Ouzel Outfitters

What Ouzel Outfitters does

Ouzel Outfitters is a privately held whitewater rafting outfitter headquartered in Bend, Oregon, operating continuously since 1979. The company delivers fully outfitted guided rafting trips across seven rivers in Oregon and Idaho - Rogue, Lower Salmon, Owyhee, John Day, Deschutes, McKenzie, and North Umpqua - ranging from half-day excursions at $105-$159 to 5-day wilderness expeditions priced up to $2,095 per person. Its core technology is a physical operation: a fleet of paddle rafts, oar rafts, oar-assisted paddle rafts, and inflatable kayaks, supported by comprehensive camping, safety, and meal-preparation equipment, plus vehicle/jet-boat shuttle logistics on multi-day routes.

The business model is direct-to-consumer adventure tourism with strictly one-time per-booking transactions. All trips are priced all-inclusive (permits, transportation, gear, meals, expert guides) with gratuities as the only add-on. The company runs only direct distribution - its oregonrafting.com website, phone reservations (541-385-5947), and email - with no intermediaries, OTAs, or resellers. Customer segments span families/groups (primary), corporate retreats, celebration groups (bachelor/bachelorette, birthdays), geology and science enthusiasts, photography enthusiasts, scouts/schools, fishing enthusiasts, and beginner rafters. Notable product extensions include geology-focused trips led by credentialed PhD geologists, private/custom charters, and a raft rental line for self-guided adventurers.

Strategically, Ouzel competes on operational depth, long-standing permit access on Wild & Scenic Rivers, and educational content differentiation rather than scale. Partnerships with the Oregon Natural Desert Association, Half-Moon Bar Lodge, and Galice Resort extend the product surface (conservation education, luxury lodging, meeting logistics) without capital-intensive asset ownership. The company is independently owned with no disclosed institutional investors, parent entities, or recent leadership changes.

Name

Ouzel Outfitters

Legal name

Ouzel Outfitters

Website

https://oregonrafting.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ouzel Outfitters is a privately held Bend, Oregon-based whitewater rafting outfitter, founded in 1979, offering fully outfitted guided trips on seven rivers in Oregon and Idaho for families, groups, corporate retreats, geology enthusiasts, and independent adventurers booked direct-to-consumer.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Whitewater Rafting Adventure Tourism

NAICS

Tour Operators (56152), Tour Operators (561520)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Equipment Rental & Leasing (7350)

akta.pro primary industry

Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters (THAAADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water & Marine Guiding Services (Kayak, Canoe, Raft, SUP, Sailing) (THAAALAB), Equipment Rental & Outfitter Services (Camping Gear, Boats, Bikes, Mobility Aids) (THAAAGAG), Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & River Adventures (THAJABAB), Adventure & Outdoor Local Operators (Trekking/Safari/Diving) (THAKAEAF)

Keywords

• Whitewater rafting outfitter
• Guided river trips
• Adventure tourism services
• Wilderness expedition guides
• Raft equipment rentals

Headquarters

HQ city

Bend

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Whitewater Rafting Trip Sales: Ouzel Outfitters generates revenue through the sale of guided whitewater rafting trip packages. Trips range from half-day excursions ($105-$159) to multi-day wilderness expeditions ($1,159-$2,095). All-inclusive pricing covers permits, transportation from designated meeting points, camping gear, meals, and safety equipment. The only additional charge beyond the listed price is gratuity for guide staff (customary 15-20%).
2. Raft Rentals: The company offers raft rentals for independent adventurers who prefer to explore Oregon rivers on their own, providing equipment without guiding services.
3. Gift Certificates: The company sells gift certificates for rafting trips, providing an additional revenue stream and customer acquisition channel.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Ouzel Outfitters is a full-service whitewater rafting outfitter that sells guided, all-inclusive river trips ranging from half-day excursions to 5-day wilderness expeditions on seven rivers across Oregon and Idaho (Rogue, Lower Salmon, Owyhee, John Day, Deschutes, McKenzie, and North Umpqua). Each trip includes permits, transportation, professional guides, safety equipment, camping gear, and meals. The company also offers geologist-led specialty trips, customizable private charters for groups, and rental of paddle rafts, oar rafts, and inflatable kayaks for independent adventurers.

Product overview

Ouzel Outfitters is a full-service whitewater rafting company operating since 1979, offering a portfolio of guided adventure products across seven rivers in Oregon and Idaho. The core offering consists of Half & Full Day Trips (McKenzie, Deschutes, North Umpqua) and Multi-Day River Trips (2-5 days on Rogue, Salmon, Owyhee, John Day, and Deschutes). Specialty products include Geology-Focused Trips with expert geologists, Private & Custom Trips for groups, and Raft Rentals. All trips are fully outfitted including equipment, meals, transportation, and professional guides.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Half & Full Day Rafting Trips Short-duration whitewater rafting excursions ranging from half-day to full-day experiences on Oregon rivers including McKenzie, Deschutes, and North Umpqua. Includes transportation, equipment, guides, and meals on full-day trips. Priced at $105-$159 per adult.
• Multi-Day River Trips Extended wilderness rafting adventures lasting 2-5 days on Wild and Scenic Rivers in Oregon and Idaho, fully outfitted with equipment, meals, transportation, and expert guides. Priced from $895 to $2,095 per adult depending on river and duration.
• Rogue River Rafting World-famous family rafting vacations on the Wild & Scenic Rogue River featuring 3-day ($1,359), 4-day ($1,559), and 5-day ($1,759) camp trips and a 4-day lodge trip ($1,709) through remote canyon wilderness in Southern Oregon with Class III-IV rapids. Includes all camping gear, meals, transportation, complimentary t-shirt and water bottle.
• Lower Salmon River Rafting Family-friendly multi-day rafting trips on Idaho's Lower Salmon River featuring warm water, white-sand beaches, and Class III rapids in dramatic canyon scenery. Available as 4-day ($1,659 adult / $1,609 youth) and 5-day ($1,859 adult / $1,809 youth) itineraries. Includes camping gear, all meals, vehicle shuttle, and jet boat shuttle out to Clarkston, WA.
• Owyhee River Rafting Remote desert river expeditions on Oregon's Grand Canyon featuring dramatic colorful gorges, ancient petroglyphs, and natural hot springs. 5-day standard trip priced at $1,995 adult/youth and 5-day Geology trip at $2,095. Includes 0-degree sleeping bags, all gear, and meals. Season limited to April-May due to water conditions.
• John Day River Rafting Serene, leisurely floating experiences through high desert canyon with minimal rapids, ideal for those seeking relaxed river journeys with exceptional geology and bass fishing. 3-day ($1,159), 4-day ($1,359), and 5-day ($1,559) options. Includes all camping gear, meals, and vehicle shuttle.
• Deschutes River Rafting Central Oregon's premier whitewater destination featuring splashy Class III rapids, dramatic high desert canyon scenery, and trips ranging from 1-3 days near Bend, Portland, and Mt. Hood. 1-day trips at $139, 2-day at $895, and 3-day at $1,095. Includes camping gear, all meals, and vehicle shuttle.
• McKenzie River Rafting Beginner-friendly half and full-day rafting trips near Eugene and Bend featuring crystal-clear waters, forested canyons, and fun Class II+ rapids. Half-day morning or afternoon trips at $105 adult / $95 youth; full-day trips at $139 adult / $129 youth. Includes transportation from Bend or Black Butte Ranch and Riverside Deli lunch on full-day trips.
• North Umpqua River Rafting Adventurous full-day Class III/IV whitewater experiences near Crater Lake with rugged canyon scenery and over 13 named rapids. Full-day trips at $159 adult / $149 youth. No round-trip transportation from Bend is available for this river.
• Geology-Focused River Trips
• Private & Custom Trips
• Raft Rentals

Quantifiable outcome

• All trips include comprehensive planning materials, shuttle services, and all necessary equipment - no surprise fees
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with ONDA for conservation-focused Owyhee River trips. ONDA works to protect, defend, and restore Oregon's high desert treasures. The 5-day ONDA trip features a representative from ONDA who provides insight and education on conservation efforts in the region.
• Half-Moon Bar LodgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRemote lodge accessible only by river or plane, featured on the 4-day Rogue River Camp/Lodge Combination Trip. The lodge offers hot showers, comfortable accommodations, and meals made with fresh ingredients from their on-site garden. Provides a luxury camping alternative for the final night of the trip.
• Galice ResortminorOthersMeeting location for all Rogue River trips. Located near Merlin, Oregon, approximately 30 minutes from Grants Pass. Provides cabin accommodations, houses, cottages, and lodge rooms. Store open 7 days/week with food trucks and live music on weekends.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• OARS: Multi-region whitewater rafting outfitter operating guided trips on rivers across the Western US including the Rogue and Salmon. Most direct head-to-head competitor given comparable all-inclusive guided product and shared rivers with Ouzel.
• Western River Expeditions: Long-established multi-region rafting outfitter offering guided trips in Utah, Arizona, Oregon, and Idaho. Directly competes on multi-day wilderness rafting product and targets similar family and corporate group segments.
• ROW Adventures: Idaho-based rafting outfitter offering guided trips on the Salmon River and other Northwest rivers. Directly comparable all-inclusive product mix and shares the Lower Salmon River market with Ouzel.
• Cascade Raft Company: Oregon-based whitewater rafting outfitter operating on the Deschutes and other Oregon rivers. Direct competitor on the Deschutes day-trip market, where it overlaps with Ouzel's core Oregon product.
• Momentum River Expeditions: Idaho-based outfitter running guided trips on the Main and Middle Fork Salmon rivers. Directly competes with Ouzel on the Lower Salmon and shares a similar small-batch, expert-guided value proposition.
• Winding Waters Rafting: Oregon-based outfitter specializing in guided trips on the Grande Ronde, Salmon, and other Northwest rivers. Compares to Ouzel on multi-day wilderness itineraries and Pacific Northwest customer base.
• Wildwater Rafting: Multi-region whitewater rafting company offering guided trips on rivers in the US and internationally. Closely comparable guided adventure product targeting similar family and group customers.

Broad incumbents

• Backroads: Active adventure travel company offering biking, walking, and multi-activity trips across the US and internationally. Adjacent peer in the premium experiential outdoor travel segment that competes for the same high-income family customer.
• Austin Adventures: Multi-activity adventure travel company offering family-focused guided trips across the Western US including rafting. Comparable premium guided experience model with broader geographic reach.
• REI Adventures: Adventure travel arm of REI offering guided multi-sport and rafting trips across multiple regions. Broader incumbent with overlapping rafting product and significantly larger customer acquisition infrastructure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ouzelrafting
• Facebookfacebook.com/ouzel.outfitters
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ouzel-outfitters

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ouzel Outfitters