White Water Rafting, Kayaking & Hiking Blog

Oregon Vortex

2009-07-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

The dictionary defines a vortex as a "whirlpool." But those that believe in land-locked vortexes, define them as "concentrated energy rising from the earth." And they believe that this concentrated energy is often felt by palpable sensations across the nape of the neck and the shoulder blades.

Probably the most famous land-locked vortex is known as The Oregon Vortex. The Cooper family, who have owned the southern Oregon Gold Hill property for 45 years say it is all quite simple: magnetic fields, half above the ground and half below it, create a vortex, a whirlpool of force that sucks everything around it towards its center.

Our Rogue River rafting guests often take this quick drive off Interstate-5 to "trip out" on this naturally occurring phenomenon. Step inside the creaky 1904 mining office and you can feel your body listing towards the magnetic field. Grab a broom, whisk side up, handle touching the ground, and let go: incredibly the broom stands there on its own! Don't believe it?!?...well, darn it, just get in touch with your inner child!!!

In the early 1900s, lore has it that Native Americans wouldn't go near the Oregon Vortex property...because their horses always spooked! A man named John Litster, a physicist who opened the Vortex to the public in 1930, provides even more mystery...after conducting experiments on the odd phenomena he observed here, Litster, in notes, which he later burned is said to have written, "The world isn't ready for what goes on here."

You can visit the Oregon Vortex website by clicking here. For questions, phone 541-855-1543. Directions to the site can be found on the website.

Zane Grey's Rogue River Feud

2009-07-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Famous western author, Zane Grey, shoots the Rogue River rapids at Lower Black Bar during a 1925 fishing excursion. He later memorialized the Oregon wilderness in his novel, Rogue River Feud. [photo courtesy Bureau of Land Mgmt.]

Portland Monthly Magazine just released a interesting slide show of historic Rogue River photos...many of them featuring the legendary author Zane Grey. You can check out more of these fascinating historic photos by clicking on this link.

Buncom: Oregon's Oldest Ghost Town

2009-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Never heard of the tiny southern Oregon ghost town of Buncom? Well, neither had we until we read about Reeve and Lyn Hennion's efforts to preserve the ghost town for future generations. Their tireless preservation and promotional efforts on behalf of Buncom and its history led to the husband/wife duo receiving a 2009 Oregon Heritage Excellence Award.

Ah...and who doesn't love good ghost town lore? We knew many of our Whitewater Warehouse guests and blog readers would be interested too. When gold was discovered in nearby Sterling Creek in 1854, people swarmed to the area. As history goes, some of these miners made fortunes, many did not. Like many small towns in this era, Buncom soon "reinvented" itself by becoming a supply and distribution center for local ranchers and farmers in southern Oregon's Applegate Valley. According to Hennion, "That lasted for a couple decades until the automobile became the primary form of transportation. After that, the post office continued until the 1930's as an early day mini-mart." Today, there are only three buildings remaining in the ghost town of Buncom.

Reeve and Lyn believe that the preservation of this ghost town is vital. "Buncom and its people were typical of many settlers in the west. Their story is important in telling about the lives of people who weren't heroes, just ordinary folks." They also believe that their efforts to promote the ghost town were the first ever on the internet....Buncom's website was first published in 1995!

The Buncom grounds are open all hours, although daylight hours are best for viewing. The website provides a directional map for your convenience. Visitors do not need to contact the Hennion's before traveling to the ghost town but if you have questions, they welcome phone calls at 541-899-7656 or you can email Reeve at: rhennion@buncom.org.

Wildflowers of the Rogue River

2009-07-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

White Water Warehouse guest, hiker, and photographer extraordinaire, Bev Martin, took these incredible photos of some of southern Oregon's Rogue River wildflowers in mid-June of this year.

The Rogue, Portrait of a River

2009-06-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Roger Dorband's life is much like the river he loves so much--through all kinds of conditions, each keeps flowing forward. In 2006, Roger self-published a remarkable book entitled "The Rogue, Portrait of a River." This talented artist/author filled his book with beautifully written text, local lore and history, and incredible photos of southern Oregon's Rogue River.

"While serving in the South Seas between the World Wars, my father read of the fabulous sport fishing on the Rogue in the writings of Zane Grey. Nurturing dreams engendered by Grey, he decided to retire to southern Oregon in 1939. A city boy from Chicago, world weary from 20 years in the Navy, he moved to the Rogue Valley for three things: the mild climate, the simple life, and the fishing.

"When I think river, I am thinking Rogue. It is the first and the last, the one that flows through my dreams and imagination. I spent my early, most impressionable years growing up in the Rogue Valley.

"Getting to know a river can be a lifelong journey. Like the ever-changing background of an epic story, in my life the Rogue has been a place to gather with others, a fortress of solitude, an aid to memory, a song, a quality of light, a cradle of dreams, a resting place, a source of energy, a giver of joy, and a receptacle of sorrow," writes Dorband in his book.

Little did Roger know how true those words would ring. On Thanksgiving Day 2008, Roger's commercial studio--filled with 1,000 copies of his book and countless photographic images--was caught in an epic fire that raged through several buildings and finally licked at his. "I thought I could save the books that I had stored in my studio but the smoke and water damage was pervasive. It was devastating...something that still haunts me. Through the grief, I slowly began working my way forward."
Roger has reprinted 2,500 copies of his incredible book. You can order The Rogue, Portrait of a River from his website at: www.rogueriverimages.com or visit him in his new Astoria, Oregon studio in the Copeland Building on Commercial Street. Borders or Barnes & Noble bookstores also carry the book. Several small, independent bookstores in southern Oregon stock the book as well.

Roger wrote this beautiful line about the Rogue in his book and we think it parallels his own persistent life journey: "Like the Rogue, a river may change its course many times, hide itself underground during a series of drought years, be dammed, dynamited, bulldozed, channeled, and piped miles from its natural bed. Still it persists, expressing a power that is the very essence of life."

All photos and graphics copyrighted by Roger Dorband.

Oregon Rafting Vacation Spices Up Lives!

2009-06-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

"What is in this dish you are serving for lunch?!?" is a question our White Water Warehouse rafting/hiking guides often hear from WWW's guests. For us, cooking and serving yummy, local-sourced foods on our Oregon Rogue River rafting, kayaking, and hiking trips is simply a matter of pride. And to get the highest degree of yum-factor in our foods, we often turn to the sultan of spices--Penzeys Spices.

So when the folks at Penzeys recently emailed us to ask us about how we use their spices in our river rafting dishes, it got us thinking. Here's another quality company (Penzeys) whose spices allow us to really enhance our river rafting trips for our guests. So why not share our "little secret" with the world (or at least the folks that visit this blog!!!)

Penzeys Spices has been around for 23 years. Started in Wisconsin, the company now has storefronts in 18 different states (including Portland, Oregon). The company has a fascinating history--built on hard work, a clear vision, and quality products. Here at White Water Warehouse, we immediately recognized a like-minded company. With that said, we have been purchasing most of the spices we use on our trips from Penzeys for the last 13 years.

OK, enough chatter...lets get down to the food. The following is a recipe that folks really love at this time of year when fresh broccoli is maturing in our organic Willamette Valley gardens.

Broccolicious Salad
1.) Take 2 big heads of broccoli & cut up into bite size pieces
2.) Crisp fry 8 pieces of bacon and break up into small pieces
3.) 1/2 cup red onion, chopped fine
4.) 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
5.) 3/4 cup chopped cashews or slivered almonds
6.) Mix together these ingredients for the dressing: 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/8 cup white sugar or honey, 2 tablespoons Penzeys Buttermilk dressing mix, 2/3 cup mayonnaise,
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.

Mix the first 5 ingredients with the dressing and you have a delicious, nutritious salad!

2009 Rogue River Trail Hiking Videos

2009-06-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

White Water Warehouse's owner, Bob Meister, just returned from several late May/early June hiking trips on Oregon's historic Rogue River trail . He shares a couple videos in this blog of his adventures with the hikers. The first hiking video shows a view of the historic Whiskey Creek cabin (an old miner's cabin) located near the Rogue River trail. The second video show Bob and hikers pausing to see the Rogue River Ranch vegetable and flower gardens. These gardens are designed, planted, and maintained each year by the caretakers who live at the Ranch during the spring/summer/fall months. The Ranch can be accessed by river or trail.

Southern Oregon's Covered Bridges: A Step Through Time

2009-06-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Oregon's Covered Bridges: Spread over three southern Oregon counties, road trip vacationers can still view today 10 historic covered bridges. While not all 10 bridges are in excellent condition or even able to support vehicle traffic, each one has its own unique and interesting story to tell. For the visitors to our blog, we chronicle two of these bridges which were born and built in a bygone era. Both bridges support vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

First is Cavitt Creek Covered Bridge located in southern Oregon's Douglas County. Built in 1943 by renowned bridge builder, Floyd C. Frear, the bridge's 70-foot span crosses the Little River at the junction with Cavitt Creek. The design features Tudor arch portals to accommodate heavy log truck usage, and the upper and lower chords utilize raw logs as its support. Each side of the roofed structure sports three windows, and long narrow slits above each truss allow "daylighting" as well as ventilation for the bridge's interior.

For our friends who rely on GPS coordinates, the location is: Latitude: N43 14.65 Longitude: W123 01.32

Because of its proximity to Oregon's Interstate 5, Grave Creek Bridge is Oregon's most viewed covered bridge. Originally built on Highway 99 in 1920, the structure was built by the State Highway department and is a standardized state covered bridge. The housed Howe truss is 105-feet long. The original semi-elliptical portal arches have been reshaped to provide increased height clearance. Architectural features include false end heads. The Grave Creek bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in southern Oregon's Josephine County.

GPS coordinates for the bridge are: Latitude: N42 38.17 Longtitude: W123 22.66

Rogue River's Blossom Bar: Rafting it Stroke by Stroke

2009-06-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Whitewater Warehouse early June hikers watch as the raft which carries all their heavy gear and food moves to the river left eddy above the Rogue River's infamous Blossom Bar rapids.

Bob Meister, White Water Warehouse owner and lead guide on this early June hiking trip, positions the raft above Blossom Bar to begin his descent through the rapid. You can see the "boulder garden" that he must maneuver around before he faces the actual beginning of the rapid.

Bob begins to row the raft back into the boulders on his river right. This allows him to set up to miss the "Picket Fence"--a portion of rocks/boulders at the top of this rapid on river left.

Bob rows the boat away from the "Picket Fence" and perfectly down the appropriate slot. At this water level in June, not much of the actual "Fence" is showing above water. However, you can see some of the rocks that make up the Picket Fence in the middle of the photo. When the water levels drop in later summer, many more rocks/boulders will be exposed.

Bob and raft make it safely downriver...showing what 30-plus years of boating skills offer to our clients! How many rafting companies can actually say that the owner guides on many of the trips!

Great downriver shot through the remaining portion of Blossom Bar rapid.

Hikers move off after viewing "the show"...back on the trail for another fun day of hiking--without heavy backpacks! Bob's got all of their gear in the raft!

Soft & Sweet & Salty: Cary's of Oregon

2009-06-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Southern Oregon Artisan Candies: Oh, my! Do we ever love our sweets here at White Water Warehouse! A couple years ago our owner, Joy Henkle, happened to be on a WWW river trip with about 20 guests on southern Oregon's beautiful Rogue River. The group had stopped for a wonderful riverside picnic lunch. Along the shoreline drifts a raft carrying two smiling faces. Arms extended, the two folks offered Joy and WWW's clients a taste of something uber-incredible. That treat was a soft toffee "finger" made by Cary's of Oregon. It was dreamland from the first incredible bite. Not too sweet--in fact, the discerning palate can taste the tiniest amount of salt from the salt butter, which provides a good counterpoint for the sweetness.

Cary's of Oregon makes its toffee creations daily, with much of the candy-making still done by hand. Ingredients are top quality (you can taste the difference), including creamery butter and superb Guittard chocolate. Wild creations like Chai Tea, Mango Tea, and Trail Toffee (chunks of plain toffee mixed with toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and raisins) satisfy even the most hard to please candyholics.

Located in the Rogue Valley in southern Oregon, Cary's of Oregon has an observation area at their factory. After you watch the soft/sweet/salty goodness being made, the toffee will taste even better! The location is: 413 Union Ave, Grants Pass OR. Store hours are: M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For more information, call Cary's at 1-888-822-9300 or purchase the delectable delights online at CarysofOregon.com

Gary West Smoked Meats

2009-06-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Southern Oregon Specialty Foods: Sometimes a retailer just gets "it right." We happened upon Gary West Smoked Meats located in the cuter-than-cute town of Jacksonville, Oregon, on one of our southern Oregon exploration trips. What a unique treat! While the company specializes in smoked meats, it also offers up to customers a range of local-sourced food that would yummily stuff a Sunday picnic basket. (Yes, we made up the word "yummily" but it fits!) The quaint shop hosts a surprising number of southern Oregon wines which are featured along-side locally made chips, dips, breads, cheeses, and, of course, those wonderful smoked meats and jerky.

Staff even tempts buyers with a full case of incredible candy fudge choices!

But the real stars of this show/shop are the jerky varieties that you will find no where else...like their certified Angus Beef, Buffalo, and Elk jerky varieties. They even make a jerky for man's best friend...the Gus Dog Jerky! Now, our shop dog, Sparky, would be wild-eyed for that one!!

You might want to sign up for their mailing list. Periodically, the company posts specials...like its current "Dads & Grads" sale which offers you free ground shipping for a limited time. Gary West's retail outlet is located at 690 North 5th St in Jacksonville, Oregon. Open 7 days a week, shoppers can reach them by dialing 1-800-833-1820 or check out their website at: www.garywest.com

If you happen to be in the southern Oregon area rafting with us at White Water Warehouse, make sure to put this store on your "must visit" list. The friendly staff offers free samples of all their smoked meat products and their pastrami sandwiches are simply out-of-this-world. Oh-my-gosh, my dog's and my mouth are watering....

Golf's Ultimate Water Hazard

2009-06-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Southern Oregon Golf Courses: Do you love water and golf---just not your golf ball IN the water? Well, that rings true for many of our White Water Warehouse clients. They book their 3-day, 2-night lodge-to-lodge Rogue River rafting adventure with us and then head out afterward to experience their next spectacular southern Oregon adventure--golfing. The difficulty levels of southern Oregon golf courses really run the gamut. From the newly touted 18-hole Bandon Crossings Golf Course located on the south coast in Bandon, Oregon, to the challenging 9-hole Quail Point Golf Course located in Medford, Oregon. The area really offers golfers of all levels an opportunity to challenge themselves and play in the sun...at reasonable rates!

Other southern Oregon golf courses worth noting are the now world famous 36-hole Bandon Dunes golf course, and Running Y Ranch, and Eagle Point golf courses. The Southern Oregon Visitors Association has a dynamite website page where you can review most of these courses and target their locations.

Crater Lake Lodge Opens

2009-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

So many of our White Water Warehouse guests stay at Crater Lake Lodge while traveling with us that we had to make note that the Lodge is "now open for business" although the park itself still has significant snow. Typically, the Lodge opens in late May (this year is obviously no exception) and stays open until the snows close it to guests in mid-October.

Built in 1915, the lodge is an architectural

wonder--inside and out. Sitting on the edge of the

caldera overlooking Crater Lake, the views are stunning.

The Lodge books early and fast so don't hesitate to call if you are interested in staying for a few days to enjoy day hikes, boat cruises, biking, fine dining, and, of course, the spectacularly blue Crater Lake. Call 888-774-2728 or check lodging availability immediately by clicking on the Lodge's online booking service.

One-of-a-kind Raft for One-of-a-kind Rafting

2009-05-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

For over 30 years, White Water Warehouse has run Rogue River rafting trips with its unique and original (designed and built by our in-house professionals!) pontoon rafts. These "babies" are so comfy that we actually have guests book on our Rogue River rafting trips because of the way they ride in the water. Interestingly, folks with back issues find these rafts extraordinarily relaxing. The pontoon's design makes it easy to elongate your legs while supporting the back and lower lumbar. Also a cool design because it sheds water so it doesn't hold onto cold H2O.

The video shows our Whitewater Warehouse guide maneuvering the pontoon raft through a Class III "sneak route" around the famous Rogue River Class V rapids called Rainey Falls. You'll note that there are no guests in the raft--we have our guests walk around the Rainey Falls rapids and they meet the guide/raft at the bottom. That way, they also get to watch the entire descent (and video tape it as well!)

Call us today to book your river adventure 800-214-0579. We boast 26 years of grins for our customers (and us too!)

Rogue River Landmarks Preserved

2009-05-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Rogue River Landmarks: In early May, the Nature Conservancy finalized the purchase of 1,710 acres on the plateau and slopes of upper Table Rocks, completing a conservation project begun 30 years ago. The $3.9 million deal expands the protected status of Table Rocks to almost 4,900 acres.

This beautiful piece of land is located in southwest Oregon, just north of Medford. And it is a remarkable landmark for many reasons. For one, there is an extraordinary diversity of spectacular wildflowers that bloom from March until June that includes expanses of goldfields, grass widows and brodiaea. The dwarf woolly meadowfoam grows only on the Table Rocks and nowhere else on Earth! The slopes below the rocks support Oregon white oak, madrone, ponderosa pine woodlands, and Rogue Valley chaparral.

A federally listed species of fairy shrimp has been discovered inhabiting the vernal pools on the top of Table Rock and the oak woodland and chaparral at the Table Rocks provide the northernmost known nesting site of the blue-gray gnatcatcher.

Besides its incredible bio-diversity, Table Rocks is important because it is the site of incredible geological history and cultural history. To the Takelma Indians, Table Rocks was a sacred site. It was the heart of the world.

About 40,000 people hike the Table Rocks each year, finding ecological delights or simply the peace and quiet of nature. Many of our White Water Warehouse hiking guests take side hikes each year to Table Rocks to listen to the beautiful song of the western meadowlarks or take in the vast meadows of dwarf lupine, wild onion, and fawn lilies.

To get there: Take I-5 north out of Medford, Oregon. Take exit 33 east about one mile to Table Rock Rd, turn north (left) onto Table Rock Rd, proceed 7.6 miles, passing Tou Velle State Park, turn west (left) onto Wheeler Rd and continue approximately 1 mile to signed parking lot. The two-mile trail to the top of lower Table Rock begins there.

Britt Festivals: Mixing the Music

2009-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Oregon Music Festivals: In our blog, we write about southern Oregon's gems. Right at the top of these treasures sits Britt Festivals. Conceived in 1963 by Portland conductor, John Trudeau, "The Britt" has been offering world-class music for 47 years. Trudeau picked the tiny town of Jacksonville and the incredible historic hillside estate of Peter Britt. The venue offers music lovers great views, incredible acoustics, and it is nestled in the quaint southern Oregon town of Jacksonville.

Sara King Cole, Marketing Manager for the Britt Festivals is a wealth of knowledge. "47 years ago Britt Festivals started with a plywood stage and a canvas canopy--there are great stories about the original classical musicians literally having to protect their instruments from the rain coming through the leaky canvas roof. Today, we have a permanent stage, full cover, and a top-of-the-line sound system so our musicians no longer have those concerns."

The Britt Festivals' 2009 performances begin June 12 and run through September 15. The artist lineup boasts an incredible array of musicians and performing talents. You'll find everything from the classical (a three-week festival that is still the heart of Britt) to Etta James, Diana Krall, and a special August 30th performance by Pink Martini honoring Oregon's 150 birthday celebration.

More information is available by accessing the Britt Festivals website or by calling their box office at: 1-800-882-7488.

All photos copyrighted by Britt Festivals.

Wildlife Safari - A Bunch of Cool Cats!

2009-05-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Oregon Destination: Southern Oregon's Wildlife Safari is something you must see to believe. Located on the rolling hills of Winston, Oregon, Wildlife Safari's 600 acres are home to hundreds of animals from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Your ticket into the park buys you a peek into what an African Safari must be like. From the safety of your vehicle, you will see these beautiful creatures--and they can take a peek at you too!

Darlene Alexander, public relations for Wildlife Safari, has a cute way of describing this unique park. "We like to say, 'If you were any closer, you'd be lunch!' You can see by the photos I sent you that many of our animals are so curious they will stroll right up to our guests' vehicles. We specialize in bringing people and animals together!"

Many of our White Water Warehouse clients have visited the Safari over the years and always call to report what a unique experience it was for them. "Unforgettable," is the word we hear over and over.

But Wildlife Safari is much more than simply a viewing park. It has a long history of conservation, education, and research of native and exotic wildlife. Staff participate in programs to protect and conserve white rhinos, African elephants, and cheetahs. Since 1973, 161 cheetahs have been born in the park, making Wildlife Safari the largest and most successful cheetah reproduction project in the western hemisphere.

For an adventure you'll never forget, take Interstate 5 to exit 119 (Hwy 42) and follow the signs to Wildlife Safari. Entry fees vary so call ahead--541-679-6761 or check out their website for more information.

All photos copyrighted by Wildlife Safari, Dale & Elva Paulson, and Darlene Alexander.

Oregon Caves Chateau Celebrates 75 Year History

2009-05-12T08:00:00.001-07:00

Oregon Historic Hotel: We asked Emilie Young, current director of the Chateau at the Oregon Caves, what she found most interesting about the 75 year history of the beautiful hotel. Without hesitation, she answered, "I find it fascinating that 10 business men came together in the middle of the Great Depression to conceive the Chateau. The group privately funded the design and the building of the structure. Their intent was to build a local, non-profit attraction that would employ local residents, display local art, incorporate local-sourced food, and play off the huge attraction of the caves. These 10 men," says Ms. Young, "had the vision to create an economic development component to aid the surrounding communities."

This rustic, Swiss-style, wood-framed building is securely nestled in a forested ravine by the cave's entrance. With its shaggy exterior sheathed in Port Orford cedar bark, the wooden post-and-beam Chateau is a visual delight. The 75-year-old lodge has 30-inch diameter log columns, a rustic staircase crafted from oak and madrone wood, a massive marble hearth, a 1930s-style coffee shop, and, in the dining area, a section of Cave Creek that's been channeled to flow through the graciously elegant room.

Designated as one of the "Great Lodges of Oregon" (the other two are Crater Lake Lodge and Timberline Lodge), you can overnight in one of its stately rooms and dine in the Chateau's unique restaurant. The Chateau at the Oregon Caves is located at 20000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction OR. Phone 877-245-9022 for lodging or dining reservations or visit the Chateau's website.

This just in from the weird file...we just had to add a blurb about the ghost hunter taking on the ghosts at the Oregon Caves Chateau....

Rogue River Rafting, Kayaking & Hiking Video Post

2009-05-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

Check it out...Renee from our office got crazy one morning and put together this short video post on our Rogue River rafting, kayaking and hiking trips...

Oregon Caves Celebrates 100 Years

2009-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Oregon National Monument: Actually 100 years is a relatively small amount of time in the "life" history of these fascinating caves located near the tiny southern Oregon town of Cave Junction. The 100 year celebration is a nod to President William Taft's 1909 designation of the Oregon Caves as a National Monument. Often referred to as "The Marble Halls of Oregon," these caves are worth preserving...and viewing.

Geologists say the cave's bedrock, originally limestone, likely formed around 240 million years ago, before being buried underneath thick piles of lava and mud. Pressure and heat from molten rock transformed the limestone into marble. In the last 1 - 2 million years, water has been the cave's patient architect, carving out hollow passages and building up striking formations shaped like parachutes, bananas, fancy draperies and gothic columns. There's also cave popcorn, formed in the direction of airflow, and moonmilk, composed of tiny calcite crystals, but with a look and feel of ricotta cheese. These crystals were once used medicinally by European peasants to heal livestock wounds.

The only way to enter the Oregon Caves is on ranger-led tours. The moderately strenuous, 90-minute standard tour meanders about a half-mile through sometimes low and narrow passages and climbs more than 500 stairs. Good walking shoes and warm clothing are necessities--the cave temperature is a nippy year-round 44 degrees. For those who can't take the tours--the first room of the cave is accessible.

For a full list of schedule activities, call 541-592-2100 or visit the Oregon Caves website. In an upcoming blog, we will highlight the beautiful Oregon Caves Chateau...a rustic Swiss-style, wood-framed building that is nestled in a forested ravine by the cave entrance.

Kayaker Takes on Oregon Rogue River Rapids

2009-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

White Water Warehouse guest kayaker takes on one of Oregon's famous Rogue River rapids in this YouTube video...

Los Angeles: $69 Airfare Escape to Oregon!

2009-04-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

ALERT to all our California guests: $69 fares from Los Angeles, California to Medford, Oregon....only if you book your plane tickets through Horizon Air before May 7, 2009. This Horizon Air web link gives you all the details. Wow.

Oregon Rafting Company Serves Up Local-Sourced Foods

2009-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

We LOVE healthy, local-sourced food and it shows in all the menu items we prepare for our White Water Warehouse guests. All the dips, dressings, and salads are loving homemade--with many of the ingredients coming for our own Willamette Valley organic farms. Even the smoked Salmon that we offer our guests is caught by our owner (Bob Meister), smoked and packed by him as well! Served next to artisan cheese and crackers coupled with a fine glass of Oregon wine--shared with old (and new) friends at the end of a long day of rafting, kayaking, and/or hiking--life just doesn't get any better.

So folks ask what sets us apart from other rafting companies and I guess it just comes down to this. We are passionate about what we do and what we offer our guests--in every aspect of our business. We don't just send our guides down to the local mini-mart to mass purchase and pack food items. We oversee each and every morsel. So if the devil is in the details, we've got that one down. Even each tiny clove of garlic that we use in the dips and salad dressings is from our organic gardens...

Call our offices today and experience the difference....1-800-214-0579 or email us at: fun@whitewaterwarehouse.com We'd love to show you "the difference."

Crater Lake Webcam

2009-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

OK, so this is one of the shortest blogs we've done in a long time. Came across a coolacious Crater Lake Webcam site that updates every 15 minutes. Check it out, friends! Just-so-ya-know, Crater Lake is the headwater for Oregon's Rogue River and White Water Warehouse's Rogue River rafting & kayaking trips.

Photo credit & copyright, Rob Robinson.

Earth Day 2009: Keeping It Green On The River

2009-04-21T08:00:00.001-07:00

We are committed to Earth Day at White Water Warehouse. Here are some simple but useful suggestions for keeping it “green” while on your river trip…

FOOD:
1.) Use pita bread pockets for your sandwich bread. Nixes the need for plates or forks.
2.) Pack bulk water containers and fill individual water bottles from the container. Stops the use (and landfill waste) of individual plastic bottles.
3.) After each meal, use trash bags to separate your composting materials, from your recycling materials, from your burnable materials….and then just keep adding to each bag until the trip is over. Once home, you can recycle or compost the items.

TOOLS:

1.) When bathing in the river, use bio-degradable soaps like Dr. Bronner’s. This company makes more products than ever…obviously, their traditional soaps but even shaving creams and body balms. Website is: www.drbronner.com

2.) Use a batteryless flashlight for your midnight stroll to the groover (bathroom). You can also buy batteryless radios. This company even makes a batteryless flashlight with built-in mosquito repellent—now that is a product for the green river camper! Website to find these beauties is: www.duraproflashlights.com
3.) Use re-sealable and re-usable containers for your sauces and dressings. Easy to clean and can be used tons of times before eventually recycling them. www.rubbermaid.com
4.) Just read that cigarette butts are the number one litter problem in the universe. If you do choose to smoke, bring along a small, metal container to store used butts in until there is a convenient place to trash them at the end of the trip.

TRAVEL:
1.) At the end of the river trip, have a van/trailer waiting to pick up the rafts and the guests. That way, everyone goes back to the put-in site together. Saves on multiple vehicles going back and forth.
2.) Dilution is the solution to pollution. Government agencies say not to hesitate in urinating in the river…their preference to urinating on the river’s shoreline. Remember, the same doesn’t go for your 2nd bodily function…that duty commands a groover or an outdoor toilet. There is nothing worse than leaving behind a toilet paper “garden” in a pristine environment.