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McKenzie River Full Day Rafting Trip

Guided

Duration: 7.5 hours

Features

Beginner Friendly
Kid Friendly
Instant Book
Shuttle Included
Locally Owned
$159 Adult
(Ages 12+ • Individual seats, shared raft.)
$159 Youth
(Ages 12 & Under • Individual seats, shared raft.)
$954 Private Raft
(Up to 6 People)

Description

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
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. 
  1. 8:45 a.m. — Guest Arrival at Sun Country Tours
  2. 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. 
  3. 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
  1. 9:15 a.m. — Guest Arrival at Ray's Food Place
  2. 9:30 a.m. — Shuttle Departs for Black Butte Ranch
  3. 4:00 p.m. — Approx. Drop-off
BLACK BUTTE RANCH PICK-UP
Black Butte Ranch (Welcome Center)
  1. 9:30 a.m. — Guest Arrival at Bishops Cap Welcome Center (Admin. Bldg)
  2. 9:45 a.m. — Shuttle Departs for McKenzie River
  3. 3:45 p.m. — Approx. Drop-off

Ages & Requirements

Ages 6+

What's Included

  1. One expertly trained and certified rafting guide per raft
  2. Professional-grade river raft, paddle, PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and helmet*
  3. Instruction on paddling basics, maneuvering through rapids, and safety procedures before getting on the river
  4. Transportation to and from the river 
  5. Interpretive tour covering the natural history and geology of the region
  6. 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

  1. Photo packages (available for purchase)
  2. 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:
  1. Secure strap-on sandals that fasten around your ankle (crocs are acceptable as long as they have a sport strap behind the ankle)
  2. Water socks or water shoes with a sturdy sole
  3. Old tennis shoes that can get wet
Other Recommended Items include:
  1. Swimsuit or clothing that can get wet
  2. Waterproof pouch for essential valuables (i.e. keys or phone)
  3. Tether or lanyard for your sunglasses and waterproof bags
  4. Water, preferably in refillable bottles, for the ride to and from the river
  5. Snacks for the ride to and from the river
  6. A towel and a change of dry clothing for after the trip
  7. GoPros are welcome!

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Sun Country Tours

FAQs

Can I bring my phone or camera?

Unless you own a waterproof GoPro (or similar waterproof camera), we recommend that you leave your camera or phone on our secured transport vehicle. We provide high-quality digital photos

Why do you offer trip insurance?

Trip insurance is a good idea if you think any (or all) people in your group may decide not to go rafting at the last minute! If trip insurance is purchased you can cancel one or all seats in your reservation and receive a 100% refund on the booking cost. We offer trip insurance for an additional cost at a "per seat" rate for all half day & full day trips. There is no trip insurance offered for multi-day trips. You will have the option to add trip insurance onto your reservation for each person in your party during checkout.

I can't swim. Can I still go rafting?

Yes! We provide all guests with Coast Guard-approved, Type V Personal Flotation Devices (also called life jackets), which provide buoyancy for floating through whitewater. Embracing the experience of being on the water is more important than having the ability to swim.

Will I share a raft with other guests?

Guests who have booked single seats in a "general seating" raft may be sharing a boat with paddlers or parties from different households/travel groups. General Seating Rafts are booked by seat with a maximum of (5) paddlers per boat for McKenzie Magic trips. If you would like to ensure that you are only rafting with those who are part of your agreed-upon “guest group", then we recommend you book a private raft instead.

Do I need previous experience?

No. We are honored to guide people of all abilities down our rivers, and our professionally-trained guides will teach you everything you need to know to ensure a fun and safe trip.

Do I need to be fit to go rafting?

Our rafting trips are appropriate and accessible for people with a wide range of fitness and physical ability. Those who prefer not to paddle may simply enjoy the ride.

What can I do with a child under 6 while the rest of the group goes rafting?

For kiddos under 6 who are too young to raft with us, there are multiple options for entertaining them elsewhere, Mt. Bachelor has an amazing Daycare program with Half Day & Full Day options. You also have the High Desert Museum and this local nanny service has great reviews.

What are my chances of falling out of the raft?

While there is a chance of falling out of the raft into the river, Sun Country Tours guides do everything they can to prevent it. However, many times, those who do fall out recount the experience as the highlight of their rafting adventure. The best way to prevent falling out, though, is to listen to your guide, both when they explain how to brace yourself while traveling rapids, and also what to do if you fall out.

Are there restroom facilities available?

Yes. We have restrooms at our shop. There are also primitive bathroom facilities at the put-ins for our river trips.

Should I tip my guides?

Tips are always appreciated, but never expected by our guides. Sun Country Tours guides are paid a highly competitive rate to guide you safely down our rivers, and entertain you as our guest along the way. We are known for our experienced guides and excellent customer service, and if you feel your guide exceeded even those expectations, your tip will be greatly appreciated.

Is there a minimum number of guests?

Sun Country Tours requires a minimum of 8 people per travel trip. Trip days are subject to change to meet this requirement.

Cancellation Policy

We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. You are reserving space for which we have a limited capacity, and our cancellation policy is strictly enforced.
All cancellations are subject to a 10% processing fee. Cancellations for all, or any number of seats, on your reservation made more than 48 hours in advance of your trip will result in a 90% refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations for all, or any number of seats, on your reservation made less than 48 hours in advance.
No refunds or allowances will be made for any number of people in your party who do not show up for the scheduled trip. You will be held accountable for all reserved seats. Please make sure everyone in your party is aware of our 48-hour cancellation policy.
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Availability

June 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

531 SW 13th St

Bend, OR, 97702

US

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