What OARS River Trips Are

OARS (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) is a river tour company that runs guided trips on rivers across the western United States and internationally. The company operates multi-day and single-day rafting expeditions, primarily on rivers like the Grand Canyon's Colorado River, the Salmon River in Idaho, and rivers in California and Oregon. You book a trip, show up on a set date, and travel downstream with a professional guide and other passengers.

OARS has been running river trips since 1969 and is one of the larger outfitters in the industry. The company handles logistics — transportation to the put-in point, meals, camping equipment, and the boat itself — so you arrive with personal gear and a willingness to spend several days on the water.

Key Takeaways

  • OARS trips range from three to eighteen days depending on the river and season, with costs varying by trip length and destination.
  • You need to book in advance, sometimes months ahead for popular rivers like the Grand Canyon, because trips fill up quickly.
  • The company provides the boat, guide, meals, and camping setup; you bring personal clothing, toiletries, and any medications you need.
  • Physical fitness requirements depend on the river — some trips are suitable for beginners, while others require moderate to strong swimming ability.
  • Payment is typically due in full or in installments before your trip departure date.

How to Book an OARS Trip

Start by visiting the OARS website and browsing trips by river or region. Each trip listing shows the dates, length in days, difficulty level, and price. Read the trip description carefully — it will tell you what the river is like, what the daily routine involves, and what physical demands to expect.

Once you find a trip that interests you, contact OARS directly by phone or through their website to check availability and reserve a spot. Popular trips, especially on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, book months in advance. You will need to provide your name, contact information, and any relevant health or fitness details the outfitter asks about. A deposit is typically required to hold your reservation, with the balance due before departure.

OARS will send you a trip confirmation and a detailed information packet that explains what to bring, what to expect each day, where to meet, and what time to arrive. Read this packet thoroughly — it contains important details about logistics and what the company will and will not provide.

What OARS Provides on the Trip

OARS supplies the rafts, oars, and safety equipment. The company also provides a professional guide (or guides, depending on group size) who steers the boat, manages safety, and leads the group. On multi-day trips, OARS sets up camp each night, provides tents or sleeping areas, and cooks meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

Water and basic snacks are available throughout the day. The company also provides life jackets and any specialized gear needed for the specific river. On some trips, dry bags are provided to keep your personal items from getting wet.

What OARS does not provide: transportation to and from the put-in point (though some trips include this — check your confirmation), sleeping bags, pillows, or personal toiletries. You are responsible for bringing these items yourself.

What You Need to Bring

Pack clothing suitable for water and sun exposure. Bring quick-dry shirts, shorts, and a light jacket or fleece for mornings and evenings. River temperatures vary — some rivers are cold year-round, others warm up in summer. Your trip confirmation will specify what to expect. Bring a swimsuit, water shoes or sandals that can get wet, and a hat or visor.

Personal items include sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, any medications you take regularly, toiletries, and a headlamp or flashlight for camp. Bring a sleeping bag rated for the season and temperatures you will encounter. A pillow or pillow case is useful but not essential. Pack these items in a duffel bag or backpack that can handle being loaded and unloaded daily.

Leave behind anything you cannot afford to lose or get wet. Phones and cameras can go in dry bags, but assume they may get splashed. Jewelry, watches, and valuables are better left at home.

Physical Requirements and Fitness Levels

OARS trips are rated by difficulty, and the rating reflects both the river conditions and the physical demands of the trip. Class I and II rivers are generally suitable for beginners with no rafting experience. Class III and IV rivers require moderate swimming ability and comfort in moving water. Class V rivers are for experienced paddlers or very strong swimmers.

Beyond swimming ability, consider the daily routine: you will be sitting in a raft for several hours, possibly paddling, and camping on the ground at night. Multi-day trips mean carrying your gear to and from camp. If you have back problems, joint issues, or limited mobility, tell OARS when you book — they can advise whether a specific trip is realistic for you.

Age is not a barrier on most trips, but very young children and elderly passengers should discuss their situation with the outfitter. Some trips have minimum age requirements; others do not.

Trip Duration and Cost

OARS trips range from one day to eighteen days depending on the river. A one-day trip on a mild river might cost a few hundred dollars. A three-day trip typically costs between $800 and $1,500. Longer trips — five days, seven days, or more — cost proportionally more, sometimes $2,000 to $4,000 or higher for premium destinations like the Grand Canyon.

Prices vary by season, river, and how far in advance you book. Peak season (summer) is more expensive than shoulder seasons (spring and fall). The price usually includes meals, camping, and the guide's services but may not include transportation to the put-in point, gratuities for guides, or travel insurance.

Ask OARS for a full breakdown of what is and is not included in the quoted price. Some trips offer discounts for early booking or for groups.

What Happens During a Multi-Day Trip

A typical day starts with breakfast at camp, usually around 7 or 8 a.m. You pack your personal gear into dry bags, and the guides load the rafts. The group pushes off and rows or paddles downstream, stopping for lunch on a beach or sandbar. The afternoon continues downstream until the guides find a suitable camp spot, usually in late afternoon.

At camp, you set up your sleeping area, wash up (usually in the river), and help with camp chores if asked. Dinner is cooked and served communally. Evenings are free time — you can rest, read, talk with other passengers, or explore the when ready area. Bedtime is typically early because the next day starts the same way.

The actual experience depends heavily on the river. Some rivers have significant whitewater and require active participation; others are calm floats. Your trip confirmation and the guide will explain what to expect.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

OARS has a cancellation policy that varies by how far in advance you cancel. If you cancel well before your trip date, you may receive a full refund or a credit toward a future trip. If you cancel close to the departure date, you may forfeit your deposit or a portion of the payment. The exact terms are in your booking confirmation — read them carefully.

If OARS cancels a trip due to weather, water conditions, or other factors beyond your control, the company will typically offer a refund or the option to reschedule. Natural disasters or extreme conditions can affect river access, so this is a real possibility on some trips.

Travel insurance is not required but is worth considering, especially for longer or more expensive trips. It can cover cancellation due to illness or injury on your end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to swim to go on an OARS trip?

Swimming ability is important, especially on faster rivers. Class I and II rivers are manageable for non-swimmers if you wear a life jacket and follow the guide's instructions. Class III and above require at least basic swimming ability. Tell OARS about your swimming level when you book so they can recommend an appropriate trip.

What if I get sick or injured during the trip?

The guide carries a first aid kit and can treat minor injuries. For serious illness or injury, the guide will radio for evacuation or paddle to the nearest access point. This is rare but possible. Make sure OARS knows about any medical conditions or medications you take before you depart.

Can I bring my own food or dietary restrictions?

OARS cooks all meals and accommodates common dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets if you notify them when you book. Bringing your own food is generally not necessary and can complicate camp logistics. Discuss any special dietary needs directly with the company.

How much does it cost to tip the guide?

Tipping is customary but not required. Most passengers tip guides $10 to $20 per day, or $50 to $150 for a multi-day trip, depending on the quality of service and your budget. The tip is given at the end of the trip in cash.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Rain and wind are common on river trips. OARS operates in most weather conditions — the trip goes on. Bring waterproof gear and be prepared to be wet and cold. Severe weather (lightning, extreme heat, flash flood risk) may cause the guide to delay departure or seek shelter, but this is uncommon.