Planning ยท First timers
Your first overnight rafting trip: what to expect
No experience needed on most trips. Here is how the day runs, where to start, and the questions everyone asks.
Quick answer
On a first overnight rafting trip, guides run the boats and cook the meals. Most outfitters need no experience, and many say you do not need to swim. Start with a gentle Class II to III river and a short trip, such as 2 or 3 days on the Deschutes, the Rogue or the Grande Ronde.
The short answer
Do you need experience?
No, on most trips. ROW says first time rafters are always welcome. On an oar raft a guide rows while you ride; on a paddle raft you paddle on the guide's call.
Swimming is less of a bar than people expect. ARTA says many of its guests cannot swim. OARS draws the line at high water and Class III to V trips, which need you to swim in a life jacket.
Every trip starts with a safety talk. OARS calls its briefing thorough and requires Coast Guard approved life jackets. See whitewater classes for what the ratings mean.
Where to start
Good rivers for a first overnight trip
Gentle whitewater, short trips and low minimum ages. Each river page compares every outfitter.
| River | Whitewater | Trip | From, per person | Youngest listed age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deschutes | Class III | 2 days, 1 night | $425River Drifters: 2 day, 1 night trip, listed as $425 to $450 plus Boater Pass; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026 | 4, with River Drifters |
| Rogue | Class III+ | 3 days, 2 nights | $895River Drifters: 3 day, 2 night trip, listed as $895 to $1,100; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026 | 6, with ARTA |
| Grande Ronde | Class II to III | 3 days, 2 nights | $995Minam Store Outfitters: 3 day, 2 night trip, Minam to Mud Creek; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026 | 5, with Winding Waters River Expeditions |
| Desolation Canyon | Class II to III | 5 days, 4 nights | $995Colorado River & Trail Expeditions: 5 day, 4 night trip; year not shown; plus $315 flight and $40 BLM fee. Checked Sep 2026 | 5, with Apakoa Rivers |
| San Juan | Class II to III | 3 days, 2 nights | $895Canyonlands Field Institute: Upper, 3 day, 2 night trip; private groups of 6 to 25 only; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026 | 5, with Holiday River Expeditions |
| Main Salmon | Class III to IV- | 6 days, 5 nights | $1,650Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures: Adult rate, 2027; ranges to $1,950. Checked Sep 2026 | 5, with Mackay Wilderness River Trips |
From outfitters' own sites, checked September 2026, as listed on each river page. Ages often rise at high water. Confirm when booking.
A typical day
How a day on the river runs
- About 6:00 am
Guides are up and start breakfast. ARTA says its guides rise around 6.
- 7:00 to 8:00
Coffee, then breakfast. Sheri Griffith lists coffee at 7 and breakfast at 8.
- 9:00 to 10:00
Camp is packed onto the boats and you push off. ARTA launches between 9 and 10.
- Midday
Rapids, calm stretches, a lunch stop on shore and side hikes, depending on the river.
- By 4:00 pm
Into camp. Western says no later than 4; Sheri Griffith says around 4.
- 5:30 and 7:00
Appetizers around 5:30 and dinner around 7, on Western's Middle Fork schedule.
Times from ARTA, Sheri Griffith and Western River Expeditions. Every outfitter and river runs its own clock.
At camp
Bathrooms, washing and phones
The toilet is the groover. OARS calls it "a toilet without plumbing," and if the toilet paper "key" is missing, it is in use. OARS guests pee in the river; ask your outfitter about its rules.
Washing happens away from the water. OARS asks guests to use a solar shower or bucket at least 200 feet from the river, with biodegradable soap. Sheri Griffith allows bathing in or next to the river with biodegradable soap, so ask your outfitter.
Phones mostly stop working. OARS says there is generally no service, though guides can call out in an emergency. See river camping for fires, food and wildlife.
Questions
First timer questions
Do I need rafting experience for an overnight trip?
Not on most trips. ROW says first time rafters are always welcome. On oar trips a guide rows; on paddle trips you paddle with a guide steering.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Often not. ARTA's answer is "No. A lot of our guests can't swim and they are fine." OARS says many trips do not need strong swimmers, but high water and Class III to V trips require that you can swim in a life jacket.
Where do you go to the bathroom on a rafting trip?
In camp, the groover: OARS calls it "a toilet without plumbing." If the toilet paper "key" is gone, someone is using it. OARS guests pee in the river; rules vary by river. See river camping.
Can you shower on a rafting trip?
Not a real shower. OARS asks guests not to bathe in the river and to wash with a solar shower or bucket at least 200 feet away, with biodegradable soap. Sheri Griffith allows bathing in or next to the river with biodegradable soap. Rules vary by river.
Will I have phone service?
Usually not. OARS says there is generally no service; guides can call out in an emergency, but you cannot receive calls.
What happens if I fall out?
Your life jacket keeps you up, and the guides cover what to do before launch. Float on your back with your feet up and pointed downstream. See whitewater classes for the safety basics.
How long should my first overnight trip be?
A 2 day, 1 night trip is the shortest. Many first timers pick 3 days and 2 nights on rivers like the Rogue or the Grande Ronde. See 2 day trips and 3 day trips.
What should I bring?
Quick drying layers, a rain suit, river sandals and camp shoes, sunscreen and a headlamp. The outfitter usually supplies the dry bags and camp gear. See what to pack.
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