O.A.R.S. Press Release

Angels Camp, California –March 16, 2009– Far-reaching, exotic destinations aren’t the only options for an intrepid traveler. Explore 10 of America’s most iconic national parks with O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists).  Recognized by National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of their "Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth", O.A.R.S. offers more trip options than any other North American whitewater rafting company, including 1-day to week-long national park adventures.  With the outfitter’s unique permits, vacationers can explore traditional sites, as well as areas well off the beaten path, in America’s popular national parks.  Many trips include transportation to and from the parks, entrance fees, sleeping arrangements, meals, and guided activities - with prices as low as $95 per person per day.

Compare a week of adventure in Yosemite National Park to a stay in an expensive hotel.  O.A.R.S.’ professionally guided whitewater rafting and hiking trips are all-inclusive offering 360-degree views of Mother Nature’s finest, healthy, delicious and often organic meals, as well as everything a traveler needs to sleep comfortably under an unhindered night sky.  Additionally, professional naturalists lead hikes in various locations throughout Yosemite, including the uber-challenging trail up Half Dome (Yosemite’s most recognized granite formation), as well as through groves of Giant Sequoia trees and mountain meadows.  There are no hidden fees, room surcharges or additional costs to park a car.

O.A.R.S. also offers a variety of national park vacation packages that range from an easy half-day of sea kayaking on Yellowstone Lake in the heart of Yellowstone National Park to nearly two weeks exploring the national parks of the Desert Southwest.  The forty-year-old adventure travel outfitter offers choices that include hiking in Arches National Park, exploring Bryce Canyon National Park, rafting and hiking along the Colorado River in Canyonlands and Grand Canyon national parks, sightseeing in Capitol Reef National Park, whitewater rafting though Dinosaur National Monument, hiking in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Zion National Park, archaeological adventure in the canyons of Chaco Culture National Historic Park and sea kayaking on Jackson Lake and rafting on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park.

“We are fortunate to have secured a special kayaking permit on Yellowstone Lake that allows our guests rarely seen views of Yellowstone’s steamy, gushing geysers from the bow of their boat,” stated O.A.R.S. Founder and President, George Wendt, from his Northern California headquarters.  Most park visitors are restricted to viewing geysers only from boardwalks, elbow-to-elbow with other summer visitors.  O.A.R.S. also has a one-of-kind permit on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park that allows small groups to experience a night of catered gourmet camping at a pristine wilderness camp on Grassy Island.

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O.A.R.S. is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service.  Since 1969 O.A.R.S. has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking, hiking and multi-sport vacations, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world.  O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes.  For more information on O.A.R.S. eco-friendly adventures, including a free 84-page color catalog, call O.A.R.S. at 1-800-346-6277, email the company at info@oars.com or visit www.oars.com.