2025 RIVER GUIDE TRAINING

THREE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

STARTING MARCH 22ND

In 2025, select from one of three weeks: Week One coincides with many Pacific Northwest colleges’ Spring Break. Week Two launches in mid-April. Week Three starts partway through the season after most PNW colleges are out of session — specifically June 16th through June 20th. The first two week-long trainings feed into the final three training weekends. You need only Sign Up for one. The third guide training will be condensed to five days. Only those who intend to guide should sign up for the June training.

  • 7-Day Deschutes River Rafting Guide Training / 15 Days in total including weekends

  • Option #1 — College Spring Break Guide Training — March 22 (Travel to Deschutes River) / March 23 - 29 (Deschutes Overnight Trip)

  • Option #2 — Mid-April Guide Training — April 13 (Travel to Deschutes River) / April 14 - 20 (Deschutes Overnight Trip)

  • Weekends: April 26-27, May 3-4, May 10-11, May 17-18 (Graduation Weekend)

  • Option #3 — June 16th through June 20th — For those who definitely want to be an Orion River Guide

We have trained river guides for 45+ years and our instructors have over 120 years worth of river experience, from international competitions to founding companies overseas, and every year we strive to improve our program and build upon our successes. In other words, you will be the recipient of a very comprehensive training program. We will teach you the entire range of skills required to be a professional river guide, or just steer your own craft on Class III-IV water.

  • River Guide Training • Rescue Techniques • Expedition Travel • Knots • Become a Professional River Guide

Our 2025 guide training will begin on the Deschutes River in north central Oregon. Besides being an excellent way to immerse newcomers to guiding, the 7-day river trip is an excellent opportunity for our instructors to work with each student on a personal basis.  The additional time (several weekends thereafter) spent learning the ins-and-outs on Washington's premier rivers will solidify the knowledge gained during the week-long immersion in river rafting. 

 

                                  Video by Cali Osborne

Orion provides all meals, dry bags, necessary river gear (life jackets, throw bags, safety lines, etc.), instructors and shelter during the Deschutes portion of the training.