This is the most popular stretch of river in all of Oregon for paddlers. There are great rapids to ride here, but even unskilled rafters usually make it down the river without injury. Summer weekends can be busy along this stretch, but for good reason. The views are great here through high desert canyons and there are a lot of fun rapids to enjoy. Day permits are required along this section and can be obtained at the local store in Maupin. Take out is before the dangerous Class IV Sherar Falls and is off limits to boaters of any kind.

The upper portion of the Klickitat is a classic whitewater run with incredible scenery and fun rapids. Much of this trip goes through a deep and fascinating canyon with tall walls of columnar basalt. At the high water levels when it is typically run, there are few eddies, so the paddler needs to pay constant attention. There is a small dam at a fish hatchery at 8.1 miles. Watch for a waterfall on the right side of the river just beyond the hatchery.

The White Salmon River from BZ Corners to Northwestern Lake is often known as the "BZ Section" and is very popular with rafting groups and kayakers. The first drop is found immediately after putting in and there are small (less than 3 feet) drops spaced fairly regularly until the largest drop, Husum Falls, at 4 miles. Husum Falls is 10 feet high and can be portaged on the right 150 yards before the falls. After Husum Falls, the run finishes with a few more miles of rapids not above Class II.

This day-long run through basalt canyons is a favorite among rafters. The majority of the river is Class II-III rapids and boulder gardens. There is one Class IV drop called Double Drop 1.5 miles after the bridge at the confluence of Jack's Creek.

The Middle section of the Kalama is relatively mellow but has two challenging rapids at 2.75 and 4.5 miles from the take-out. The rapids in this section are widely spaced and easily scouted from the road that parallels the river. Be sure to take out at the start of the fish hatchery as there is an unrunnable waterfall at its end.

Cutting through an amazing gorge, the Owyhee River is in eastern Oregon and very secluded. The scenery is a desert canyon, but it is beautiful with a lot of fun rapdis. Most of the water is calm, but there are a few areas where Class III rapids come into play. The take-out is along a very secluded dirt road, but is before some more advanced rapids.

In north-central Oregon, the lower Deschutes draws paddlers from all over. The river runs through the high desert with little rainfall and plenty of sun as it cuts through canyons and is large and full year-round. There are quite a few sections of Class II rapids, but it is also a relaxing float down the river. The Warm Springs Indian Reservation is along the left or west side of the ride along this route. Paddlers are prohibited from setting foot on this private land, thus any camping or resting should be done on the east side.

Close to both the Salem area, the North Santiam River offers plenty of beginner rapids and consistent water flows year round. This is a great rafting adventure as it offers beautiful warmest weather in the summer where other rivers may be too low to run when it is hot. There are great swimming and rock jumping locations along the river, as well as fun rapids separated by relaxing floating.

A great multiple day trip, this route starts just south of Trailbridge Reservoir and follows the McKenzie River to the small city of Blue River. Rapids on this section of the McKenzie are numerous but small, making the trip active and splashy, but technically easy. Towering fir forests and crystal clear waters add a beautiful scenic touch to this fun ride. There are numerous campgrounds along the river including Paradise Campground at about mile 10 or the city of McKenzie Bridge closely after that.

The route along the East Fork Hood River is an excited adventure with rapid after rapid. This is a short trip and can be extended to join up with Hood River, but take out at Tucker County Park before Class 4 and 5 rapids. The paddle is scenic through tree-lined shores along farmlands. A perfect intermediate half day rafting trip!