Rafters throwing their hands up while rafting Idaho's Lower Salmon River

Adventure is in our roots

GUIDING LIFE’S GREATEST ADVENTURES

There’s a reason that more than 70% of OARS travelers each year are repeat guests or were referred by a past OARS traveler.

Family-owned & operated for 50+ years

Low guest-to-guide ratio & small group sizes

Unmatched professionalism

High-quality rafts & equipment

Commitment to responsible travel

Unparalleled access to our public lands

Two people standing in front of a car.

Our Story

OARS was founded in 1969 by river running pioneer George Wendt. By 1974 the company found its permanent home in Angels Camp, California where George and his wife Pam turned a fledgling rafting company into one of the most respected outfitting companies in the world. Today, their sons, Tyler and Clavey Wendt, are at the helm of the company.

A family ready for white water rafting at Flaming Gorge.

The OARS Difference

Our mission is to have a positive impact on people’s lives and our natural world by providing outstanding river trips and other outdoor adventure experiences.

A group of OARS women guides stands in front of a truck at the OARS American River Outpost

We’ve Got Talent

The OARS team includes more than 400 talented guides and employees, some of whom have been with us for decades. Get to know some of these esteemed professionals, their interests and what they love most about their job.

Responsible Travel

As stewards of more than 35 rivers and shorelines, our goal isn’t simply to be one of the most environmentally responsible tour operators in the world, but to continually raise the bar and challenge other companies to raise their standards as well.

A group of people resting on a hike.

Our Partners

OARS partners with the USFS, NPS, BLM and other agencies to provide unparalleled access to some of the last truly wild landscapes in the West and beyond. We are honored to work with these organizations, as well as our many sponsors, suppliers and trade organizations.

Follow us in the news

2015 Outside Best of Travel Award icon

“Best River Trip,” “Best Guide,” & “Best Outfitter” by Outside

national geographic adventure wordmark.

“Best River & Sea Outfitter
on Earth” by National
Geographic Adventure

Sunset 2015 Travel Awards icon

“Best Guided Outdoor Trip” by Sunset

A group of people white water rafting at the Barking Dog Rapid.

Pam & George Wendt Foundation

The Pam & George Wendt Foundation was created by veteran outfitter, OARS, with the vision to connect young people to one of the world’s greatest resources—our wild places.

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