Rafting and kayaking are foundational to the Youth Dynamics Adventures program. The river provides a dynamic and beautiful environment for incredible conversations! Whatever river experience you choose, you will receive a professionally guided, fun, and meaningful experience for your group!
Clackamas River
Known as the “backyard jewel” for Portlanders, this river has it all. It is nestled in the Wild and Scenic section of Mt Hood National Forest, and Youth Dynamics is one of a small group of outfitters that have had the privilege to run this river since it first opened up for permits.
The two seasons we run are spring and summer. Spring flows are typically too extreme for Inflatable Kayaks, but during the summer months, this is a spectacular ½ or full-day trip. Raft trips can be scheduled in both seasons. The summer season typically finds us running Hole in the Wall or Fish Creek to Moore Boat Ramp, but in the spring, we’re able to put in higher up on the river near Three Lynx power station, a more challenging section to raft.
- Age: 11+
- Season: March-August
- Length: Single-Day
- Group Size: 8+
- Cost: $68-$83 Per Person
Deschutes River
The Deschutes River is one of Oregon’s most popular. Located in central Oregon, this river features beautiful wildlife and vegetation while being nestled in the hills and rocky cliffs. In between roaring rapids like Boxcar and Oak Springs, you’ll find calm stretches of flat water that are great for sharing stories and diving deeper into ministry conversations.
- Age: 11+
- Season: Year-Round
- Length: Single-Day
- Group Size: 8+
- Cost: $98 Per Person
Klickitat River
Glacier runoff feeds this remote river section, and once you are there, you will not want to leave. The river flows by the foot of Mt. Adams and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This is a wonderfully challenging spring river for single-day raft trips only (Fish Hatchery to Leidl Bridge).
- Age: 11+
- Season: May-July
- Length: Single-Day
- Group Size: 8+
- Cost: $83 Per Person
McKenzie River
The McKenzie River is close to Eugene, Roseburg, or Corvallis area and is a great way to beat the heat of summer.
This river is well known for its fishing, beautiful scenery, and ever-changing water features like Martin’s Rapids, a fun class three drop. We do single-day raft trips only, from Fin Rock to Helfrich.
- Age: 11+
- Season: Year-Round
- Length: Single-Day
- Group Size: 8+
- Cost: $83 Per Person
North Santiam River
This wonderful river is close enough to Portland and calm enough to offer a comfortable challenge to beginner kayakers, having all of the features to make it a memorable experience for you and your group. With rapids like Spencer’s and Carnivore, it is sure to fill your need for excitement and beauty.
- Age: 11+
- Season: Year-Round
- Length: Single-Day
- Group Size: 8+
- Cost: $68 Per Person
River Adventure Program
If you ask anyone who’s been on it, including our staff, the “RAP” is a hands-down favorite trip. It’s much more than a raft trip and can include climbing, rappelling, swimming rapids, hiking, exploring small caves, and team-building elements experienced in the remote bends of the Deschutes River, some areas only accessible by boat. There are a million things to see and do, and the time to simply be together and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
- Age: 11+
- Season: March – September
- Length: 3+ days
- Group Size: 10 – 13
- Cost: $350+ per person
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day runs from about 9 AM to 3:30 PM with a stop for lunch. Half-day rafting adventures are available on many shorter river sections; morning or afternoon options can be scheduled, whatever works best for your group.
What if someone in the group does not swim?
Being a swimmer, even a good swimmer, is of course beneficial for confidence if nothing else, but it is not a prerequisite. Paddlers will be required to wear a Personal Flotation Device at all times on all rivers. Helmets are also available, recommended, and even required on some river sections. You have the right by law to wear a helmet when rafting class three whitewater and above, and they will be made available to you.
What am I responsible to bring?
It is recommended that paddlers bring appropriate swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sandals or river shoes that will not fall off. Depending on the season you may also want to bring a thin insulation layer for while on the water, and dry clothes to put on once you are off the river.
Youth Dynamics will provide capable and experienced guides familiar with the sections of the rivers. We will provide equipment that is well maintained and necessary for rafting in whitewater. We provide Personal Floatation Devices, wetsuits, booties, and splash jackets needed to deal with the climate and water temperatures. A full packing list for each experience will be made available through the booking process.
What is the best option for middle schoolers?
We offer rafting on river sections that are appropriate for all ages, such as the Maupin stretch of the Deschutes River. Our staff will help you design a trip that is appropriate for your group.
What are the biggest differences between rafting and kayaking?
Rafting can be physically challenging for any skill level, it depends on the demands of the water being rafted. Kayakers can find themselves meeting greater challenges as they are more independent in their own boat and need to be able to self-rescue and quickly learn how to maneuver. A certain level of fitness is recommended for kayaking.
Where will we meet the Youth Dynamics staff?
Several meeting options are typically available: at the river, near (or at) the put-in, or stops on the way before cell service is lost. For trips on local rivers, such as the Clackamas and Sandy, you meet us at our Adventure Base located in Canby to be fitted with your river gear.
Our staff will equip and provide the essentials for your experience (e.g. gear, food, equipment, training, insurance) and will work with your group leader for programming and other logistical needs. In addition, our staff will provide the technical and professional skills needed to provide a safe and life-changing adventure.
Our goal is to assist you in providing a memorable experience for your group that has the opportunity to be life-transforming. Whether you are trying to create unity in your church youth group or build community in your school, group home, or youth-related organization—we are with you!
Let’s adventure together!
Physical: 2350 SE Territorial Rd, Canby, OR 97013
Mail: PO Box 385, Canby, OR 97013
Phone: 503.692.9070