Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended as we do book full at times. A 50% deposit is required to confirm a reservation and can be done with a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or an personal check. Deposits are non-refundable within 72 hours (groups of 8 or more, 14 days) of the scheduled date although rescheduling is possible. We reserve the right to cancel any trips due to weather or water conditions with a full refund.
What should I wear? The most important thing to remember for warmth is DON’T WEAR COTTON! Cotton will cool you down significantly when it’s wet. We recommend synthetic fabrics such as polypro, fleece, and wool. (yes, wool is synthetic, ever hear of cloning sheep?) These fabrics will help you stay warm even when wet. Sandals without ankle straps (such as flip flops) are not allowed although Chacos, Tevas and other securable sandals as well as tennis shoes will work. OPTIONS WE OFFER: rain jacket or pants $1.25 each piece, neoprene booties $2.50, wetsuit $4.
Is it safe? Although we can never guarantee safety, we do have an excellent saftey record. Falling out of a boat is very rare but it can happen. We take pride in your safety and it is our biggest concern. We have never had an insurance claim. (25 years and counting…)
Do you still go out in the rain? Why not? Nobody has melted yet! Although we always hope for warm, sunny weather, hey, it’s not Arizona. You should expect to get wet out there and be prepared. We can help you decide on clothing options to keep you warm and comfortable.
How do you rate the rivers? We like to call the Elwha River a Class II+, which means getting quite wet and plenty of whitewater to keep the trip exciting for all involved. Nothing that could be considered real big and demanding. It’s a great trip for getting your feet wet in the sport of whitewater rafting! The Hoh River (Class II-) is more of a very scenic float with a few areas of mild whitewater where you could get splashed and wet.
Can I bring a camera? Feel free! We provide dry bags that do a great job keeping things dry (if you close them properly) These bags are great for cameras, extra clothing, snacks, etc. We also sell inexpensive waterproof cameras.
What is the park entrance fee for the Elwha Rafting Trip? In May, 2001 Olympic National Park decided to start charging our clients an entrance fee. You can buy an annual pass or a seven day pass at any entrance station, which is good for your immediate family. Please have this pass with you when you arrive at the shop. If you have not purchased a pass, there is a $5 single use entrance fee for each adult.
