River Drifters Reviews

Julia Konstanciak 2025.09.28

     

We went with River Drifters last month and had such an amazing time with Cole as our guide that we HAD to return when my father in law visited from Germany. He had a blast too! The guides are fun and provide every group a unique and memorable experience. We had a rather large group, so email communication was needed to arrange accordingly. The group is very responsive and super helpful. 10/10 will go again!

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.29

Julia thanks so much for joining us again!!! You guys scored one the last hot days of the year and were so much fun!! We look forward to another!

Osh Rap 2025.09.28

     

We took the half day trip on the Deschute and it was a blast.

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.28

Thanks for joining us Osh!

Bill K. 2025.09.26

     

Verified

What a nightmare of an experience. We booked an all-day trip with River Drifters months in advance while visiting the area for a wedding. The day before, we got a cheerful confirmation email reminding us what to bring--so we thought, great, everything is set. A few hours later, I get a text saying our trip might be canceled because we were the only two booked. Really? After confirming us earlier that day? I told them we'd just cancel so we could make other plans, but instead they told us we had to wait until the end of the business day "just in case" someone else called in. So instead of enjoying our time, we're left hanging. Completely unacceptable. At 5:30 I finally messaged them myself and got the response: "I was just going to message you." Sure you were. They refunded the $30 quickly, but here's the kicker: when I got home I saw a $292.50 charge on my credit card. Mistake? Intentional? You can decide. It was eventually refunded, but I shouldn't have had to check. Bottom line: we never even got to go rafting, so I can't comment on the trip itself. But the customer service was awful. They expect customers to play by their rules, yet when it comes to respecting your time and money, don't expect the same in return.

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.26

Hi Bill, We are bummed that we could not provide you with a great trip as we normally have. At times trips during in our shoulder seasons dont go out every single day since they are based on the number of participants. At these times we contact our guests and let them know their options (a different day or different trip). Your funds have all been refunded and we apologize for any delay that might have occurred and we are glad that you brought that to our attention.

Please reach out to us directly if you are ever back in the area and we will make this right. At that time please let us know what you thought of trips. Please reach out to us: office@riverdrifters.net

Tina E 2025.09.24

     

My first time rafting and I had a blast. The guide (Mato) was fun, friendly and I felt safe. I’d do it again and plan to. Beautiful scenery, wildlife and lots of laughs. 10/10. Must do if you are in the area.

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.24

Thanks Tina for the words! We look forward to seeing you again!

Shaya Filsoof 2025.09.22

     

Haven was an amazing guide and we had a solid time!!!

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.24

🙌 thanks Shaya!

Brittany Orick 2025.09.21

     

Not only are the guides hilarious, they are so knowledgeable and in control they make you feel so safe! I've been 4 times and we plan on making this an annual trip and bringing our 5 & 8 year old next time. Definitely recommend.

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Reply from River Drifters 2024.09.01

Thanks for bringing those kiddos!

Emily Shields 2025.09.16

     

We had a great experience! Jose was a great guide. The trip was exciting for not too intense so we were able to enjoy the beautiful scenery as well. Highly recommend!

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.24

Wonderful to hear it Emily! Thank you!

Craig C 2025.09.15

     

Verified

Great Experience and Company It was a fun experience. I have gone rafting before but wanted to do it again. Our guide was very friends and was friendly and helpful on the entire trip.

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Jax Wheatley 2025.09.14

     

We had a great time. Our guide was so knowledgeable and fun!

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.14

Thanks Jax!

Ludmila Yamalova 2025.09.09

     

Did a trip with the whole family, including 2 children (6 and 10 years old) and had the most fantastic time. The crew are professional and well run outfit. The rapids were great, fun and adventurous, appropriate for kids and adults alike. Smooth communications along the way. Loved the photos taken by the company's photographer. All around awesome. Will definitely do it again next year!

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.24

Thank you for joining us and we greatly look forward to seeing you again soon!

wendy weaver 2025.09.08

     

My team of colleagues had a great day on the river! Jonny was an interesting and informative guide, the trip was very organized, we were well fed and had a wonderful day out on the Deschutes. I highly recommend River Drifters for a professional or family/friends outing.

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.24

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Wendy! Looking forward to seeing you again!

Pamela Enyeart 2025.09.07

     

This was my first time white water rafting. It was such a fun experience. Our guide Ty was very knowledgeable and put you at ease.

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.24

Excellent to hear Pamela!

Shiela May 2025.09.04

     

I went on 2 full day trips in July, and just got back from a 3 day camping raft trip. The day trips were great despite having done this run many times each of the day trips were a different experience, the guides are fantastic and make the trips so much fun. Once I had Johnny and I can’t say enough about how good he was, so smart and funny and sweet! The next time it was Walker who was the guide, he was also great, I swear I can’t recall laughing like I did that day! But the camping trip was the absolute best! RiverDrifters communicate well and all is well organized. The guide Haven is just fabulous, knowledgeable, considerate and you always feel safe. He is just a wonderful person all around, we also had Wilson, and it is truley amazing the things he gets done, he takes all the gear down the river ahead of us and finds the most perfect camp sites and has things set up! He is the man behind the scene that without him… it just wouldn’t work!! If you are looking for a great river experience go with RiverDrifters!!

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.24

Thanks Shiela! We greatly appreciate you and your continued adventures with us!

Ethan Braekevelt 2025.09.04

     

My mother and I went on a 3 day rafting trip with Haven and Wilson. We had an absolute blast and both guides were amazing at getting us down the river, through the rapids, keeping it exciting and interesting, setting up camp, and especially cooking meals for us! The food, camping, professionalism, and views were all way above what I expected:) Our group was very unique but we all got along well and I would go rafting again with them in a heartbeat! Thanks Haven and Wilson💪🌊

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.04

Thanks for sharing this Ethan! Will be sure to share this with Haven and Wilson!

Michelle Hill 2025.09.04

     

Amazing trip! Jose was the best guide—fun, clear, and kept us safe while still bringing the excitement. Favorite part hands down was the Big Thrill Swimmers Rapid—absolutely unforgettable! Highly recommend rafting with Jose.

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.04

Thanks Michelle for taking the time to share your experience with us and others! We appreciate it!

Lisa Hadley 2025.09.02

     

Another great experience on the Deschutes with River Drifters! Our guide Ty was great and would highly recommend using River Drifters!

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.24

Thanks Lisa!

Debbie 2025.09.02

     

I think it's an outstanding outfit. And, it was truly a terrible experience for my four year old despite it being billed as family friendly and for ages 4+. Where he was told to sit in the boat exposed him to multiple complete drenching walls of water slamming into his face and body, while the adults around the boat were fine and didn't get anywhere near the same. They either need to put four year olds with guides that will protect them from this or up the minimum age. Other reviews from families with four years olds didn't have the same experience we did. And when I called I wasn't cautioned at all. We got out half way and half our money was returned. I met another mom with four year old at lunch afterwards, and they went down the exact same path without any trouble. I think the guide balanced the experience of the group while trying to protect my kiddo but my kiddo just really lost out.

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.07

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us regarding your recent Deschutes River rafting trip. We are truly sorry to hear that your adventure didn’t go as smoothly as we all would have hoped, especially for your little one. We pride ourselves on providing fun and memorable family experiences, and we appreciate your feedback on how we can improve our approach to younger guests. While many families with children aged 4 and up have wonderful experiences, we understand that each child's comfort level is unique, and water activities can be unpredictable. We take your concerns seriously and will certainly consider your suggestion regarding the age recommendations and how we communicate the potential risks. We want every family to feel informed and prepared for their journey on the river. We’re glad to hear that another family with a 4-year-old had a great time, and we hope that your child may be inspired to give rafting another try in the future. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you and your family back for a more enjoyable experience! Warm regards

Har Rai Khalsa 2025.09.02

     

Thanks for the good times! Paris was a fantastic guide!

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.24

🙌

Heather Herberg 2025.09.02

     

Pipa was amazing! Not only did she keep us laughing and feeling safe on the river, she also shared the best stories — including the fact that the local town has an actual squirrel bridge! Who knew? Now I can’t stop picturing little squirrels commuting across town on their own highway. 🐿️ The trip itself was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Pipa’s energy, knowledge, and humor made the whole experience unforgettable. If you get the chance, ask her about the squirrel bridge — and definitely book a trip with her!

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.24

Thanks Heather for sharing! We look forward to your next adventure!

happybabymamaat50 2025.09.02

     

Verified

Parents of Four Year Olds Beware Took my 4-year-old after being assured it was family-friendly (ages 4+) and reading handful of positive reviews for this age. Unfortunately, my child got hammered, smacked in the face by a massive cold wave while the adults got lil splashes. Happened more than once. Our guide admitted he’s seen this happen with young kids before and has even recommended the age minimum be raised. I later met another family with a 4-year-old (navigated with experienced friends) who had a great experience on the same stretch — so it clearly can be done. River Rafters should rethink how they handle younger kids, which guides take them, or at least be upfront about the risks. Either way now you know if considering the same.

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Reply from River Drifters 2025.09.03

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us regarding your recent Deschutes River rafting trip. We are truly sorry to hear that your adventure didn’t go as smoothly as we all would have hoped, especially for your little one.We pride ourselves on providing fun and memorable family experiences, and we appreciate your feedback on how we can improve our approach to younger guests. While many families with children aged 4 and up have wonderful experiences, we understand that each child's comfort level is unique, and water activities can be unpredictable.We take your concerns seriously and will certainly consider your suggestion regarding the age recommendations and how we communicate the potential risks. We want every family to feel informed and prepared for their journey on the river.We’re glad to hear that another family with a 4-year-old had a great time, and we hope that your child may be inspired to give rafting another try in the future. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you and your family back for a more enjoyable experience!Warm regards,