Before You Go: Yosemite Hiker – Waterfalls & Wildflowers

Overview

Sample Itinerary

We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, trail conditions and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:

Day 1

We will meet at the OARS pullout / Midpines meeting spot on Hwy 140, approximately 35 minutes from the El Portal / Arch Rock entrance to Yosemite National Park. Once everyone has arrived, we board our shuttle and drive to the Indian Flat river put-in where you meet the rest of your OARS crew. The guides will deliver an orientation and safety talk then fit you with your safety gear.

The Wild and Scenic Merced starts off with the excitement of Cranberry Rapid, which sets the stage for the Class III-IV thrills ahead. Spring flows offer up big wave whitewater action and notable rapids like Percolator, Hawaii 5-O, and Ned’s Gulch keep the anticipation going.

Come lunchtime, we’ll pull over to a beach for a delicious picnic, which includes an abundant spread of cold cuts, cheeses, veggies and breads, or perhaps a tasty taco salad for roll-your-own burritos. With full bellies, we hop back on the boats to soak up the last of the spring wildflower spectacle and more exciting rapids like Split Rock and Corner Pocket before reaching our take-out point at Railroad Flat.

At the take-out, an OARS shuttle will be waiting to take us to our lodging accommodations in El Portal. In the evening, we’ll settle into our rooms at Yosemite View Lodge (or similar), grab a shower and enjoy a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 2

After a delicious hot breakfast, we’ll travel via shuttle into Yosemite National Park. Today, our explorations will take us to the southern part of the park for a moderate 7-mile hike through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, enjoying a picnic lunch along the trail. The trail leads us past the majestic, 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant, through portions of the less-crowded upper grove and out to Wawona Point, which offers incredible views of Wawona Valley. Afterwards, we return to our shuttle and transfer to the White Chief Mountain Lodge (or similar) near the southern entrance of the park. This will be our “home base” for the duration of the trip. In the evening, we’ll settle into our rooms before meeting up for a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 3

Today, we’ll grab a quick breakfast before driving out to the park’s iconic Glacier Point. After taking in iconic sights like Half Dome from the unique vantage point on top of the valley’s rim, we’ll begin our one-way, 4.7-mile hike down the Four-Mile Trail, stopping along the way to enjoy a trailside lunch. Don’t be fooled, this knee-pounding descent from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley is more challenging than it sounds. As we continue down the steep switchbacks, we’re rewarded with non-stop views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls in all of its spring snowmelt glory. We’ll end our day with a scenic drive through the valley, dinner at a nearby restaurant and a good night’s rest back at the inn.

Day 4

Rising early, we’ll grab a quick breakfast before loading up for an early shuttle ride into Yosemite Valley. Today, we’ll plan to tackle Half Dome. For the approximately 17-mile Half Dome trek, hikers will ascend 4,800 feet from Yosemite Valley, passing by spectacular waterfalls, before a final 400-foot climb up the infamous cables that lead to the summit. If we’re unable to secure necessary permits, however, we’ll opt for a similarly-challenging hike such as Wawona to Chilnualna Falls. At the top (of either hike), we’re rewarded with once-in-a-lifetime panoramic views of Yosemite’s granite wonderland and perhaps a picnic lunch on top of the world. Our guides will provide consistent support and encouragement throughout this challenging day. After a full-day of hiking, we may enjoy a celebratory dinner in the park, before heading back to our lodging accommodations for the evening.

Day 5

After a more leisurely breakfast, we’ll load up the shuttle and make our way back to the group’s vehicles in Midpines. Along the way, we’ll stretch our legs on a short wildflower stroll through Wawona Meadow and visit a swinging bridge along the Merced River, before being returned to your vehicles by early afternoon.

Included in Your Trip Cost

• Skilled professional rafting and hiking guides
• Delicious meals from lunch on day one through hearty snacks on day five
• One night lodging at the Yosemite View Lodge (or similar) and three nights lodging at the White Chief Mountain Lodge (or similar) based on double occupancy
• High-quality inflatable rafts and related river equipment including a paddle, helmet and a personal flotation device, which must be worn at all times on the river in compliance with safety regulations
• 40 oz. Klean Kanteen, single-walled water bottle appropriate for the trail
• One small, shared waterproof bag per raft for your camera and other small items you’ll want during the day (approximate sealed size: 17” tall x 9” diameter; 1081 cu in; 17.7 L)
• Yosemite National Park entrance fee
• Wetsuits and splash jackets. After June 1st, wetsuits and splash jackets are available by advance request only. (Wetsuits are only necessary on some early-season trips—generally from April to June.) It is important for you to advise the office of your size ahead of time to ensure we pack the proper-sized wetsuit for you. Our wetsuits do not include “wetsuit booties” – please bring your own, or wear wool socks with tennis shoes as a good alternative.

Not Included in Your Trip Cost

• Transportation to and from the OARS meeting place
• Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals
• River Access Fees
• Single Supplement of $400 per person
• Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
• Alcohol
• Items of a personal nature (see suggested packing list below)
• Gratuities
  

TRIP PREPARATION CHECKLIST

☐ Consider Purchasing Travel Protection: For complete details and to purchase the plan we highly recommend, visit:  https://www.oars.com/tpp

☐ Trip Forms (online): Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms within two weeks of making a booking. Refer to your confirmation email for the link to the online forms. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know right away. If you are reserving your trip within 60 days of departure, your forms must be completed immediately to ensure we can properly plan for your trip.

☐ Reserve flights, shuttles and lodging: Verify with your adventure consultant that your trip has met minimum numbers prior to booking flights and/or reserving overnight lodging for the night before and after your trip, if applicable.

☐ Whitewater Orientation: To increase your safety, we expect everyone to watch our 23-minute Whitewater Orientation video before joining us. Watch at https://www.oars.com/experience/safety/ or call 800-346-6277 to request a free DVD. Please don’t leave home without watching.

☐ Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our essential eligibility requirements.

☐ Payments: Final payment is due in our office 90 days prior to your trip (refer to your invoice for final payment date). Please let us know if you would like us to automatically charge your credit card on file when final payment is due.

Travel Arrangements

Trip Description

Whitewater

The water on the Merced River is directly related to the amount of snow in the Sierra Nevada, as it is a free-flowing river. This Wild & Scenic, Class III-IV river churns with bold wave trains and exhilarating rapids, which are ideal for rafters of all levels.

Boat Options

The number and variety of boats on an OARS trip will vary based on water levels, the number of participants and other factors we take into account when planning your adventure. Please be aware that in doing so we will ask you to share boat time with your fellow travelers. We don’t assign boats, nor can we guarantee exactly which crafts we bring, but trust us to provide you with the best possible mix for you and others on your trip. The following boats may be a part of your experience:
Paddle Raft, Paddle Raft With Oar Assist
Learn more about the boats on your trip at https://www.oars.com/experience/boats/

Meals

The meals we serve are hearty and delicious, comprised of fresh ingredients and a variety of foods. Depending on trail specific start times, we will enjoy a lodge-based breakfast or a hiker-friendly breakfast and while on the river or on the trail, appropriate lunches will be provided. Dinners will be enjoyed in local restaurants.

Dietary Restrictions

We need to know as soon as possible about any dietary restrictions we should consider in planning your trip. If you have food allergies or restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. However, there may be a supplemental menu fee ranging from $5-25 per person per day, to cover any increase in our costs.

Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for vegetarian, vegan and many allergy-restricted diets without applying a fee. However, we cannot always provide the same diversity or sophistication for restricted diets as we do for our regular menu. Similarly, certain allergen-free snack foods are difficult or impossible to source in our locations, so feel free to bring your own favorite snacks to supplement our provisions. Please let your Adventure Consultant know if you intend to do so.

We cannot guarantee that cross-contamination from allergens will not occur during meal prep, and reserve the right to refuse service to anyone as it relates to safety, including the potential for a medical emergency caused by a severe food allergy. Also, due to the constraints of food preparation for large groups in a wilderness setting, availability of ingredients or specialty items in remote locations, and limited packing space, we are unable to cater to dietary preferences (likes or dislikes).
 

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of your Yosemite Hiker adventure, but are available for purchase at the lodges and restaurants.

Smoking/Vaping

OARS is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our guests and for our staff. We ask that smoking of any kind be done away and downwind from other trip participants.

Cannabis

We are obligated to adhere to the regulations established by the managing agency with jurisdiction over the area in which our trip operates. Use of marijuana on federal lands, whether it be medicinal or recreational, is illegal and therefore we ask that you refrain from bringing it with you on your OARS trip.

Drinking Water

We carry sufficient drinking water with us to provide for your needs throughout the trip. Water jugs for refilling personal water bottles are accessible at lunchtime and before hikes. In some cases, we will re-supply water jugs with water filtered through a purification system we provide. (No iodine is used in the purification process.)

Hiking

Our days in the Park are arranged around a diverse selection of hikes that range from easy, relatively flat strolls to rigorous all-day treks. Previous hiking experience is advised and this trip is not recommended for people who have a fear of heights or medical conditions that restrict them from carrying a daypack. Even though this trip is escorted by experienced guides, we recommend participants take time to get into good physical condition before the trip. It will heighten your enjoyment of all that Yosemite has to offer.

The Portable Toilet

On the river, we carry with us a small container called the “day tripper,” which can be easily accessed during the day should the need arise. It is a personal disposable product, which includes an odor-proof transport bag, chemical solidifier and odor eliminator, toilet paper and an oversized hand wipe.

On popular stretches of wilderness rivers, a commonly heard refrain is “dilution is the solution to pollution.” We practice this approach by urinating in the river during our day on the Merced.

You will have access to non-flushing facilities at most trailheads within Yosemite. While your guide will quite often have “wag bags” (described above), it would be a good idea to come prepared with a handful of your own.

Menstrual Cycle

Even if you aren’t anticipating your menstrual period, come prepared for it. You can use sandwich-sized Ziploc™ baggies during the day to store products while you are on the river or hiking. Used pads and tampons can be disposed of at lunch or in camp. We provide some menstrual products on most trips for emergencies.

Foot Care

Good foot care is a must. You should have footwear that is comfortable and well broken-in. Trim your toenails a little below the tip of your toe before you begin your hike. As you hike downhill your toes will be pushed into the end of your boots. Toenails that are too long will jam into the front of your boot which can cause severe bruising to the point that they may fall off. If you start getting hot spots, put some moleskin or second skin on the spot before it blisters. Change socks, slow down, rest in the shade.

Cameras

On the river, we provide one small, shared waterproof bag (approximate sealed size: 17” tall x 9” diameter) per raft to hold your camera and other items you might need during the day. While these bags are designed to be waterproof, you may wish to place your camera in a zip-lock plastic bag or waterproof case for additional protection. We also strongly recommend you take out a rider on your homeowner’s policy to cover your camera—especially if it’s fine equipment. Make sure to bring additional memory cards, batteries and any other extras you may need.

Commercial Photographs

There are several professional companies taking photos of each raft at some of the larger rapids, which provide great action shots. These companies are not affiliated with OARS You will need to contact them separately to purchase these pictures. ‘Picture This…Rapid Shooter’ is one such company; to view and purchase photos visit https://store.picthrive.com/oars after your river trip. You can also find pictures via www.rapidshooter.net and click the OARS logo link. Their phone number is (209) 379-2267. (To see your photos online, you must email ‘Picture This…Rapid Shooter’ and request that the photos from your trip be posted to their website. Picture requests can be sent to: requests@rapidshooter.net)

Electronics & Technology

The use of electronic devices, especially music players and flying drones, on your trip may represent an intrusion into the wilderness experience of your fellow guests. We ask that you be mindful of the impacts to others and respect the wilderness nature of the trip. Please bring headphones if you intend to listen to music during the trip and leave your drone at home*.

Many of our guests bring their smartphones on the river portion of this trip, even though there is no cell service. Water damage to smartphones and other electronic devices is always a possibility, even when they are stowed in a dry bag. If you intend to take your phone with you on the river, consider investing in a small, waterproof container just for your phone.

*The use of drones is prohibited within Yosemite National Park.

Power Sources

While on the river and on the trail, we are not able to provide a power source for powering on or recharging devices.  To keep cameras, phones, GPS, a CPAP and other devices working you may need spare batteries or portable power. Options include compact portable solar panels that can recharge devices directly, portable power banks that store power, or a combo unit that can be charged before the trip and recharged with a built-in solar panel. Solar panels must be designed to withstand outdoor elements and fit in your dry bag (roll-up or no larger than 12” x 12”). Keep in mind direct sunlight in a river canyon may be limited and even non-existent at camp (mornings and evenings). Once we are off the river and off the trail, charging your devices can be done in your hotel room.

Communication

On the river and trails, there is limited communication with the “outside world.” Cell phone service is not usually available. Our guides carry a satellite communication device for emergency use. They can call out, but we cannot call them. Periodically the trip leader will check in with our office. If you have someone that needs to contact you about an emergency at home, they should call our office (800-346-6277). If possible, we will relay the message to you. Keep in mind, however, it could be several days or longer before the message actually reaches you. For your family at home you should define for them what you consider an emergency and provide them with instructions to call our office in the event one occurs during your vacation.

There is intermittent cell phone service in Yosemite National Park. Most carriers have good coverage in the Valley, but cell phone service is very unreliable in the high country around Tuolumne Meadows.

Wildfires & Smoke

Fire activity frequently impacts the air quality on our trips, and occasionally wildfires may be present in the immediate vicinity of where we’re traveling. Smoke impacts are more likely in the latter-half of the summer season, so those with asthma or other respiratory conditions may wish to steer clear of this time frame. In general, we will not cancel a trip on account of smoky conditions, except in cases of clear danger to life or property. Necessary changes to logistics and/or destination may occur with very short notice as fire conditions are constantly changing. We will do our best to keep you apprised of excessively smoky conditions that can be foreseen for your upcoming trip, but we also encourage you to stay informed about local fire activity: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Our standard cancellation terms & conditions apply should you choose to cancel due to environmental conditions resulting from a wildfire near to where our trip operates. Please review our Terms & Conditions section in this document, below. Furthermore, we recommend you consider investing in a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan that provides you the ability to “cancel for any reason” should you feel conditions from a nearby wildfire may result in you canceling your reservation.

Firearms

Our guides do not carry firearms on our trips, and in most cases are prohibited from doing so by the managing agency. As a matter of preference, we ask all our guests to kindly leave your own firearms at home or in your vehicle.

Traveling at High Altitude

Your trip will visit areas ranging from 6000 – 8900 feet above sea level, therefore you may experience symptoms associated with altitude illness. We recommend the following measures to help prevent altitude illness: arrive ahead of your scheduled departure to allow for acclimatization; drink 3-4 quarts of water every day; make sure about 70% of your calories come from carbs; only use alcohol, tobacco or sleeping aid medications in moderation or not all. Please familiarize yourself with symptoms, treatment and more about altitude illness at the CDC.

Weather & Water Conditions

You should check the weather one week prior to your trip for an up-to-date weather forecast. We recommend the website https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/ca/el-portal for weather in El Portal and Yosemite Valley, CA.

Average Air and Water Temperatures (for the El Portal area)

Getting Ready

Hiking & River Runners Responsibility Code

1. Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.
2. Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.
3. Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
4. Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.
5. Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.
6. Abide by the managing agency’s rules.
7. No drugs or alcohol prior to, or during, your trip; alcohol is allowed in moderation in camp on overnight trips.
8. Minimize your impact on the environment.
9. Wear the OARS-issued and properly–fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when in the boats or swimming. Wear a helmet when required.
10. Your children are your responsibility!

Essential Eligibility Criteria for Hiking Trips

Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our essential  eligibility requirements.

Packing for Your Trip

Click on this link for helpful information about packing for  the whitewater portion of your trip: https://www.oars.com/video/wear-bring-one-day-rafting-trip-oars/

The information below is subject to when your trip takes place. The need for warm weather or cold weather items should be based on a reliable weather forecast leading up to your trip.

Clothing

While on the river—Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and synthetic or merino wool shirt as a base layer. Depending on the weather, temperature and how wet you’re getting in the rapids, additional layers for sun protection or insulation can be added or subtracted.

On the trail—Begin with sunscreen, shorts or long pants (convertible pants are great), and a long-sleeved shirt. Depending on the time of year and weather, additional layers of long underwear, socks, rain pants and rain jacket can also be worn. It can be quite cool in the morning, and as the day warms up layers can be taken off and stored in your day pack.

Footwear

While on the river— The best choice is an amphibious shoe that drains water, protects your toes and won’t come off in swirling current. A retired pair of athletic shoes can work well, too. Sport sandals with a heel strap are a good option. Find professional-grade options made by Chaco®, the official footwear sponsor of OARS guides.

On the trail—For daily wear on the trail, you will want a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots with good support and soles. Wearing good socks, as well as broken-in shoes with sturdy ankle-support, will help to prevent blisters and rolled ankles.

Please note: If you buy new shoes or sandals for the trip, make sure you break them in first!

Headwear

While on the river­—Ball caps are also useful since they fit under helmets, which are required attire when paddling our whitewater rivers.

On the trail—Wide brimmed hats are a good choice for sun protection. A lightweight beanie may be useful for early mornings and late afternoons

To Avoid Being Cold

Synthetic or merino wool long underwear is a must-have on river trips. It can be worn under shorts, rain gear, T-shirts, etc., then stripped off when the chill of the morning has worn off. It keeps you warm even if it’s wet (which can happen easily), dries quickly, and it’s compact enough to be stuffed into your small waterproof bag or daypack after you take it off. It can be layered under your waterproof rain jacket and pants. In cooler weather, a rain jacket and pants can work better than a wetsuit. This is because the jacket and pants can be put on when it’s cold or when you’re going through whitewater then easily taken off when the sun comes out and it’s hot. On early-season and high-water trips, wetsuits will be provided for paddlers.Be aware that cotton items, once wet, do not insulate; only synthetic and wool materials will keep you warm during cool, wet weather.

Something warm for your top & bottom: You need to be prepared for inclement weather. Bring a good fleece or wool top and bottom, along with a warm hat and gloves. You’ll want to double up on your base layers so that you’ll have a set to wear in the boat and a set of warm, dry clothes for hiking.

Raingear

Raingear protects you from rain, wind, and the splash of the rapids. It is one of the essential items that all guests should have no matter what time of year you are traveling. Look for a jacket and pants that are 100% waterproof, not just water resistant. A hooded jacket is recommended. Good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists and ankles. Do not bring a rain poncho, as it cannot be worn under your PFD.

Sun Protection

Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously! In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Light-weight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs.

A hat, sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses are also a must. Rheos, the official sunglasses sponsor of OARS guides, offers polarized floatable nautical eyewear with 100% UV protection. Use promo code OARS15 to save 15% on any purchase from The Nautical Eyewear Collection.

Bugs & Mosquitoes

Bugs and mosquitoes vary depending on location and time of year. It’s a good idea to come prepared with insect repellent. Long sleeved shirts and pants may be desirable at times.

Suggested Packing List

Equipment and Personal Items:

☐ Day pack/Hydration pack: large enough to carry water, lunch, camera, a warm layer and rain gear for our hiking in Yosemite (750-2000 cubic inches)
☐ Two 1-liter water bottles: durable and reusable
☐ Headlamp or flashlight (consider bringing extra batteries)
☐ Sunglasses (preferably polarized such as Rheos floatable eyewear www.rheosgear.com) with securing strap (consider bringing a spare)
☐ Small, quick-drying towel
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Personal Toiletries
☐ Sunscreen and lip protection: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher (aerosol sprays not recommended)
☐ Moisturizing lotion or cream
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Personal first aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
☐ Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts
☐ Cash for gratuities as well as goodies at various shops in Yosemite

Footwear:

☐ River shoes or sandals with a heel strap (such as those made by Chaco®) *“Aqua socks” strongly discouraged
☐ Hiking boots or shoes with good tread and comfortably worn-in to prevent blisters
☐ Hiking socks: mid-weight

Clothing:

☐ Long-sleeved shirts: lightweight and light color for sun protection (old dress shirts work well)
☐ Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection
☐ Shade hat or visor with securing strap – flexible enough to wear underneath your helmet during river trip
☐ Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant). A hooded jacket with secure closures is recommended.
☐ Swimwear; a two-piece is recommended for women for changing and using the restroom. Tankinis and board shorts are a great option.
☐ Underwear
☐ Shorts: 1-2 pair
☐ T-shirts/tops
☐ Synthetic or merino wool long underwear: 1 set top & bottom (light-, mid- or expedition-weight depending on the time of year, weather, location)
☐ Jacket: fleece or down/synthetic fill puffy (depending on the time of year, weather, location)
☐ Leisure-wear for evenings at lodge. Seasonally appropriate.

Additional Essentials for early season trips (June):

☐ Wetsuit booties and/or neoprene, wool or synthetic socks (for wearing inside your river shoes)
☐ Additional fleece top & bottom
☐ Warm hat and gloves: synthetic or wool
☐ Extra set of synthetic or merino wool long underwear, top and bottom
☐ Neoprene paddling gloves

Optional Items:

☐ Camera and accessories
☐ Sarong: useful for sun protection, evaporative cooling, changing clothes, etc.
☐ Bathing wipes: pre-moistened disposable towels
☐ Small bags: stuff sacs, zip locks or similar for organizing items
☐ Large empty bag: laundry bag, pillow case or similar for putting clothes into after your trip
☐ Ear plugs
☐ Binoculars
☐ Splash jacket and pants
☐ Sketchbook, notebook and pen, paperback book
☐ Bandana
☐ Stand-up Urination Device

Find all the gear you need for your trip online in the OARStore + 15% of your purchase helps provide under-resourced youth with outdoor adventure experiences.

Local Outdoor Equipment Stores

Foster Ace Hardware – 5188 Highway 49 North, Mariposa, California 95338 (209) 966-2692

Packing Your Gear

We provide one small, shared waterproof bag per raft for day use where you can keep items such as raingear, camera, sunscreen, lip balm, etc. (approximate sealed size: 17” tall x 9” diameter; 1081 cu in; 17.7 L). All bags are cylindrical in shape and pack from the top.

Extra Luggage

If you have extra luggage, it should be locked in your car or stored at your hotel.

Valuables

We recommend that you leave your valuables at home. We recommend leaving personal items in your car while you are rafting, including wallets, purses and cell phones. We will retrieve these items before we head to our hotel.

Gratuities

Tipping is appreciated by our staff. If you are wondering how much to tip, you may consider that we operate in a service industry with a host of behind-the-scenes contributors in addition to the guides on your trip. In general, we suggest a gratuity based on 10 – 15% of the trip cost. It is customary on OARS trips for gratuities to be given to the Trip Leader, in the form of cash or a personal check, who will then distribute appropriately amongst all the guides and support staff.

Something Voluntary

In reviewing your statement, you will note a $1/person/day donation to Friends of the River, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting California’s rivers, streams and watersheds. One-hundred percent of these funds go directly to Friends of the River, and your contribution is tax-deductible. See www.friendsoftheriver.org for more information. This donation is voluntary and may be removed from your invoice if you choose not to participate. Please notify our office to delete the donation from your balance.

Helpful Links

Gear up in the OARStore where 15% of all purchases help fund outdoor adventures for under-resourced youth
www.oars.com/OARStore

Shop for the latest in top-quality clothing, footwear & outdoor gear
www.rei.com

Recommended Reading List
https://www.oars.com/blog/best-california-books-about-the-sierra-nevada-and-beyond/

Additional information about Yosemite
www.nps.gov/yose/

Terms & Conditions

Reservations and Deposits

An $800/person deposit is required at the time of booking. Deposits may be made by check, money order or Visa/Mastercard (American Express and Discover incur a 3% processing fee). Prices are in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency.

Cancelling your trip after your deposit has processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days prior to the departure date will be cancelled without exception..

Cancellations and Refunds

Your deposit is fully refundable, less a 3% processing fee, for 7 days after you book when you submit a deposit 7 days or more prior to the final payment due date.

If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below. We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest or personal emergencies. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan (see Travel Protection below).

Date of Cancellation                                 Cancellation Fee
180 or more days prior to your trip             $100/person
179 – 120 days prior to your trip                 $200/person
119 – 90 days prior to your trip                   $400/person
89 days or less prior to your trip                  Full Fare

Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation e-mail for details.

Cancelled Trips

OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 45 days prior to departure. Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip. If a trip must be cancelled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd -party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a cancelled trip.

Transfers

If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same season, or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $50/person fee up until 120 days prior to departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. Transfer requests made 119 days or less prior to departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.

Medical

Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying an OARS trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.

Travel Protection

Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel the spaces on this trip that we’re now holding for you, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan. A travel protection plan may help reimburse the cost of your pre-paid, non-refundable payments in the event you are prevented from taking your trip for a covered reason. Trip participants must understand that in the event of an illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. For complete details and to purchase the plan we highly recommend, visit: https://www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan.

Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote here:
www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.

Liability Release / Assumption of Risk

Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release / assumption of risk form before the trip, confirming awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with OARS cancellation policy, there will be no  refund of the trip fees at that time.

Responsibility – An Important Notice

O.A.R.S. West, Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, pandemics, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and wellbeing of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 4 guests – 6 for gourmet, craft beer and wine trips), and other factors. There is risk in whitewater rafting, particularly during high-water conditions. Rafts, dories and kayaks do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” and “float-it-out” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept guests weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. We are experienced at accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. We need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time.

OARS trips occur in areas where unpredictable environmental conditions are to be expected. To moderate dangerous situations for our guests and guides, all travelers must obey the rules and regulations as determined by the managing agencies and the Trip Leader and demonstrate reasonable consideration for other guests and OARS employees. We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip if, in our opinion, that guest’s actions or behaviors pose a threat to the safety of her/himself or others, or if those actions or behaviors compromise the enjoyment of the trip for others. Should a guest be asked to leave a trip, there will be no refund for the unused portion, nor will OARS be responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest for accommodations, return transport, change fees, etc. Prices subject to change without notice. Upon advancement of deposit, the depositor agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. OARS is an equal opportunity provider.