Full-Day McKenzie River Whitewater Rafting Adventure - McKenzie Magic

Get ready for a full day of scenic and splashy whitewater on one of Oregon’s most beloved rivers. Flowing cold and clear from the Cascade Mountains, the McKenzie River winds through a lush, emerald canyon teeming with old-growth conifers, moss-draped trees, and ferns. This classic Pacific Northwest rafting trip offers a perfect mix of family-friendly fun and moderate whitewater excitement.

You’ll paddle through splashy Class II and III rapids like Brown’s Hole and Marten Rapids, with plenty of calm stretches for swimming, floating, or just soaking in the serenity of the forested riverbanks. Halfway through the day, we’ll pull over for a riverside lunch—deli-style and delicious—where you can stretch your legs, enjoy the sunshine, and maybe even take a brisk dip in the McKenzie's famously icy waters. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the region’s ecology, wildlife, and cultural history.

Whether you’re an experienced rafter or it’s your first time on the water, this section of the McKenzie is approachable and rewarding for all adventurers. It’s an ideal day trip from Bend, Sisters, or Black Butte Ranch and a fantastic way to experience the soul of the Oregon Cascades from the best seat in the house: a raft.

Duration

3-4 hours on the river | 12 miles

Weekly departures June through September out of our Bend office at 9:00 a.m. with pick-ups in Sisters and Black Butte Ranch offered. Total trip time from Bend, including both river time and transportation, is 7.5 hours.

Location / Where to Meet

The river put-in for the McKenzie Magic trip is located along the Upper McKenzie River in the heart of the Oregon Cascades in between Sisters and the famed McKenzie River Bridge. Trips run daily out of our Bend Raft Barn, offering pick-ups in Sisters and Black Butte Ranch.

BEND PICK-UP - PRIMARY DEPARTURE LOCATION

Sun Country Tours - Bend Office

531 SW 13th St, Bend, OR 97702

Check-in at the Sun Country Tours office in Bend 20-30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to complete any unsigned waivers and get outfitted with the proper gear.

8:45 a.m. — Guest Arrival at Sun Country Tours
9:00 a.m. — Shuttle with guests, guides, and gear departs for the Upper McKenzie River area from Sun Country Tours Headquarters & Offices in Bend.
4:30 p.m. Approx. Drop-off

See the alternative pick-up options below and be sure to select the most convenient location for pick-up during booking.

SISTERS PICK-UP

Ray's Food Place

635 N Arrowleaf Trail, Sisters, OR 97759

9:15 a.m. — Guest Arrival at Ray's Food Place
9:30 a.m. — Shuttle Departs for Black Butte Ranch
4:00 p.m. — Approx. Drop-off

BLACK BUTTE RANCH PICK-UP

Black Butte Ranch (Welcome Center)

13899 Bishops Cap, Black Butte Ranch, Oregon 97759

9:30 a.m. — Guest Arrival at Bishops Cap Welcome Center (Admin. Bldg)
9:45 a.m. — Shuttle Departs for McKenzie River
3:45 p.m. — Approx. Drop-off

Ages & Requirements

Ages 6+

What's Included

One expertly trained and certified rafting guide per raft
Professional-grade river raft, paddle, PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and helmet*
Instruction on paddling basics, maneuvering through rapids, and safety procedures before getting on the river
Transportation to and from the river
Interpretive tour covering the natural history and geology of the region
Deli-style lunch: sandwiches, fruit, chips, and beverages

*PFD and helmet are required to be worn by all guests. Splash jacket/gear available upon request.

Not Included

Photo packages (available for purchase)
Gratuity

What to Bring / Wear

For your safety, it is important that everyone in your party is wearing appropriate river footwear. NO BARE FEET OR FLIP FLOPS ALLOWED. Those without proper footwear will not be permitted on the raft and/or may be asked to purchase water shoes prior to boarding (for sale on-site).

Acceptable shoes or sandals include:

Secure strap-on sandals that fasten around your ankle (crocs are acceptable as long as they have a sport strap behind the ankle)
Water socks or water shoes with a sturdy sole
Old tennis shoes that can get wet

Other Recommended Items include:

Swimsuit or clothing that can get wet
Waterproof pouch for essential valuables (i.e. keys or phone)
Tether or lanyard for your sunglasses and waterproof bags
Water, preferably in refillable bottles, for the ride to and from the river
Snacks for the ride to and from the river
A towel and a change of dry clothing for after the trip
GoPros are welcome!

Bend Water Sports Adventures