Along the 'Highway Of Waterfalls' in Oregon
Set along the legendary Highway of Waterfalls, the stunning North Umpqua River winds through one of Oregon’s most breathtaking landscapes. Each day, kids will raft carefully selected Class II and III sections — building skills, confidence, and river savvy — before returning each evening to our Forest Service group campsite to reconnect with family beneath the trees.
But the adventure doesn’t stop at the river’s edge.
Just minutes away, families can explore iconic waterfall hikes, including the 120-foot cascade at Toketee Falls, soak in the mineral waters of Umpqua Hot Springs, or take a day trip to the awe-inspiring beauty of Crater Lake National Park. The area also offers world-class fly fishing, an 80-mile riverside trail system, and stand-up paddleboarding on nearby Lemolo Lake.
It’s an unforgettable river experience for the kids — and an absolute outdoor playground for parents.
In Partnership with Oregon Whitewater Adventures
After 16 years in California and thousands of happy paddlers served, Junior Guides is expanding beyond the Golden State! In 2026, we will run our Ducks and Otters programs on the clear, emerald waters of the North Umpqua River. We’re thrilled with a new partnership with Oregon Whitewater Adventures. For more than three decades, Oregon Whitewater Adventures has built a reputation as one of the region’s most respected rafting outfitters, known for experienced guides, thoughtful safety systems, high-quality equipment, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Their philosophy emphasizes professionalism without ego, fun without chaos, and adventure grounded in preparation and respect for the river — values that align perfectly with Junior Guides. This new partnership allows us to combine our youth leadership curriculum with one of Oregon’s premier river operations. Our board member and past executive director, Barry Kruse, will manage our expansion program.
Location:
Our base on the North Umpqua is east of Roseburg, Oregon very near the town of Glide. It's approximately...
30 minutes from Roseberg
2 hours from Eugene
2.5 hours from Bend
3.5 hours from Portland
6.5 hours from Sacramento
Umpqua Ducks: Ages 6-9
This program is for our youngest campers — typically ages 6–9. Each camp session has limited spaces to ensure individual attention and a supportive first experience on moving water. Campers learn about the dynamics of rivers, play games, explore environmental science and conservation, and practice teamwork as they paddle their raft downstream. On the gentle Class II stretches of the North Umpqua, Ducks build confidence while developing fundamental river skills in a safe and encouraging environment. They learn how current works, how to hold a paddle correctly, how to listen and communicate as a crew, and how to respect the natural world around them. Ducks are shepherded by specially selected Senior River Guides and supported by trained teen Camp Counselors who model leadership in action. The emphasis at this age is joyful skill-building, connection to nature, and the quiet pride that comes from doing something new and a little bit brave. 2026 Tuition: $550 per child
Umpqua Otters: Ages 10-16
Older and more experienced campers step up in both responsibility and challenge. Typically ages 10–16, Otters learn to negotiate Class III rapids as they steer the raft, verbally direct their peers, and read river features on the North Umpqua. This section offers just the right level of challenge for growing leaders. Campers rotate into the guide position, taking turns calling paddle commands, choosing lines through rapids, and making decisions with coaching support from instructors. Learning to give and receive feedback is a central part of the experience. Our longstanding theme — “Use Your Voice” — applies directly on the river, where clear communication keeps everyone aligned, and more broadly in life, where confidence and leadership matter.
Our philosophy is “choose your adventure” when encountering river features. Campers may choose to swim a rapid, surf a friendly wave, or take a more conservative route if that suits them. We encourage healthy respect for nature while helping young people stretch themselves within safe boundaries. By the end of the week, Otters leave not only with stronger paddling skills, but with sharper judgment, greater self-trust, and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead. 2026 Tuition: $550 per child
But the adventure doesn’t stop at the river’s edge.
Just minutes away, families can explore iconic waterfall hikes, including the 120-foot cascade at Toketee Falls, soak in the mineral waters of Umpqua Hot Springs, or take a day trip to the awe-inspiring beauty of Crater Lake National Park. The area also offers world-class fly fishing, an 80-mile riverside trail system, and stand-up paddleboarding on nearby Lemolo Lake.
It’s an unforgettable river experience for the kids — and an absolute outdoor playground for parents.
In Partnership with Oregon Whitewater Adventures
After 16 years in California and thousands of happy paddlers served, Junior Guides is expanding beyond the Golden State! In 2026, we will run our Ducks and Otters programs on the clear, emerald waters of the North Umpqua River. We’re thrilled with a new partnership with Oregon Whitewater Adventures. For more than three decades, Oregon Whitewater Adventures has built a reputation as one of the region’s most respected rafting outfitters, known for experienced guides, thoughtful safety systems, high-quality equipment, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Their philosophy emphasizes professionalism without ego, fun without chaos, and adventure grounded in preparation and respect for the river — values that align perfectly with Junior Guides. This new partnership allows us to combine our youth leadership curriculum with one of Oregon’s premier river operations. Our board member and past executive director, Barry Kruse, will manage our expansion program.
Location:
Our base on the North Umpqua is east of Roseburg, Oregon very near the town of Glide. It's approximately...
30 minutes from Roseberg
2 hours from Eugene
2.5 hours from Bend
3.5 hours from Portland
6.5 hours from Sacramento
Umpqua Ducks: Ages 6-9
This program is for our youngest campers — typically ages 6–9. Each camp session has limited spaces to ensure individual attention and a supportive first experience on moving water. Campers learn about the dynamics of rivers, play games, explore environmental science and conservation, and practice teamwork as they paddle their raft downstream. On the gentle Class II stretches of the North Umpqua, Ducks build confidence while developing fundamental river skills in a safe and encouraging environment. They learn how current works, how to hold a paddle correctly, how to listen and communicate as a crew, and how to respect the natural world around them. Ducks are shepherded by specially selected Senior River Guides and supported by trained teen Camp Counselors who model leadership in action. The emphasis at this age is joyful skill-building, connection to nature, and the quiet pride that comes from doing something new and a little bit brave. 2026 Tuition: $550 per child
Umpqua Otters: Ages 10-16
Older and more experienced campers step up in both responsibility and challenge. Typically ages 10–16, Otters learn to negotiate Class III rapids as they steer the raft, verbally direct their peers, and read river features on the North Umpqua. This section offers just the right level of challenge for growing leaders. Campers rotate into the guide position, taking turns calling paddle commands, choosing lines through rapids, and making decisions with coaching support from instructors. Learning to give and receive feedback is a central part of the experience. Our longstanding theme — “Use Your Voice” — applies directly on the river, where clear communication keeps everyone aligned, and more broadly in life, where confidence and leadership matter.
Our philosophy is “choose your adventure” when encountering river features. Campers may choose to swim a rapid, surf a friendly wave, or take a more conservative route if that suits them. We encourage healthy respect for nature while helping young people stretch themselves within safe boundaries. By the end of the week, Otters leave not only with stronger paddling skills, but with sharper judgment, greater self-trust, and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead. 2026 Tuition: $550 per child
