Blog Author Archive

ECHO is an American Rivers Ambassador

by Janda on April 23rd, 2012

ECHO is proud to partner with American Rivers and support their work to protect and restore the nation’s rivers and streams. In 2012, ECHO became a charter member to the River Ambassador program, which seeks to engage our river-loving guests in American Rivers’ endeavors.

Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters nation wide. Their work contributed to the removal of three dams on the Rogue River in the last 5 years, restoring the currents necessary for wildlife, fish migration, and whitewater rafting. In 2011 they had a strong hand in the removal of the 125 ft. defunct Condit Dam from the White Salmon River (just a few miles from our Hood River office) restoring miles of salmon habitat and whitewater.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Manley, Rogue River guest, 2010

We teamed up with American Rivers for a Rogue River trip in 2008 to make a film celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which has protected the Rogue River from development since 1968.

They have also been supporters of our Wild Rivers Night, held each November in Portland, Oregon, where we gather rafters, kayakers, and conservationists to celebrate the wild rivers we love with films and presentations.

Traveling down our nation’s waterways is not just a business for us, but rather a way of life. We seek to share the abundance of the natural world with our guests, but that is only possible with the help of organizations like American Rivers. By protecting wildlife habitats, allowing for fish migration, and battling mining practices that destroy fragile eco-systems, American Rivers works tirelessly to promote healthy rivers. We hope you’ll consider supporting their efforts as we do. Become a member or make your one time donation now!

This post was tagged with American Rivers, river conservation, Rogue River, Wild Rivers Night and posted in General News.

Spring Into Summer

by Janda on March 22nd, 2012

Welcome to the first days of spring, which means summer is just around the corner! To help you focus on your summer vacation plans, we are offering a special incentive to join our June 16-21 or June 21-26 trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in central Idaho. Sign up by April 15th and receive a $200/person discount off the trip price of $1995. Put the savings toward off-river transportation, new camping gear, or some fancy outdoor clothing for a fresh start on the season.

Daylight Breaks on the Middle Fork of the Salmon

This is the time to spring into action. On these trips, the rapids will be exciting and the air clear, with a pleasant morning nip in the air. You’ll travel the full 100 miles of this famous Wild and Scenic River, flowing through the largest protected wilderness in the contiguous United States. In June, the canyon is alive with wildflowers, the waterfalls tumble forth, and you may be treated to sightings of fawns or baby bighorns. Join us for these most exciting trips of the year!

June is the best time to see wildflowers on the Middle Fork

This post was tagged with discounts, Idaho, Middle Fork of the Salmon, river trips and posted in Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

New! Bluegrass with Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum on the Yampa River

by Janda on January 3rd, 2012

The Yampa is the ultimate setting for a bluegrass river trip. Its sheer canyon walls, grand overhangs, and large sandstone amphitheaters make it a natural concert hall.

Dates: June 17-21, 2012
Price: $1095/person
Reservations: Call ARTA at (800) 323-2782

Utah's Yampa River

We’ve just confirmed that bluegrass legends Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum will join a second river trip through Utah’s unique desert landscape. The Yampa River is the last undammed river in the Colorado River system. Each May and June, the Yampa’s Class III-IV rapids churn up excitement among rafters looking for a wild ride. However, it may be the softer side of the Yampa that has them returning: miles of white tiger-striped rock walls drop 2000 feet into the river, Ancestral Puebloan rock art decorates the canyon, gorgeous waterfalls and caves are begging to be explored.

Overhanging Walls of the Yampa River

We’ll run this trip with the assistance of our friends at ARTA, who you may have joined in the past on the Tuolumne River with Laurie and Tom. This will be Laurie’s first trip to the Yampa, so join her for the same sweet bluegrass and camaraderie you have come to expect, but in a totally new environment!

Learn More about this year’s “Bluegrass on Whitewater” trips!

This post was tagged with bluegrass, fun, rafting and posted in Special Trips.

Wild Rivers Night – What a Great Time!

by Janda on December 1st, 2011

We’d like to send a huge thank you to everyone that made it out for Wild Rivers Night and a big apology to everyone that didn’t (because it was awesome)!

Billy, Nate, and Hata Watching our New Middle Fork Film

The debut of our latest Middle Fork film must have inspired everyone who watched it, as the audience seemed captivated by the gorgeous scenery, crystal-clear water, splashy rafting footage and lots of camp camaraderie. Thank you so much to Nate Herbeck of Sheer Madness Productions for creating this special film.

American Rivers was on hand to celebrate the Year of the River with short films by Andy Maser. Two major dam removals on the White Salmon River and the Elwha River had the crowd cheering for Wild Rivers!

Tim Palmer and Ann Vileisis, celebrated defenders of wild rivers throughout the nation gave short presentations on the many river trips in Oregon that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Tim Palmer Presenting his "Field Guide to Oregon Rivers"

Special emphasis was placed on the Chetco River as it is currently under serious mining threats despite being classified as “Wild and Scenic”.

We couldn’t have held this event without the graciousness of KEEN! Your generous staff and amazing event space made everyone feel right at home. You are a company that we are proud to support (and just check Janda’s closet if you ever doubt our loyalty to your shoes)!

Thank You to KEEN Footwear for Providing the Venue

And lastly, thanks so much to our good friends at Sierra Nevada Brewery for donating their sweet, delicious beer for the event.

Thank You to Sierra Nevada for Providing the Beer!

ECHO guides took care of the crowd with Rick Lumagui at the bar and Tate Higgins as Food-Dude. Thanks guys!

Rick Handing out a Tasty Sierra Nevada

This post was tagged with American Rivers, fun, Portland, river, Rogue River, Video, Wild Rivers Night and posted in General News.

Thank You – A Remarkable 2011 River Season

by Janda on September 10th, 2011

Thank you to everyone who joined us this summer on the Rogue and Middle Fork of the Salmon Rivers. You are the reason we get to do what we love.

And, of course, thank you to all our hard working and dedicated river guides. You are the reason our trips are so special.

Having Fun on the Last Day of the 2011 Season

A few highlights from this summer:

- Lexey, J.R., and Billy running amazing trips on the Rogue in May. Even when it rained everyone had fun!
- Our guide school with Lexey, Billy, and Alex was special for everyone involved.
- Uniquely high water on the Middle Fork in June. Our first few trips were “full on” adventures and we all saw something special.
- Vlad and Zach’s trip to Siberia. They ran the first ever commercial trip on the Kaa-Khem River in a remote part of Russia. (read their trip report)
- Our Yoga Trips on the Rogue River were amazing beyond belief. Everyone on both trips left with a glow.

2011 was our 40th season and a summer that will not be forgotten. Thank you to everyone involved.

This post was tagged with Idaho, Middle Fork of the Salmon, Oregon, rafting and posted in General News.

Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge

by Janda on May 5th, 2011

Top Ten Reasons to Stay at Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge

Morrison's Lodge from the Rogue River

1. Great Location – You’ll settle into the peace and quiet of your river trip early with a stay at Morrison’s the night before you head out. The Lodge is located right next to the Rogue River where a beautiful eddy swirls in the afternoon sun.

2. Orange Rolls – My mouth waters just thinking about these delectable rolls that are served with dinner. Each bite tastes like the buttery rolls your grandma makes, but the sweet orange flavor shines through like a glorious ray of Florida sunshine. They are addictive and probably alone, worth the trip.

3. Cabins – The cabin rooms are rustic and comfortable. You’ll wish you had arrived a day early just to enjoy them. You’ll find firewood stacked neatly underneath and a balcony to relax on. Inside a comfy seating area and quilt covered beds make you feel like you could stay forever.

Morrison's Lodge Cabins

4. Gourmet Dinner – Each evening, dinner is served on a huge deck with river views. The 4-course meal left me having to take a lap around the grounds to ensure I wouldn’t sink the raft on my river trip the following day. Risotto, steak, marionberry cobbler all accompanied by a fine Oregon Pinot. Oh, and did I mention the orange rolls…

Enjoying Dinner on the Morrison's Lodge Deck

5. Country Breakfast – The huge country breakfast served in the dining room will fill you up before heading out on your river trip. Big fluffy omelets or their famous Oregon Griddle Cakes will most certainly sustain you for the myriad activities available.

6. Big Groups – Groups that charter a Rogue River trip should consider booking a couple nights before or after at Morrison’s Lodge to extend their trip. The restful atmosphere will ease you back into civilization or gear you up for the peace and quiet you’ll find out on your river trip. The multiple activities and tranquil river make it the perfect location to entertain those who crave action and those in need of a respite.

7. Horseback Riding – Morrison’s has partnered with Sourdough Camp Trail Rides to offer 1-2 hour excursions in Taylor Creek Canyon. Taylor Creek feeds into the Rogue close to the Lodge and its stunning canyon is great for trail riding. Small group sizes (5 max.) sans dusty trails make these forested rides tranquil and terrific.

8. Friendly Staff – Lesley and Lowell manage the Lodge and both are friendly and knowledgeable. Lowell happily gave me a lift down the road to meet my rafting party at the Galice Resort. The dining staff were all pleasant and courteous with small-town appeal that left me questioning my city-dweller status.

The Friendly Staff at Morrison's

9. Activities – There’s a pool and games. You can grab a book from the main lodge room and relax forever in an adirondack next to the river. You can fish for the famous Steelhead, mountain bike some gorgeous trails or watch for wildlife. My favorite activity…..spend some time star gazing on the giant lawn as you listen to the flow of the Rogue River.

10. Seriously, the orange rolls are really good!

Learn more about Morrison’s Lodge >>

This post was tagged with families, Rogue River and posted in Rogue River Rafting.

Combine Your Rogue River Trip with One of Oregon’s Famous Lodges

by Janda on March 29th, 2011

Oregon is home to many natural wonders which are within driving distance to the Rogue River. By combining your river trip with a stay at one of these amazing lodges, you’ll experience camping along one of the West’s most beautiful rivers and spending the rest of your vacation at a historic lodge complete with rustic charm and modern conveniences.

Crater Lake Lodge | Opened in 1915

Visit this natural wonder located in central Oregon 3 hours from Galice before or after your Rogue River trip. Not many lodges boast their location on the edge of a caldera, but when the caldera is filled with stunning blue water plunging almost 2,000 feet deep, Crater Lake Lodge maintains bragging rights for views. It began almost 7,000 years ago when Mount Mazama erupted in an explosion 42 times as powerful as Mt. St. Helens leaving a hollow shell that eventually collapsed inward. The caldera filled with rainwater over the years, and because the water didn’t arrive via streams, the intense blue lake provides record visibility to 120 feet.

Crater Lake Lodge

The original lodge opened with a tar-paper covered exterior that nonetheless had visitors flocking up the mountain to see this natural wonder. Extensive reconstruction in the 1990s now offers an atmosphere that pays homage to the original 1920s charm, but is much grander. A huge deck offers a place to relax with a glass of Northwestern Pinot Noir as you watch for “the Old Man” a 30 foot log that has bobbed vertically in the lake since 1896. The massive stone fireplace in the Great Hall welcomes you to relax in the evenings.

Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge | Opened in 1970

Have your car shuttled to the take-out location and then make the short 1-hour drive to the Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge after your Rogue River trip. This more modern lodge is named for the Tu Tu’ Tunne “Rogue” Native Americans. The river was named for these stubborn and fierce tribes that waged battles along the river in the hope of preserving their way of life as settlers moved in to farm the Rogue’s rich valleys.

Tu Tu' Tun Lodge

The lodge is a short distance to Gold Beach, OR where you can see the Rogue River empty into the Pacific. You can hike through the coastal forest to tide pools and panoramic views before indulging yourself with spa services and a feast of local Northwestern cuisine. Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge was just listed as one of the top adventure lodges in Outside Magazine!

Oregon Caves Chateau | Opened in 1934

This 6-story chateau is located at the Oregon Caves National Monument just 2 hours south of Galice. The huge double-fireplace made of marble greets you in the lobby and the rustic staircase of oak, madrone and pine will lead you up to your guest-room or down to the Chateau’s dining room and original 1930s Caves Coffee Shop featuring old-fashioned style malts.

This amazing feat of construction spans a small gorge created by a creek that flows from the caves and is channeled through the dining room of the Chateau. The building is chock-full of original arts-and-crafts style furniture with each guest room offering its own unique charm. The Chateau is only steps away from the entrance to the “Marble Halls of Oregon”, which is one of the few marble caves in the world. You can also hike through old growth Port Orford Cedars and see one of the largest Douglas-firs in Oregon!

This post was tagged with families, Oregon, Rogue River Lodges, wilderness and posted in Rogue River Rafting.

Rogue Recess(ion) is Back in Session!

by Janda on March 21st, 2011

Date: June 28 – July 1, 2011
Price: $645/person

Signs that the economy is improving are sprouting with the daffodils this spring, and as the kids go back to school for this last stretch of the year, we know they’ll have one thing on their minds: summer vacation!

To help families make the most of the summer and take the vacation that they may have put off for a couple of years, we’re bringing back the Rogue Recess(ion) Trip. We think that a summer without a vacation is like a school day without recess, so we’re offering June 28-July 1 at a drastically reduced price of only $645/person. Adults and kids alike can revive their child-like joy on the Rogue River. Get your clothes dirty, use your outdoor-voice and talk to the strangers that will be friends by the end of your trip.

Families Love the Rogue River

This 4-day, 3-night trip is priced at only $645/person and we won’t skimp on the quality that you’ve come to expect from ECHO. At this amazing price, we expect the trip will fill quickly so please call us today to reserve your space!

This post was tagged with discounts, families, Rogue River and posted in Rogue River Rafting, Special Trips.

Fall For Nepal!

by Janda on February 18th, 2011

ECHO’s heading to Nepal this October for another great rafting destination: the Karnali River. The Karnali is Nepal’s biggest and mightiest river that travels from the southern slopes of the Himalayas through the most remote area of Nepal before it flows across the flat lands of India into the Ganges River.

Rafting on the Karnali River

We’ll float through the lush and pristine jungles of western Nepal filled with deer, leopards, tigers and monkeys. Continuous whitewater, deep canyons and big rapids are complemented by isolated, sandy campsites, perfect for beach parties each evening.

Sitting around the Campfire on the Karnali River in Nepal

But you don’t want to visit Nepal without seeing the sites, right? We’ve built in a few days before and after the river trip to explore Kathmandu. You’ll visit the most famous Buddhist and Hindu temples of this amazing city complete with transportation and a guide.

Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu

Adventurers come from all over the world to climb Nepal’s peaks, hike the trails and raft the snow melt of the mighty Himalayas. This is a trip that your grandchildren will love to hear about!

Prayer Wheels

This post was tagged with kayaking, rafting and posted in International Trips.

Siberia’s Kaa-Khem Trip Listed as 2011 Trip of the Year

by Janda on February 11th, 2011

We’re starting off our 40th season with a bang: ECHO’s trip to Siberia to raft the gorgeous Kaa-Khem river has just been named 1 of the 10 best trips of 2011 by Outside Magazine! Out of thousands of submissions for outdoor adventures including treks, rides, paddles and climbs, Outside chose ECHO’s rafting excursion to Southern Siberia as a must-do in 2011, and here are 5 reasons why:

- A river trip that begins with an Mi-8 helicopter ride will make you feel more like James Bond than any martini ever could.

- The feisty graylings and legendary taimen (aka Siberian salmon) are trophies that any angler would love to wrestle into a raft.

- Arriving in the geographic center of the Asian-subcontinent, the furthest point from an ocean anywhere in the world, will ensure that you won’t have to respond to any emails for at least 10 days. Anyone can raft Costa Rica, but imagine the legends you’ll have to tell of rafting Siberia!

- Famed Russian adventurer, Vladimir Gavrilov will lead this trip to his homeland. Vlad is a scientist, author, teacher, certified bad-ass on the river, and all-around awesome dude that you’ll love spending time with on the Kaa-Khem.

- With a length comparable to the Grand Canyon, the Kaa-Khem has a lot more action, including an amazing 10-mile section of whitewater called the Mel’zeyskiy Cascade. You’ll also have vodka-clear water, stunning alpine scenery and pleasant temperatures that won’t sap your stamina.

There’s still space for you in the rafts, so click here to learn more or make your reservation!

This post was tagged with awards, rafting, river, Russia, Siberia and posted in Special Trips.