The Latest Word

Biggest Snow Pack on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River Since 1974!

by ECHO Staff on May 26th, 2011

The latest reports from Idaho are predicting amazing flows on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River throughout the 2011 season. The Salmon River basin has a snow pack of 140% of average, which hasn’t been seen in over 35 years. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River’s Facebook Page has come alive with predictions and wagers for the peak flow, and outfitters are preparing for higher then normal flows this summer!

Entering the Impassible Canyon on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Unlike other seasons that had the Middle Fork flows dwindling by the end of the summer, we expect to see great flows well into August. If you haven’t booked your Middle Fork trip yet, look to late July and August, when the weather will be hot and sunny and the river will likely have plenty of water to raft the full 100 miles.

ECHO has availability on some great dates like the Kids Trip July 31-August 5 with a reduced rate of $1445 for ages 7-17 or the August 16-21 trip which should have amazing fishing as the trout fatten up for fall.

Posted in Middle Fork of the Salmon River

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 >>

Posted in Rogue River Rafting

ECHO Trip Named National Geographic Tour of a Lifetime

by ECHO Staff on April 20th, 2011

ECHO’s trip to Siberia’s Kaa-Khem River has just been named one of the 50 Tours of a Lifetime, 2011 by National Geographic Traveler! We welcome the recognition of this amazing trip that will be lead by ECHO guide, Vlad Garilov this July.

We are so honored that National Geographic continues to highlight our small business alongside many of the big names in adventure travel. What began as a past-time for Joe Daly and Dick Linford has grown into a successful travel company that strives to provide our guests with top service in the world’s top destinations.

About ECHO

River trips are our passion, because we believe in the transformative process that takes place when one spends time in the wilderness. Our trips are designed to facilitate this process with some of the top guides in the industry handling all the details while they attend to our guests’ safety and comfort. We invite you to join us on the Rogue or Middle Fork of the Salmon Rivers, or journey with us abroad to Siberia, Bhutan, Nepal, Turkey or Chile.

Although we appreciate the recognitions from renowned publications, our true reward comes when our guests proclaim their adventure as “the trip of a lifetime”.

“ECHO is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which I’ll never forget… Thanks ECHO!”
- Gabriella Conn, Middle Fork guest

“The absolute trip of a lifetime! Great fun, great guides, great guests!”
- Susan Harris, Middle Fork guest

“Our family has been on over 10 commercially guided trips, including safaris, birding, biking and other rafting trips both in the US and abroad. This trip run by ECHO was fantastic from start to finish. The Echo guides were some of the best we have ever had.”
- Cynthia Faubion, Middle Fork guest

“We planned our Rogue trip because we wanted to experience the Rogue river scenery and white water but we left with much more; the feeling that we had exprienced a very special place. The scenery was amazing! The rafting was a blast! And the staff were great!”
- Monet Monaghan, Rogue River guest

Posted in General News

Rogue River Writing Workshop

by ECHO Staff on April 18th, 2011

Join us for a four-day, three-night rafting trip/writing workshop on Oregon’s beautiful Rogue River. The workshop will be led by Ellen Waterston, an award-winning writer, poet, and speaker whose books include Where the Crooked River Rises, a collection of essays about central Oregon; Then There Was No Mountain, a memoir; and Between Desert Seasons and I am Madagascar, collections of poetry.

She is also the founder and director of The Nature of Words and the Writing Ranch, institutions dedicated to the teaching of writing. She has the special gift of being able to listen closely, and to deliver both constructive criticism and inspiration to writers of all levels.

Ellen Waterston

“Writing with Ellen is an illuminating experience. She’s a perceptive workshop leader; her suggestions are insightful, and the benefit of her instruction last long after the workshop has ended.”

- Michel DeSilva, winner of the Nature of Words Rising Star Award in 2007 and 2009

“When Ellen commented on what I had written she made me feel that I might have some talent, yet at the same time showed me how I could be better. That’s an amazing skill.”

- Dick Linford, workshop participant

Ellen will begin each day with a “writing prompt”, or a topic that we can focus on as we float the river and explore side canyons. At lunch and in camp before dinner we will have an opportunity to put our thoughts and ideas on paper. After dinner we can present our material to the group.

Camping at Doe on the Rogue River

The Rogue River winds though the coastal mountains of southern Oregon and offers much in the way of inspiration for our workshop. Its exciting rapids, warm weather and water, scenic beauty and abundant wildlife combine to make it one of the finest rafting rivers in America. Bald eagles, osprey, Great Blue herons, snowy egrets and deer are common, and it is not unusual to see back bears (too timid to be a threat) and river otters. There are beavers living across from one camp, although they are very shy.

This is camping at its most comfortable. ECHO supplies tents, sleeping bags and air mattresses. The guides do all the cooking and cleaning up, and you will be amazed at the quality of the meals. ECHO furnishes beer and wine to complement the appetizers and meals.

Egret Flying Above the Rogue River

This workshop is for writers of all levels, and is based on the premise that we all have interesting things to say.

Posted in Rogue River Rafting, Special Trips

Sometimes the Key Ingredient isn’t Actually in the Food

by ECHO Staff on April 5th, 2011

Here at ECHO, we redefine gourmet. As a company that specializes in family friendly trips, we have customers of all shapes, sizes and tastebuds and oftentimes the smaller the tastebud, the harder to please. Because of this, ECHO gourmet means using flavor filled ingredients to create amazing meals with a pinch of fun!

Pancakes on the Middle Fork

It’s the combination of awesome flavors and a fun setting that make cooking on the river the perfect environment to introduce kids to meals they may not try at home. Simple salmon steamed over open coals and finished with a squeeze of lemon may typically elicit a response sounding similar to ‘ew,’ but on the river, be prepared for a shocking inclination for your child to try new things. Evidently the same sense of adventure that has them laughing and screaming through a wild rapid transfers readily to the dinner table.

That’s why our menu focuses on flexibility. Kids and adults alike can easily modify each meal we make. Crispy, crunchy taco salad filled with fresh avocado, ripe mango and drizzled with a mix of beans, corn and fresh spices can become a bowl of tortilla chips and a side of salsa. Although it’s rarely turned down, fresh fruit dipped with smooth, creamy chocolate fondue can easily turn into chocolate-covered marshmallows. And of course, there are always more creative substitutes such as a morning pancake turned smiley face with the introduction of fresh blueberries for eyes and a dollop of whipped cream for the nose.

As adults, we often lose ourselves in the idea that good food needs to be fancy. Gourmet easily translates to complicated, intricate and exotic. We at ECHO formally invite you to experience the kid gourmet, where trying something new is all it takes and having fun in the process is the most important part. Try your new philosophy on the following recipes, or better yet, join us on the water, where fun is emphasized even beyond the kitchen.

Chocolate Fondue

For a group of 5 people:
2 bags of chocolate chips (the better the chocolate the better the fondue)
1 can of evaporated milk
Fresh strawberries, cherries, pears or bananas. Common favorites also include shortbread cookies (or better yet homemade shortbread), marshmallows or fingers (after the chocolate has cooled)

Heat chocolate chips and evaporated milk over a double boiler, constantly stirring and being careful not to burn. When completely melted and homogenous, dip away to your hearts content.

Chocolate Fondue on the Middle Fork

Posted in Recipes

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!

Posted in Rogue River Rafting

A Yoga River Rafting Trip is the Perfect Vacation

by ECHO Staff on March 24th, 2011

Last year’s passengers on the yoga rafting trips called it their “Best Vacation!” Picture this: An incredible canyon, lots of yoga (all levels welcome) and exercise, delicious healthy food, fun and interesting people, adventure, music around the campfire, hiking, wildlife, and more stars at night than you can imagine. Bring the whole family – the yoga is optional.

Yoga Class on the Rogue River

Yoga stretching is offered in the morning while the guides cook breakfast and we do a full yoga practice in the afternoon, along the river at camp after a day of boating. There’s something pretty special about coming into Triangle Pose and looking up to see a bald eagle soaring overhead or doing Tree Pose when you’re surrounded by trees. And after a day of paddling in a raft or an inflatable kayak, the yoga is a perfect way to stretch out all the muscles. I offer many options to accommodate both beginners and advanced yogis. For more photos of our yoga trips or more information about me, go to my website: www.SusanFoxLifeCoach.com.

Posted in Rogue River Rafting, Special Trips

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!

Posted in Rogue River Rafting, Special Trips

Winter Boating With Emma

by ECHO Staff on March 14th, 2011

A wise woman once said: “What I love most about rivers is, you can’t step in the same river twice. The water’s always changing, always flowing.” Although this “wise woman” might actually be the animated Disney character, Pocahontas, she does have a valid point. One of the most exciting things about rivers (and river trips for that matter) is that no two days are ever the same.

Several weeks ago, I was lucky enough to raft one of my favorite stretches of water – the Smith River in Northern California. In addition to the Smith River’s beauty and awesome whitewater, it is California’s only major undammed river. Timing, therefore, becomes an added challenge when looking to boat the Smith, as the river rises quickly with rain and drops out just as fast. Hopeful for good weather and flows, some friends and I took a chance and made the seven-hour journey to Northern California.

Emma Guiding a Raft on the South Fork of the Smith River

We were rewarded with three days of awesome whitewater –mellow rapids and gorgeous scenery on the South Fork, and stomping holes and waves through the steep, narrow gorges of the lower South Fork and Oregon Hole sections. Each morning we bundled up and slid our boats to the river down a snowy slope. Throughout the day we were thankful for our helmets for warmth and marveled as the surrounding hills received a fresh powder dusting.

Hauling rafts up the beach at the South Fork Gorge take-out, I was reminded of the same spot last summer, when the ECHO Oregon crew ventured to the Smith on a day off. The same small, pebbly beach where I jumped to stay warm in my layers of long underwear had, in the summer, been a huge, inviting beach where we lounged and cooled off in the refreshing green water. Although completely different experiences, the beauty of the river in both conditions remained unchanged.

Having Lunch Along the South Fork of the Smith River

One of my favorite things about boating all year is getting to experience the changes of a river through every season. There is something special about winter boating. In the winter cold, most commercial operations stop running and private boaters are few and infrequent. The solitude on the river is an amazing experience, allowing the day to be a true exploration. A river trip takes on a new sense of adventure when the riverbanks are covered in snow, and the hills are hidden in mist. Heavy rains allow for new waterfalls to emerge and side creeks to transform into raging tributaries. With that said, summer rafting is pure, simple fun– blue skies and hot sunny days allowing for water fights and lots of swimming, cherishing the splashes in rapids, and enjoying long, relaxed evenings at camp. As winter winds down, I am excited to hang up the dry suit and prepare for the summer season of boating.

Kayaking Oregon Hole Gorge on the Smith River

Whatever the flow, the season, or the river, every day on the water holds a surprise. As I come up on my fourth season guiding, I’ve come to realize that it is the uniqueness of each day on the river that keeps me coming back for more.

Posted in Guide News

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!