Bottom Line Up Front: GREAT Place; GREAT Fun; GREAT Tour Guides; SUPER safety conscious with high quality gear. Go have fun, you'll love it!
Now the review:
We found this place while staying near Cave Junction, OR and looking for a family activity/adventure while in town (June 10, 2019). We dropped in without reservations or any information other than listed on their website (not advised, call and make reservation before you go). I told the kids (14 and 18) we would check it out but no promises until I see the place and the quality of their safety gear. None of us have ever done ziplines before.
Driving there was 'interesting' as we traveled down several country roads (the last of which is all gravel/dirt) to find the parking lot (also dirt). I was feeling a little sketchy after the drive. We parked and walked up to the Treehouse Bed and Breakfast (which also looks fun...maybe we'll visit next time) found one of their employees who walked us to the back of the property where we found Adam with the Zipline company.
Adam explained which options were available and that reservations are usually required because they schedule tour guides based on demand, but noted that he had some space in a zipline tour (called the Mountain View) starting in just 30 minutes! After looking over the gear and meeting one of their guides (Jamie) I could tell they were a proper operation and were safety conscious. We decided to go for it, however my wife's fear of heights kept her safely on the ground and taking pictures.
Going with another family of 4 who had younger kids (I'd guess 10 and 14), the 7 of us were briefed on the gear, the zipline course, safety procedures and tested for our basic agility (to make sure all joints were in working order, basically) by our guides JAMIE and JARED. Then we were each fitted into our harness and helmets by one guide...then double checked by the other! Very nice safety procedure.
Once at the test line, Jamie and Jared reviewed the gear, mounting/dismounting the line, safety procedures, braking procedure (with your specially designed braking gloves) and body positioning while on the line. Then we each gave it a try while just a few feet off the ground with a modest speed. All was good and we were ready for the next line.
What I really liked about this particular tour (Mountain View tour) was that it builds in height and speed as your confidence gains ending with an awesome high speed finish from a tree top about 70' off the ground!
But fear not of the heights involved, as Treehouse Ziplines safety procedures ALWAYS keep you attached (sometimes double attached) using equipment similar to that found in rock climbing to every tree, staircase, and cable you are standing on or sliding down. Despite the heights involved, I NEVER felt nervous on the tree platforms or cables and was confident my kids were safe.
Of course, all this safety is great, but was it fun? Heck yea it was. Our guides Jamie and Jared were serious about their jobs but were super fun, personable and funny too. THEY MADE THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE FANTASTIC. I can't emphasize enough how the all the folks, but especially Jamie and Jared, at this place made for a wonderful family adventure!
So, pick a date and time, make your reservations AND GO!
PS Make sure to ask your guides about other things to do and eat in Cave Junction. Thanks to Jamie for the swimming hole recommendation (we loved it) & thanks to Jared for the awesome lunch recommendation! read more