, you might consider wearing pants and a long-sleeve shirt made from a lightweight, quick-drying material.  

On Cooler Days Add a Second Layer Being prepared with light to mid weight layers of synthetic clothing takes the chill out of cooler days on the river. 

• T-Shirts and shorts
• Long sleeve shirts (cotton okay)
• Long pants (cotton okay)
• Sweatshirt or fleece top (for colder days)
• Socks and underwear (Long Underwear too)
• Warm hat (for chilly mornings/evenings)
• Sneakers or light hikers (light boots are fine)
• Small towel & toiletries 
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight or headlamp

It is a tradition on our trips to have some fun on our last evening. Ties, cummerbunds, costumer jewelry, crazy hats – think Halloween. Be as creative and crazy as you want.

• A pair of river shoes or river sandals (designed for water sports) that wrap around the toes and provide extra protection for the feet. Avoid slip-on water socks and crocs.
• Hat & sunglasses with a strap. Kids can tire easily in the sun and protecting the eyes and face helps avoid over-exposure.
• Games. While there are plenty of activities for kids on our trips, we recommend bringing diversions that your kids or family enjoy. Card games, compact board games, books, paints and other activities can provide occasional evening entertainment. We highly discourage electronic games and gadgets as they can be easily damaged and run counter to the wilderness experience.
• Bring plenty of sunscreen for kids and encourage them to drink lots of water.

On colder trips make sure that the kids have neoprene footwear, a warm and waterproof hat and plenty of polyester/fleece tops and bottoms for layering. 

• Waterproof camera 
• Extra batteries (for flashlight, camera, etc.)
• Soda, beer, wine or your favorite spirits—we’ll keep your drinks on ice if desired. (Please avoid glass containers if possible). 
• Small pillow (travel or backpack kind)
• Personal amenities such as a journal, book, deck of cards, Frisbee, football, etc...
• Binoculars
• Sarong 
• Kayaking gloves. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the inflatable kayak.
• Small first aid kit with Band-Aids, ibuprofen, etc...   All trips carry major and minor kits and each guide has their own supplies, but it can be handy to have your own “ouch pouch”.

Our day begins at 9:00 am (Pacific Time) at the Hammer Creek Recreation Site and Boat Ramp.  You should have eaten breakfast, made any last minute purchases and fueled your vehicle prior to this time. The town of White Bird is 3.5 miles away.  Look for the Ouzel crew at the boat ramp.  Each guest will be given two dry bags. The larger “overnight” bag is for the majority of your personal and camping gear and will be sent ahead to camp.  The smaller bag is for items you would like to keep accessible during the day.  Your trip leader will provide instructions on how to pack and properly seal your bags and you will have a limited amount of time to pack your belongings. 

The “overnight” dry bag provides 3.8 cu. ft. of storage. When closed the bag is 16 inches in diameter and 33 inches tall. If we are providing you with a sleeping bag, it will already be packed in the bag. Most guests find it useful to separate clothes and belongings into smaller bags for easier packing and better organization. Small, collapsible duffels, laundry bags and even pillowcases work well. Large or rigid duffel bags are difficult to work into and out of your dry bag. Pack toiletries and liquid items in a Ziploc or waterproof container in case they leak inside your bag.

Your overnight dry bag will not be accessible until you reach camp. Use the smaller dry bag for items such as sunscreen, cameras and extra clothing that you’ll want accessible during the day. If you have special photography equipment or unusual items please call our office for packing suggestions. 

Once your overnight bag is packed we will collect it along with any other items that do not get packed in your overnight bag – this includes personal beverages, tent (if bringing your own) fishing gear, trekking poles, etc.  Make sure to keep your car keys handy. Overnight bags will be loaded on to our equipment rafts and those rafts will depart for camp.  Your vehicle will be shuttled to the Holiday Inn in Clarkston, WA during the trip.  You will fill out a shuttle authorization form prior to your trip with the company we use to move our vehicles. The orientation continues with discussions about the environment, safety and what to expect over the next few days. There is quite a bit of talking on this first morning. Our goal is to makes sure everyone is well-informed and prepared for the trip ahead.

All meals beginning with lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day are included. Snacks are always available. Nobody goes hungry on an Ouzel Trip! 

Our menus are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Most dishes are made largely from scratch, making it is easier to prepare portions on the side.  You will list your dietary restrictions on the trip registration form prior to the trip, and we will use this information to shop accordingly. However, it is ESSENTIAL that you remind the guides of your restrictions PRIOR to meal preparation. When necessary, dishes and utensils will not be used to prepare or serve more than one dish. For more information on specific dietary restrictions, go to frequently asked questions.

Snacks are important to keep guests (especially kids) fueled and happy. The snacks we carry are limited in variety, so for “picky eaters” we recommend bringing snacks that will be welcomed.

Beverages include:  Water, Lemonade, Iced Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Tea, Juices and an assortment of wines served with dinner (we plan for 2 glasses of wine per adult per evening).  We do NOT supply beer, sodas or other beverages, but you are welcome to bring your own. We’ll have coolers with ice set aside for guest drinks. Except for special bottles of wine or scotch, please do not bring glass. 

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the river during the day and we asked that guests drink responsibly in camp.

We supply all the group camping gear for the trip. This includes dining tables, chairs, shelter tarps (for rain and sun), toilets, hand-wash stations, campfire set-up (when allowed), solar showers, a small library and games (like bocce, horseshoes, etc.). 

Our tents sleep two comfortably and larger family-sized tents are available and will accommodate a family of four. Single travelers are not required to share a tent.

Sleeping bags are rectangular, flannel-lined 45° bags and are 34” x 84”. Sleeping bags are professionally laundered between trips.

Sleeping pads are heavy duty “Paco” pads and are 72” x 28” x 1.5”.

We do not cancel trips due to inclement weather. The detailed trip planner for your trip will include suggestions on the type of clothing to pack. Ouzel will provide splash jackets and splash pants, as well wetsuits and wetsuit booties if conditions warrant. 

Despite the gear we provide, it is important for our guests to be prepared.  This means checking the weather and packing appropriately. Dressing in layers and AVOIDING COTTON will provide a good base layer that can be combined with our extra gear.  

Lastly, it is wise to assume that every article of clothing you wear on the river will be soaked by the time you reach camp. You should be prepared to change into a completely dry set of clothes each afternoon (including socks & shoes).