Media Kit 2012

ECHO River Trips is celebrating its 40th anniversary of running award winning outfitted river trips during the 2012 season. Over the past 40 years ECHO has grown from a ragtag group of ‘boatmen’ running commercial whitewater trips into one of the world’s leading river outfitters.

ECHO and its sister company Northwest Rafting Company specialize in multiday river trips on Oregon’s Rogue River and Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River, as well as international

river expeditions in Turkey, Patagonia, Siberia, and Bhutan. ECHO prides itself on 40 years of providing world class experiences for adventurers and families alike.

Family River Trips ECHO is proud to provide families and friends with legendary vacation experiences. They believe that river trips should be more than just shuttling people down a river. ECHO provides a unique, natural setting for social gatherings that engage adults and kids in a memorable adventure. An ECHO trip will become a cherished memory by all involved and many past guests are now bringing their own children on a river trip, having shared the experience with their parents. Over ECHO’s 40 year history the Rogue and the Middle Fork of the Salmon have been consistent favorites of kids, parents, and guides alike.

Oregon’s Rogue River

Located in Southern Oregon, the Rogue River has struck a cord in the hearts of many river lovers. Its pristine, emerald forests are home to many native birds and mammal, and the water is warm enough for swimming throughout the summer. A rich history of Native Americans, miners, pioneers and even Hollywood celebrities provide an interesting backdrop to the journey. ECHO trips travel through the federally protected Wild and Scenic section, which has been protected from development since 1968. This 40 mile section boasts some of the most exciting rapids and beautiful scenery found on the Rogue. ECHO’s Rogue River trips run from May to September and last between three and five days.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

A trip down Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River is a favorite for rafting enthusiasts and newcomers from around the world. This free-flowing river winds through 100 miles of the largest wilderness area in the contiguous United States and flows through the third deepest canyon in America. The lack of roads, buildings and development provides a true wilderness experience for guests, complete with superb fly-fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, natural hot springs, scenic waterfalls, and exhilarating Class II-IV rapids. Those that have accompanied ECHO on the five day trip down this river come away with a sense of awe and wonder that comes from experiencing one of the most beautiful rivers on the planet.

Themed Rafting Trips

One of ECHO’s specialties are their theme trips, which add a unique theme or activity to the standard river trip. These theme trips provide fun and truly memorable experiences for ECHO’s clientele that keep them coming back year after year.

• Bluegrass : Whitewater and Bluegrass music: a superb combo! Grammy award-winning bluegrass duo Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum fill the canyon with lively bluegrass music each night.

• Yoga on the Rogue: A certified yoga instructor comes along for a wonderful river trip that combines the scenery of the Rogue with the serenity of Vinyasa Yoga.

• Salmon River Trail Running: This 6 day trip combines the world class whitewater of the Middle Fork of the Salmon with trail running along the Middle Fork Trail. Runners will enjoy full raft support on this unique trail running experience.

International Expeditions and Tours

In addition to their domestic river trips, ECHO offers a collection of international river expeditions that feature some of the most spectacular rafting rivers in the world.

• Yachting in Turkey: Spend 14 days yachting the Turquoise Coast and touring Istanbul, Ephesus, Anatolian Highlands and Cappadocia.

• Chile’s Futaleufu River: A 10 day multisport adventure in Patagonia that includes thrilling Class III-V whitewater, dramatic scenery, and extravagant riverside camps

• Siberia’s Kaa-Khem: This award winning expedition features a helicopter ride to the river and 166 miles of remote Siberian wilderness

• Bhutan Rafting and Cultural Tour: This award-winning rafting and cultural tour showcases the unique culture, architecture and wilderness of Bhutan

Northwest Rafting Company

Northwest Rafting Company (NWRC) was founded in 2009 by ECHO General Manager Zach Collier and ECHO owners Dick Linford and Joe Daly. NWRC was created from the ground up to be an environmentally-friendly outfitter, using only locally grown organic foods, and locally made rafting equipment.

Though NWRC and ECHO share the same DNA and guides, NWRC trips feature a distinct flavor that is all their own. NWRC offers rafting and kayaking trips down the Rogue River, Illinois River, and the Hood River, as well as a selection of international expeditions. NWRC also operates the Sundance Kayak School, on of the nationals premier whitewater rowing schools.

Specialty Rafting Experiences

Northwest Rafting Co. offers a range of specialty river experiences for those looking for something beyond the standard river trip.

• Stand Up Paddle Boarding: NWRC’s Sundance Kayak School offers a one day instructional course on the Rogue River for aspiring whitewater SUPers, as well as a three day SUP expedition on the Trinity River in California.

• Rowing School: NWRC’s rowing school utilizes the latest tech to provide an optimal learning environment for aspiring guides or private river trip leaders.

• Brews with Views: These wildly popular trips combine rafting on the Rogue River with microbrew tasting hosted by Brew masters from Deschutes, Double Mountain or Sierra Nevada Brewing.

Media Contacts

Steve SzczecinaAccount Manager, Adventure Mediasteve@adventuremedianews.com970.568.7423

Zach CollierGeneral Manager, ECHO River Tripszach@echotrips.com541.386.2271