We (party of 4) participated in the full day Deschutes trip recently. The night before they reached out and provided smoke and wildfire updates and communicated the notifications clearly. We received the green light the morning of as they had promised. From the second Will and Gwen greeted us, to us saying good bye at the end of the day we felt safe and well taken care of. They communicated the expectations clearly. They navigated the insane "load in" area. I mean insane. Other companies had big buses and way too many people for each guide available. Glad we launched so quickly and efficiently. Once underway they navigated the river and stopping spots with excellence and ease. Truly. They had a system and plan and made it feel like we were the only ones on a very busy river. Super sick trip and we are super thankful to their entire team. We are already planning our next trip with Ouzel. read more

I cannot say enough good things about our experience with Ouzel and our amazing guides, Gwen and Will. There were 2 groups booked the day of our rafting adventure and we lucked out and had our own raft and guide. The two rafts worked together and had a great report throughout the day. Once on the river our guides immediately pulled us to the side to jump off some rocks which set the tone for the fun to be had. The excursion went from one adventure to the next. The guides were extremely communicative. At no point in the day did I feel unsure, unsafe, or have a sense that I didn't know what was expected of me. It was the most fun I have had in a while, and I will definitely recommend this adventure with Ouzel. Thank you Gwen and Will for such a great day! read more

We were a group of 15 floating the upper deschutes near maupin. That is a long day, and our guides stayed by us through and through. Incredibly professional and kind group. We had ages as young as 10 through 65 and all were well looked after. Even the teens had an outlet with some of the great games they did off the boat and the little stops we made along the river. Would do again, one of the highlights of our stay in Bend. read more

Ouzel Outfitters River Trips - Tours Near Me - Bend, Oregon

We were considering cancelling because it was unseasonably cold (early June) and the drive was pretty far but we're all really glad we didn't. We met Rylan at a park next to the river in the town where we would start from and he led us to the boat launch point. He was equipped with jackets and pants for those of us who wanted to stay a little drier and life jackets and helmets (optional). He gave us a very detailed explanation of what we were going to be doing, how to do it as well as emergency instructions. On the river he not only made it exciting navigating us to the parts of the river we would enjoy but had good knowledge of the wildlife, geography and the locations we were in. At the mid-point we got out of the river for lunch and Ouzel set us up with a cooked meal from a local hotel in Maupin. Rylan had some fleeces for us to warm up and put us by a fire. We stopped at a few places along the river and at the last point got in the water. After getting the boat out of the water Rylan had some drinks for us and Ouzel had our car waiting for us after they shuttled it down. Definitely a first class operation that thought of everything we would need and made it as fun as I think it could possibly be. My 8 and 9 year olds loved it and thought it was the best part of the trip (except for being cold). When we got home there was a postcard from Rylan waiting for us thanking us for joining him on the river. What a nice touch. Next time we're in OR maybe we'll do a multi-day trip. read more

Ouzel Outfitters River Trips - Tours Near Me - Bend, Oregon

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Ouzel Outfitters was excellent especially Sean our fantastic guide. We took the whole family for the half day trip on the beautiful McKenzie River in July of 23 putting in at Paradise Campground on the western slopes of the cascade range. On a hot day like the one we went on the river was so refreshing and crystal clear. Be prepared for it to be a bit chilly if it's raining. Our safety briefing was thorough and informative. The raft and equipment was in excellent shape. Sean was very skilled, personable but professional, and really made the trip fun for everyone. The river is good for beginners but definitely has a number of very fun rapids. Sean expertly guided us through the rapids having us paddle when needed. These guys know what they're doing. Super fun and would love to go on another Ouzel's trips. Thanks Sean!! read more

Brian at Ouzel Outfitters was absolutely outstanding to work with when we wanted to set up a raft rental, explaining the options, etc. If you want to rent a raft for your own do it yourself expedition, this is the place to go. read more

I have gone whitewater rafting several times (this is my second time within the past year) and have had a nice time every time. Earlier I had gone in CO so being here was a nice change of pace. This time was a pretty calm ride down a Class 2 river trip but our guide made it so much more fun and exciting! It was a scheduled event as part of a larger family reunion weekend. Our guide pointed out many items (e.g. bridges, birds, etc) and shared stories while going down the river. This really added to the fun! He also shared with us that they are offering camping river rafting, multiple day excursions. Sounded pretty cool. Brian, I believe one of the owners, is very professional and understanding. Would definitely go again with them if we are back in the area! read more

Incredible multi day trip- we were so impressed by the experienced guides, the attention to detail, delicious food and most of all the assurance we would have fun. Thanks Ouzel! read more

Ouzel Outfitters River Trips - Rogue River - Tours Near Me - Bend, Oregon

After additional trips (5 day, Lower John Day and 4 day, Rogue), I feel obliged to update my review. Both trips tremendous. The JD is a high desert, basalt cliff float through huge space and landscapes. The crew was the usual hifgh level of professionalism I expect, great food. No serious rapids just going with the flow bliss. The Rogue River was a private, family and friends anniversary trip (17) celebrating many decades of spousal bliss. Ouzel made it perfect. Three generations, from 8 to 68. Getting dinner reservations on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River for 17 in July ain't easy but they did it. Bravo and many thanks!! read more

Booked a trip with Ouzel for 15 people including 7 kids on a family reunion. We did the one day trip in the Deschutes River with guides Will, Zach and Alec. Incredible! These guys were fun, great with kids and so knowledgeable about the river. The entire rafting trip was worry-free, great lunch and downright FUN. This trip was the highlight of the stay, besides the wedding we were there for. Thanks guys, hope to do a multi-day trip with you in the future. read more

Have taken 2 trips with this outfit, one on the McKenzie several years ago and one on the Deschutes much more recently. They are top-notch, safety-oriented with guides who provide the perfect mix of fun, excitement, knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area all while keeping the trip safe and sane. Saw other groups out where we were whose companies I would never use after seeing some of the things they were doing. Our guide knew when it was appropriate for us to do things that were a little edgy but still keeping us in good hands and injury-free. Will definitely use them again and hopefully soon. So much fun! read more

Fun, scenic and enough bumps and waves for an exciting but relatively gentle ride for our family with young kiddos. Our guide, Alexa, was great in helping us along the way and letting the kids feel a part of the paddling, etc. Even got a sweet post card from Alexa after the trip! Great group to go rafting with! read more

Ouzel provided us a nice family trip with the upmost professionalism and care. They run this like a business which is very nice. From beginning to end they didn't miss a beat. I highly recommend them! read more

Ouzel Outfitters River Trips - Tours Near Me - Bend, Oregon

We had a fantastic time on our full day Lower Deschutes trip. Our river guide, Bobby, was awesome. We had such a fun time that the kids are already asking when we can go rafting again. We will definitely be looking into booking further trips with Oezel. read more

We had a great trip down the Deschutes with Ouzel and our guide Demitria (sorry for not spelling that right) we just called her "D". We were the only trip on a slow Monday so she had the tall task of doing everything. This girl is a crazy hard worker and did a terrific job. She was knowledgeable about the river and kept everyone in the raft laughing and having a great time. We had two small children with us and she was really great about having fun games and things for them to try. Lunch was great, she cut up fresh fruit and vegetables, had a huge sandwich bar with fresh avocado and cucumber. Everything was great. I would definitely recommend Ouzel and I highly recommend having D as your guide. read more

The morning of our trip my husband woke up feeling ill. Thankfully, Ouzel Outfitters was kind enough to reschedule so we could all enjoy the river together. Since it was my first time rafting, we booked a day long trip on the Deschutes and had a spectacular time. The weather was great, the guide was funny, and lunch was provided. Next time I will definitely book an overnight/multi day rafting trek with these guys! read more

We had an amazing time during our fullday Deshutes River trip. Brian the owner answered all of our questions before we even booked. Our guides Jessie and Alec picked us up in Bend exactly on time. Their instructions and guidance during the rafting were excellent. We were pleasantly surprised by the lunch too. Freshly cut fruits and vegetables plus awesome sandwiches. We could tell that our guides were more experienced and professional than the other river outfitters. We will definitely look them up for a multiday trip next time. read more

Ouzel Outfitters River Trips - Tours Near Me - Bend, Oregon

We had an awesome day trip with Ouzel. The guides were so helpful, especially our guide Allison. She was so warm and friendly, she made our time on this amazing river even better. There was no confusion on what to do once on the rapid, the instruction made it completely clear. Our family definitely hopes to come back for a 2 or 3 day trip someday. read more

That's a big recommend! Ouzel is supper responsive and not flaky at all! Great co-planners in the adventure you always hoped to have! Would recommend. read more

My hubs and I booked a one day trip from Maupin, OR, down the Deshutes river. It was our first time ww rafting and it was SO fun! Our guide was Alek, he is an excellent, experienced guide, funny and full of history and stories. I thought a class three rapid would be a bit rowdier than it is...so I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't scared...I just 'whoo hoo'd' the whole time. We stopped at a natural water slide, our lunch was yummy and all the other guides and employees were very nice and fun. When we got home, looking at the pictures of us and the other floaters on the river that day, were very entertaining. I wouldn't book with any other company than Ouzel Outfitters and can't wait to do it again! K.C. Shepard read more

We had a fabulous family rafting trip, on the Deschutes river, with Ouzel Outfitters! They were professional from the beginning, while taking our reservations, to end, when being shuttled back to our car. Our guides, Ian & Rylan, were friendly, very knowledgeable of the river & took the utmost care of us. We highly recommend them. read more

When I was a kid, my parents took us on Ouzel trips and they were absolutely a childhood highlight. Now in my late '40s I'm taking MY kids, and I can tell you beyond a shadow-of-a-doubt, Ouzel's quality has remained excellent. Because we had a rafting family, I've actually been with quite a few different outfitters. There's a lot that goes into being a top company in this industry, and one of the easily most important variables high-quality guide recruitment and training and treatment. For decades these guys have been knocking it out of the park. Happy, intelligent, skilled, caring guides. With good leadership comes good followers. Would you have fun with others - I'm sure you would. Is Ouzel the best? Almost certainly. Ouzel Outfitters has my complete, 100% highest recommendation. Zero doubts. Enjoy, I wish we were going again today! read more

I did the half day white-water trip on the upper MacKenzie with my eight year old son. Class 2 rapids make for easy running and a little splashing and we hit the lottery in terms of weather. Our guides Donna and Shelby were excellent and courteous. Unfortunately, we sat in the back of the van and missed most of the nature lecture during the drive because we couldn't hear. My life vest was also very smelly. Otherwise I would have given it five stars. I would recommend them though, great value in terms of length of trip (2.5 hours on water) and price. read more

I'd highly recommend ouzel outfitters for your next white water rafting trip. My 13-year-old son and I took the full day trip down the North Umpqua River and had a great time. Jack and Zach were our guides and they helped make the trip exciting and also safe at all times. The whole trip was run in a very efficient manner with good clean gear. read more

This is the second year I have used this company for a fantastic family vacation. The guides are super knowledgeable about the river and safety. They are outstanding river hosts. The food and camp ambiance is a pampering camping experience. All the guidance were excellent with our kids encouraging river awareness, fun, and outdoor knowledge. They took extra time and attention to make sure the whole group was having a great time! We had a number of beginner rafters in our group and the guides took the time to check-in with everyone's comfort leave in a friendly open way. read more

We had a great 2 day trip on the Deschutes river with Jake and Tim from Ouzel. Both my partner and I had been rafting before, but it was 20 years ago. My 11 y/o son had never been rafting. We all had a great time. After a slightly scary mandatory safety briefing, we were on the water. There was another mom & her son, so 5 of us all together. We had plenty of room on the raft and they towed 2 inflatable kayaks we could use. The first day was a bit chilly, but that was the weather gods. Jake and Tim are both great outdoor cooks and provided tasty and well presented meals with just what could be carried on the rafts (one gear raft, one raft to ride on). Camp was very comfortable with chairs, tables, tents that I could almost stand up in (5'8"), comfy pads, and warm sleeping bags. Both Tim and Jake knew a lot of the natural and local history and kept us entertained and informed as we went. They made sure that who ever was in the kayaks could handle the water ahead and knew where to go. Even though this was only a 2 day trip, my partner and I both felt like we really "got away" and were able to relax. I think we will be signing up for more trips with this outfit! read more

Dear Max and Ouzel Outfitters: My grandson and I did a day trip down the McKenzie River with you on Tues. July 17, 2018. Alex, age 8, bonded with Max at the van and asked if he could be in Max's raft. Thanks, Max, for your understanding and for making that happen. You were a perfect guide for an adventurous, energetic little boy. Max, your enthusiasm, and positive energy was contagious. We had an epic day we will never forget and you were a big part of that! All of the guides worked as a team to make sure we were prepared with safety procedures. It did not go unnoticed that during lunch, when Alex tried peanut butter sandwich rather than have the deli buffet, one of the female guides noticed, followed him, and made sure he got it. I'm sure she was also hungry, but she put his needs ahead of her own. You all work very hard and we appreciated your efforts. We are already talking about a multi day trip. Team Ouzel, you are a class act and we thank you for an amazing adventure. We will be back! read more

Loved the energy of our two guides Annie and Alec. They rocked a casual, beautiful all day trip down the Mackenzie river for my group of 8 dudes. They did all the work and we just had fun. Lunch was also a surprisingly nice glamping treat. Thumbs up to Ouzel. read more

Outstanding work - Jake and "Al" were awesome. Really opened our eyes about how much fun rafting is! Thanks!

We had a fabulous time rafting down the Deschutes River out of Maupin with Jesse and Will. They were so good about taking care of us and making sure we had a great time. We loved "riding the bull," swimming down the rapids, and the lunch was absolutely delicious. We loved it so much that we are thinking about coming back to try a 2 or 3 day trip with this group. My only complaint is that we don't have any pictures to remember the trip. We couldn't take a camera with us, and the photo company that they use wasn't taking pictures of our group for some reason, even though they did send me an email of pictures they took of another group out that day. I emailed the Office and was told that they did know the photo company wasn't able to take pictures until July, just wish I had been told that up front so I could have figured out a way to take a picture. read more

We were apprehensive first time rafters and signed up for a one day trip on the Deschutes River. We had a great trip and would recommend this company, this trip and our guide Tim Freeman We met our guide in Bend. The drive is long, the launching point is 70 miles from Bend, but it is an interesting drive and Tim was knowledgeable about the history of the area so we learned a lot on the trip. At the launching point, we got our life vests (Tim had also brought waterproof clothes that we could wear, but didn't need them) and safety briefing. Tim did a great job of explaining what we should do to be safe - There were exciting rapids and then sections where we could relax and enjoy the canyon. - We did take a hike to a side canyon and had the opportunity to swim in the river during the trip. The lunch was teriffic. It was a great day. We want do another trip with Ouzel - maybe a multi day trip next time.... read more

Best thing we did all trip!!!!! Best guides ever! Grant and AJ were phenomenal. Kept us laughing and having a great time all through the fabulous Mackenzie river!! This was our first time rafting and now we are hooked! Thanks for an amazing trip guys! We will be back! read more

Incredible full day trip on the McKenzie. Bobby was the best guide - knowledgable, personable, and fun! He made my son's day and I know we will be going on many more rafting trips in the future thanks to this great adventure. Brian - hook us up with Bobby for the Rouge for next summer! I would recommend Ouzel Outfitters to anyone and everyone! read more

Just completed our fantastic 1/2 day rafting trip with the most incredible and professional guide Bobby!! From start to finish the customer service was outstanding!! From making our reservations with Brian to the follow up, pick up and execution on to the river it was flawless!! Hope to schedule a 4 day camp trip for next year!! Thanks Ouzel for making my husbands 60th bday one he will never forget!! read more

The first rafting trip of mine and my husband's marathon summer road trip was on the beautiful North Umpqua with Ouzel Outfitters. We got lucky because it turned out it was only one raft with the two of us, and a family of three. At first it was overcast but the sun came out and we loved the scenery along the river. I don't know if it was just the day or weather, but we didn't see any other rafters until after lunch, which was nice. The N Umpqua seems less crowded than the others we rafted in Oregon. Our guide, Alec, was hands down THE BEST river guide we've ever had in the 12+ trips we've taken over the years. Alec was professional and friendly without all the cheesy crap most companies make their guides do. We enjoyed all his stories about wealthy travelers and rafting mishaps, and he answered all our questions patiently. We never fell out of the raft but had a great time going over the larger rapids. For lunch, Alec had fresh vegetables that he sliced on the spot, and laid out all the deli meat and veggies beautifully (easily the nicest lunch we've had rafting!) In addition to sandwiches we had pickles, beverages, and they even pack hand sanitizer for you. Thanks Alec for a great rafting experience and we will definitely use Ouzel the next time we're in Oregon, which will hopefully be soon! My only regret was not having more cash to tip Alec for his hard work :) read more

We had the time of our lives rafting on a 3 day camping Rogue River trip with Ouzel Outfitters. It is so hard to be home now because we were completely spoiled being in their joyful company, enjoying the majesty of the Rogue wilderness, and eating like royalty. Our guides felt like family by the end of the rafting/camping trip. Bobby, Cameron, Claire, Amon and AJ were such a wonderful combination of personality. Laughter was a constant. We keep saying to each other that we miss them. We have only been home 2 days. After seeing some other outfitter guides along the river, we knew we had the best and most confident guides with years of river rafting under their belts. Claire is a master of games and kept all of us feeling young and silly. Our family ranged in age from 40's down to a little one. There were 8 of us. Our little one kept saying, "this is the best day ever." Cameron got her out of her shell and she was telling jokes along side him by the end of the trip. This is a trip where you can bond as a family. Technology is unavailable so everyone gets to enjoy each others company whether playing games, jumping in the river or relaxing in peaceful stillness. If you want to restore your spirit and feel the peace of gorgeous creations, then the Rogue 3 day river trip with Ouzel Outfitters is calling you. Can't wait to go again someday! Thank you Brian for arranging the trip and our stay at Morrison's lodge. You made it so easy. Loved, loved, loved it all! read more

My husband and I had an awesome time rafting down the McKenzie River. Our guide, Will, was super professional, knowledgable, and friendly -- he put everyone at ease from the beginning and explained everything beforehand so we knew exactly what to expect since no one in our group had done any rafting before. The river itself was a serene experience that stands out as one of my favorite adventures to date. We will definitely be using Ouzel Outfitters again in the future, highly recommended! read more

My fiancé and I were initially gonna go on the Deschutes River half day tour but there wasn't a big enough group to go. Brian promptly gave us other options and we eventually decided on the Mckenzie River tour. Really appreciated that he forewarned us about the cold weather too, and made sure we were really down for the trip. We were provided wetsuits, anti-splash jackets and footwear - the full works! This kept us fairly warm and dry. Lastly, Tim was THE. BEST. Such great company and a knowledgeable, skillful rafting guide. Already looking forward to my next time back in Bend and booking a multi-day trip with him :) Cheers from Singapore! read more

My mind is full of memories and my heart full of gratitude! Difficult to express just how crazy spectacular the float trip was with Ouzel on the Rogue river. From beginning to end, it couldn't have been better. The guides were well experienced, accommodating and fun. I felt safe the entire time because of their vast knowledge of the river, history of the area and friendly tips for a fantastic time. I fell in love with all of them. Although I had no idea what to expect, the entire experience was above and beyond any expectations. The natural scenery was stunning and we got to see some sweet wildlife. I was so happy to be surrounded by vast, breathtaking wilderness far from wifi; completely in my element. Camping was more than comfortable. Our group was also very easy to love. I miss them already. The weather was ideal and the food was exceptional. I was surprised how many options were offered. I was fed well. I will cherish this joyous trip and smile with my heart whenever I'm blessed with unforgettable glimpses of it. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! One of the best times ever! Love Love Love, Tirzah (Joy) read more

Our first trip with Ouzel was July of 2014 down the McKenzie River. Will was our guide and he was so great that we requested him again this year, on the Deschutes River. Once again he was outstanding!! Bullriding, splashes, laughter, always with safety in mind, set the tone for a very fun and exciting day. We look forward to our next adventure!! read more