Grande Ronde River After a couple months sitting in the cold, the rain, and the snow spring eventually starts to poke out its head with longer days and more sunshine.  The extra vitamin D on our skin inevitably jump starts the cogs in our head towards thinking about floating on the river and exploring the wild places these flowing treasures of the PNW can take us. We begin to dream about sunsets with a cold beverage in our hand after a day of successful paddling and sunrises with a hot cup of coffee as we anticipate the whitewater below us. The warming of the days means we begin our trans... Keep reading ›

We have created the ultimate guide to the best Southern Oregon 1-day adventures.  We have embedded the map below of activities.  You can also download our Adventure Catalog that has more details on each of these activities.  Download the Catalog here. Keep reading ›

As summer rounds the bend and the sun begins to rise on another river season the phones have again started ringing with vigor. Folks wanting to ensure summer does not float by without a river trip are making their reservations.  In those calls we have noticed one commonality, namely: a concern regarding expected water levels on our beautiful Southern Oregon rivers.  To address this concern bluntly and simply, let me say this: we are excited about river flows for this summer on the Rogue, Klamath, and North Umpqua Rivers.  All evidence is pointing towards an incredible summer with ample wat... Keep reading ›

As adventurers with kids we understand how difficult it can be to plan a full vacation with a variety of great activities. As Southern Oregon natives we are sharing some of our secret spots for family adventure.  This list is designed for families who want to get out and explore.  If you believe that great family memories are created exploring this is the list of Southern Oregon adventures you were looking for. Map of Events Below are links to all of the activities listed on the map above.  If you want to get our summary of each event download our Southern Oregon Family Travel packet. ... Keep reading ›

Guides' First Rivers Series River guides are notorious storytellers—and whether they be true or tall or somewhere in-between, the stories we tell about the river are a part and reflection of our own story. They are a part of who we are and we will be. (Deep water, brother...) So, in this spirit of storytelling and in homage to rivers everywhere, we've asked our guides to recall a notable "first" paddling experience, broadly defined, and to tell a story about that experience.  Initiated on the Stan by Stich Tichenor Stich on the Rogue in 1983 No shit, there I was... (T... Keep reading ›

  Even River Guides Have Some Wisdom to Share.       Keep reading ›

Why Inflatable Kayak By Mike Slagle AKA - "the Great One" AKA - "Old Man River" When Jerry Bentley founded Orange Torpedo Trips in 1969, he pioneered a mode of river travel that would forever alter whitewater boating. Paddlers of his orange inflatable kayaks discovered an experience more rewarding and fun than that provided by the traditional raft as craft. Through the experience, they learned a little more about who they were and were given a glimpse into the great things they could do. Torpedos are flat out fun. In a torpedo (i.e., an IK), paddlers are closer to the river than is p... Keep reading ›

River Wisdom Wednesday | 04.16.2014     Orange Torpedo Trips' General Manager, Erik ("N.G.") snapped this shot of himself with OTT guide Aaron Lieberman and their fellow Nepalese guides from atop--what can most generously be called--a mechanically suspect Jeep just minutes after pulling away from the takeout for the Sun Kosi River in Nepal. While their adventure down the world-class Sun Kosi River was, by all accounts, the trip of a lifetime, the moment captured here marks the beginning of what would prove a whole different kind of adventure, which N.G. thus summarized: "During our almos... Keep reading ›

Orange Torpedo Tripping the NW Creeking CompetitionWith summer fast approaching, Orange Torpedo Trips Guide Priscilla Macy decided it time to get back in the Torp for some pre-season training. So, off she went to the 2014 Northwest Creeking Competition--held this April 12th and 13th on the East Fork of the Lewis River and Canyon Creek in southern Washington, respectively. Here's an edit she put together of her styling the course.So enjoy, take notes and get stoked for a Whitewater Summer! Keep reading ›

    Our River Wisdom is a Wednesday thing...  But we're transitioning to River Time.    OTT Guide Ryan Hunter on a recent pre-season North Umpqua Trip       Keep reading ›