Let’s just cut right to the chase here, I am not athletic. I have trouble getting my dutch oven down from the cabinet and struggle to move my Crockpot around the kitchen. But I took a whitewater rafting trip on the upper Clackamas River and I’d do it again! 

Back in August, my family took a vacation to Portland, Oregon to view the total solar eclipse and we decided to make a week trip out of it! I’ll post more about the eclipse, food, wine, and everything else in coming posts. Before we left my mom asked my sister and I if we wanted to book an experience through Airbnb. In case you haven’t heard of this feature (because I hadn’t) local hosts post their experience just like they would post their house and you browse through and book the date and time you want to join. Super simple and awesome for those who want to explore the area they’re visiting.

My mom sent my sister and I a listing for Whitewater Rafting & Brew. To be completely honest, I didn’t respond because I wasn’t sure why she would think this experience would be a good fit for my family. Typically when we go on vacation we find local coffee shops, wine taste, and walk the city. Not sign up for extreme sports–or what I consider extreme!

The Upper Clackamas River is known for its classic whitewater and scenery. What I didn’t know was it’s also full of class III intermediate whitewater! Throughout the 6 mile stretch, we learned how to paddle, took in the Mt. Hood National Forest, and chatted with our tour guide. My dad even jumped out and got to swim around a bit! Yes, each rapid made my heart flutter and sent my stomach into a little frenzy but then we made our way through and got to enjoy the awesome views and weather. We ended the trip with a stop at a local brewery, looking through the photos that were captured, and graciously joking about how nobody fell out!

Even though I really had no clue what I was doing, I still enjoyed myself and am glad my family got to experience something different during our vacation! I look forward to the next family vacation and the next time we get out on the water. Have you ever been whitewater rafting? What’s your favorite recreational outdoor activity? Let me know in the comments!

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