Whether you’re an experienced whitewater rafter or you’ve never been on a raft in your life, the clear, blue McKenzie River is the perfect river to enjoy. All ages can experience the 90-mile river, which flows through Eugene, Springfield and other nearby areas. Itis ideal for rafting, whatever skill level you may have – the upper section of the river is more continuous whitewater, and the lower river is a calmer pool.
The best option is to raft the river with experienced guides, such as Jonnie Helfrich@@checked@@ who has been guiding for more than 35 years.
Helfrich works for Helfrich McKenzie River Rafting, which offers half-day and full-day trips with a guide down the McKenzie.
For half-day trips, you can do “Finn Rock to Helfrich,” a three-hour trip on the river and a six-hour round trip from Eugene. “Paradise to Bruckart” is 2 1/2 hours on the river and a six-hour round trip from Eugene. Half-day trips range from $50 for kids to $71 for adults.
As for full-day trips, “Hamlin to Helfrich” is a five-hour trip on the river and seven-hour round trip from Eugene, and “Paradise to Blue River” is a 4 1/2-hour river trip and a 7 1/2-hour round trip from Eugene. Full-day trips will cost $62 for kids and $88 for adults. Group discounts are available.
Helfrich says any river rafting trip can be tailored to create whatever ambiance you want.
“You want excitement?” he asked. “Sit up front on the upper river or on the bigger rapids on the lower river. You want fun?  Go anywhere on the river, in any seat on the raft, and go with your best friends. You want relaxing? Sit toward the back on the lower trip.”
For more information about Helfrich’s river trips, visit www.mckenzierafting.com. For other rafting and water options, visit the “Fishing, Rafting & Kayaking Guides” section at www.eugenecascadescoast.org.