The half-day rafting trip was the best thing we did on our vacation. Our multigenerational group included a 5-year-old who had the time of his life. The guide, Zane, really took into account that we had a child on board as well as a teen who was a little nervous about rafting for the first time. We all got splashed just enough to get the adrenaline flowing, but not too scary for the kids (and their parents). They also paired our group of 4 in the raft with another family of 4, and the pairing could not have been more fun.
River Drifters really has the rafting trip dialed in, especially with regards to safety amid the current Covid pandemic. Masks are worn by guides and all staff, and guests are required to wear masks at the office to meet, and on the bus rides to and from the drop-off and pick-up locations.
It's really cool how much rafting is part of the Maupin community, employing locals who have grown up on the Deschutes. Rafting isn't just a job for the guides--it's a slice of their lives, and experiencing that was an unexpected bonus of our adventure!