North Umpqua Rafting
3 days
2-12 pax
All inclusive
580-1080
Tens of thousands of years ago, a volcanic eruption blew off an entire mountaintop. Standing in it’s place is a lake 6 miles across and over 6,000 feet high. This is truly one of the most unique places in the world. Surrounding Crater Lake is some incredible wild nature that we’ll explore. These elements also align with the Hero’s Journey quite well.
The Enchanted Forest
Southern Oregon is a very remote area, people wise. The massive forest that we are engulphed in throughout the journey is filled with incredible natural wonders. They include an abundance of waterfalls, fresh water springs that come straight out of the ground, hot springs, landscapes visibly altered by lava flows and more. We show you the best of it all.
If you like to fish, this is our best trip to do it, though you are responsible for your own gear and licensing in Oregon.
The Hero’s Journey
Our path along the Umpqua River Valley, up to Crater lake and back on the other side has some remarkable parallels to the Hero’s Journey, which is a fairly universal story arch. If you know the phases of the Hero’s Journey, you may realize you’ve heard the call at the very least.
This is our only experience where you can choose to stay in a tent or a more permanent structure. You can choose to stay in an Inn on the first night, a cabin on the second or camp on either night. The difference in pricing for this trip is reflected primarily in the lodging.
I highly recommend staying in a tent for a few reasons, the difference in price being only one. The connection to the land and mystery itself grows deeper when you sleep in the woods, I believe so anyway. I also understand that some people may not want to, or maybe even can’t, sleep in a tent. Just coming out is the important thing, so no judgement whatever you chose.
Seasonality
Due to the Elevation of Crater Lake, the snow stays around until June. The places we go along the way are much lower in elevation, and not nearly as chilly as when we’re up high. June is a beautiful time of year to go on this trip.
July is the best month to plan on this trip. The snow is gone and it’s still lush and beautiful. It is also early for the fires to start.
The forest canopy and cool water is incredible during the hottest part of the year. This area is so remote that we can run it comfortably even during the peak months. Within the last decade though, August has commonly brought wildfires. Whether in the area, in California, Canada, or even Siberia, wildfires and smoke impact air quality. The haze also brings an eerie, uncomfortable feeling.
This has caused us to cancel trips. Conditions do vary greatly by year. Please get in touch with us if you are planning on coming out at this time.
qUESTIONS?
Everyone Welcome
The Crater Lake Experience can be a less active trip due to the amount of driving, has several types of accommodations It is great for those with physical limitations or for those unsure about sleeping in a tent. There are a few day hikes on this up to an hour each way, and plenty of optional ones. You can relax or be active during during down times. And we are able to accommodate special diets, including vegan and gluten free options.
8:00-8:30 | Pick-up from hotel or Next Adventure. | |
8:30-2:00 | Drive to Umpqua National Forest | |
12:00-1:00 | Lunch along the way at Winery | |
3:00-5:00 | Waterfall hike/ First Threshold along The Hero’s Journey. | |
5:30 | Check in to Inn / Cabin / Campground. | |
7:00 | Dinner |
| 8:00 | Breakfast | |
| 9:00-1:00 | Waterfall, natural spring & hot springs exploration. Open forest time. | |
| 1:00 | Lunch | |
| 2:00 | Lava Rock formation and “Apostasis” | |
| 4:00 | Check in to cabin / campground | |
| 6:00 | Dinner |
8:00 | Breakfast | |
9:00 | Drive to Crater Lake | |
10:00 – 12:00 | Crater Lake Hike | |
1:30 | Drive to last Park | |
| 2:00 – 4:00 | Last stop on trip | |
4:00-9:00 | Drive back, Dinner on the way |