Illinois River Rafting

One of the great wilderness trips in the country - some say the best

TRIP LENGTH

4 days

WHEN TO GO

April - early May

WHO IT'S FOR

Class IV+ (V):
For the experienced and adventurous beginner in good physical condition.
Minimum age 14

TRIP COST

$1990

ACTIVITIES

Rafting, Hiking

CAMP STYLE

‘Momentum’ High Adventure River Camping
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‘Momentum Style’ High Adventure River Camping

We have built a reputation for innovative and comfortable camping in wilderness places, our attention to detail, & our overall hospitality. Momentum trips range from Safari-style base camps to downriver expedition style trips to everything in between. On many of our downriver trips we are able to send boats ahead to set up camp while on others we can’t split up the group and are so weight limited that we have to do a more paired down menu.

The whitewater on the Illinois is too technical to have camp boats sent ahead and it also limits the amount of weight we can carry. Each afternoon we will all float into camp together and the guides will help everyone set up their tents. While people are getting changed the guides will set up the rest of camp including a covered eating and hang-out area and a big fire. On most Illinois trips have the full creative food menus that we are known for with 3 course dinners and featuring local and organic products. In the morning the guides will take down camp while you pack and take down your tent (we can always help with that as well!).

GATEWAY CITY

Medford OR (MFR)

MEETING LOCATION

Ashland/Medford, OR
 
"I just wanted to thank you again for the great Illinois trip a few weeks ago, it was definitely one of the best multi-day trips I have ever been on and, as usual, the attention to detail that you and your guides adhere to is astounding and very much appreciated"

based on 23 reviews - more reviews >

Southern Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Illinois River is considered by some to be the best wilderness rafting trip in the country. Few rivers can match its combination of extreme isolation, solitude (we can only take 24 people a year down this river), beauty, and whitewater. The Illinois features crystal clear water, countless waterfalls tumbling into the river, a spectacular canyon with steep walls draped in moss and ferns, and world-class pool drop whitewater. This rafting trip is what wilderness river running is all about and we are honored to offer it.

Momentum Illinois Trips
Oregon's Illinois River with Klondike Peak in the background - Photo: Pete WallstromThe Illinois is a classic Momentum spring trip and a ‘backyard’ river for many of our guides. Remote, very rarely run, with the kind of challenging logistics that we relish. We have built a reputation for innovative and comfortable camping in wilderness places and for creative menus featuring local and organic produce & products. We truly love showing people this place. Please call if you have any questions about this amazing adventure!

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Our Illinois Rafting Trips were featured in Outside Magazine

The Illinois begins at the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains along the Oregon California border. The river then makes a very brief run through civilization before tumbling through the coastal mountains of the vast Kalmiopsis Wilderness (where we begin our trip). This section is one of the most inaccessible stretches of river in the country and the canyons and mountains are as rugged and steep as any in Oregon.

There is a ton of amazing whitewater with eleven class IV drops, one class V (the infamous “Green Wall”) and countless others. The rapids are a perfect combination of giant boulders, big holes, steep drops, and crystal clear crashing waves.

Our Illinois trips are done with Momentums’ signature style, attention to detail, and handcrafted quality. With comfortable and innovative wilderness camping, creative menus, personal service and hospitality, one of the most experienced (and friendly) guide staffs in the world, and with all the little details and touches we are known for.

There are no dams on the Illinois and it is fed by a relatively low elevation snow pack so the rafting season is April through early May before the water drops too low. Because of this, a journey down the Illinois can also be a test of rain gear – it’s the Pacific Northwest in spring! However with the right gear (we will help you with that) and the right attitude, the rainiest of trips will still be remembered as trip of a life time. And if everything comes together and the trip is enjoyed under blue skies this canyon is as close to paradise as you will find.

You by no means need to be an expert to raft the Illinois – adventurous first timers in good physical condition are more then welcome. However this trip is a true adventure and all guests need to be ready for inclement weather and most of all need to bring an adventurous spirit.

Please Note:
– The water levels on the Illinois fluctuate wildly and can rise to un-raftable levels in less then a day. Because of this it is possible that we may be forced to run an alternate stretch at the last minute.
– Trips are kept very small with a 2 or 3 to one guest to guide ratio.
– We can only take 24 people down a year so trips fill very quickly.

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Why Momentum on Oregon's Illinois River

• This is the kind of trip we are known for – remote and off the beaten path. It is a 'backyard' river for us and we know it extremely well.
• A small company committed to amazing trips & our wild places.
• Safety: All our guides have a minimum 5 years of experience leading trips around the world.
• Creative menus: featuring local and organic produce & products.
• All inclusive: all camping gear included if needed (comfortable 3” sleeping pads).
• Overall comfort: Innovative wilderness camping, attention to detail, & our signature hospitality.
• A remote river that highlights our guiding experience, expedition roots, & attention to detail.
• Most importantly - we are friendly, we love what we do, and it shows.

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Recent Testimonials

  • "We just returned from an amazing 4-day trip on the unspoiled and seldom rafted Illinois River. We enjoyed a very small group of 7 guests and 4 guides on this trip which made for a very personalized vacation. Excellent food, great company, plenty of action as well as time to appreciate the untamed beauty of this wilderness river. As always, Momentum provided a first-class adventure experience and some of the very best river guides we have ever traveled with. This is our 2nd trip with Momentum and we will most certainly be booking again next season. Looking forward to conquering the next ‘Fluffy Box of Kittens’!"
  • "Just got back from a four day trip down the Illinois River with Momentum. Obviously, the scenery and rapids were amazing. But going with Momentum took the experience to the next level. Our guides – Anthony, Alan, and Mike – were three of the most professional river guides I’ve ever traveled with. In fact, I learned that the MOST junior guide at Momentum has eight years of experience! These guys worked their buns off to give us a fun and safe trip down the river. I always felt that the guides were in control – even when our boat joined the Illinois “swim team!”… I have now become a lifelong customer and fan of Momentum, and I fully intend on doing their entire menu of trips over the next few years (Cal Salmon next year!)."
  • "Momentum is a first class outfit from start to finish. This trip was an amazing experience for all from the office staff to the guides to the food to the scenery words can’t describe how amazing this trip was. Andy, Vikram and Lorenzo are world-class guides who’s river knowledge is exceptional, their cooking skills are tremendous and overall just phenomenal people. I can’t wait to take another trip with Momentum."
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