Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce August 2009

O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) has been guiding guests down the Wild & Scenic Rogue River since 1969, making the company one of the most established whitewater rafting outfitters in Oregon.

Recognized in 2008 & 2009 as “The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, the company offers a variety of ways to experience the Oregon wilderness: by raft, dory or inflatable kayak, or hiking along the Rogue River with raft support. Although O.A.R.S. is based in Northern California, the company has contributed to Oregon’s economy and tax base for four decades with seasonal operations on the Rogue and the Owyhee rivers.

Oregon leads the nation with 48 designated Wild & Scenic Rivers, and the Rogue River was among the first to be honored with this important protection. To honor the Rogue’s historic importance and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this landmark legislation, O.A.R.S. invited international members of the press and a host of VIP guests on a special expedition with David Moryc, from American Rivers. An article commemorating the trip appears in the August/September 2009 issue of National Geographic Adventure.

O.A.R.S. is professionally committed to the cultural and environmental well-being of the places they visit and operate. They follow expertly designed on-the-ground practices and seek to create inspirational experiences for guests and students. The company supports a variety of institutions that further these ideals, including: Leave No Trace, American Whitewater, Environmental Defense Fund, Waterkeeper Alliance, Hells Canyon Preservation Council and Oregon Wild. In Oregon, the company asks their guests for voluntary donations which are passed along to American Rivers to help support their work to protect and restore Oregon’s rivers.

O.A.R.S. Rogue River trips feature local Oregon produce and beverages, taking full advantage of the state’s wonderful farms, cheeses, wineries and breweries. Additionally, the company utilizes local chefs and wineries as part of their popular Wine on the River and Wilderness Gourmet series of trips.

Today, O.A.R.S. runs first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport trips in throughout the Western U.S. and internationally, rendering them a diverse and accommodating force in adventure travel. O.A.R.S. has positively affected the lives of over 450,000 travelers, due to their ability to meet the diverse needs of their broad spectrum of clientele. With over 40 years of experience and attention to traveler needs, O.A.R.S. has become an industry leader and a model for other adventure travel companies worldwide.