Zoller's Outdoor Odysseys — Local services in Hood River

My husband and I took a rafting trip with Zoller's on the middle White Salmon River gorge. We started out by ordering lunch and arrived an hour early so we could have a bit of time before we headed out. The sandwich was delicious and I have never had a better ciabatta bun. It was rounded out with chips and a chocolate cookie. When our time arrived for the tour we were given our gear and we suited up. There is a restroom and several changing rooms if you didn't already have you base layers on. We were then given a safety talk to make sure we all knew how to remain safe on the river. We were divided up into our boats with our guides. We were assigned Casey and I could not have been more pleased with him. When we got in the boat he could tell I was apprehensive about doing this ride and and flat our asked me if I was a little leery about coming out on the river why did I book the trip. Told him I booked it for my husband. He then proceeded to make me feel at ease and couldn't have been more patient and calming with his instructions and practicing of all the moves we needed before even starting out. The river is absolutely beautiful and we had a picture perfect day. When we came to the Level 5 waterfall I wasn't sure I was going to go over the falls. Casey was very kind in explaining that we didn't need to go over the falls if we felt uncomfortable or unsure. That there was a get out before that would allow any of us to walk around and get back in the boat at the bottom of the falls. But the more Casey talked the more confident I became and went ahead and said yes. Casey had us practice many, many times until everyone of us did exactly what was needed to safely go over the falls. I was so glad that I made the decision to stay in the boat and go over the falls. The entire experience was fabulous and Casey was absolutely wonderful. And I won't even get started on his terrific singing. If you are looking for an absolutely terrific rafting experience please look no further that Zoller's. They are professional, the office and grounds are immaculate and Casey was the very best guide you would ever want. Thank you...

I love this company, it’s such a comfortable environment. Booking a trip feels like you are being invited into their living room, adorable grandchildren included. While very personable they still maintain a comfortable, professional environment. Mark, the owner is expanding his horizons and getting into the matchmaking business as well. When I first was checking in, I asked if we could request an outgoing guide. I was told they all were; but he was excited, saying that he had two potentials for us, both single and in college. When our name was called for our guide, he told him “good luck with these ones”. Well, matchmaking might work out for him because Sean was the perfect fit for us. We immediately felt so comfortable with him and got along great. He was an incredible guide, spitting facts like an old man of the river. During a calmer spot, we were so engrossed in our conversation we almost forgot we were on the river. Disappointment was fraught when the trip came to an end, but that quickly faded with the excited planning of another adventure with you all (and obsessing over every detail of our previous journey).

Having rafted with this company before, I was excited to share the incredible experience with my friends, who were newbies. It’s safe to say that none of them went home disappointed. In fact, I think they are all convinced that they should become river guides themselves. One thing I can say as a fact if you are wondering if you should go with this company or another one; the river will be the same one, it’s the people that make the experience. Zoller’s has the people that will take your river trip to the next level. Also they have phenomenal changing rooms, which add to the comfort of the experience. (Flushing toilets are a bonus too!)

Also, if you could print this out and put it into Sean’s guidebook that would be great.😁 I was too distracted to write something...

My first trip with Zoller Odyssey was in June 2003. I have gone down the river with the Zoller team at least once and sometimes multiple times in a year since then. Needless to say, I have gone down the river with them every single month of any season and had a blast each time. The team Mark has assembled and trained is amazing. Some are little shy others more playful. Some are in total control of what amateur guests throw at them in the form of incoherent strokes and anything else that can be listed in the book. Mark's own family has participated in this great adventure during the twenty years that I have been hosted by them. I feel that another 5 star review of mine probably is not needed to speak of this rafting company and its passion for what they do. I am in disbelief reading the reviews of poor service or not being heard or being charged for pics, or money wasted.

1. When one goes on adventures as such, being hyper vigilant of the activity and team work is the key. You will enjoy the adventure more if you go with the mindset of learning a skill or two and becoming part of the team.

2. Small businesses as such are not becoming millionaires on us buying few tickets once in a lifetime or even few times a year. These are family businesses giving their all to make your experience memorable...go with a thought in your mind that there is a family running a program purely out of passion and providing us with an opportunity that is not available on every corner.

3. leave some room for human error. No one is perfect just like you...just like me.

Go Mark, Ben, McKenzie, Grantis, and all the others I cannot remember...