This one’s for those wanting a longer introduction to rafting the McKenzie River. It starts with some milder rapids that give us time to get used to sitting on the raft and how it moves on the water and in the rapids. We can also hone our team paddling skills before we get to our first real attention-getter, Clover Point, a series of big breaking waves. Just downstream, we pass under an old decommissioned logging bridge and then bounce through Eagle Rock Rapids, another exciting wave train. We maneuver through several more rapids, most notably Bear Creek with its technical entrance, Brown’s Hole with its effervescent turquoise pool, and Marten’s, the biggest on the river. Somewhere in that stretch, we’ll stop to rest and enjoy lunch. You may bring your own, order a box lunch or order the picnic. After lunch, there are lots of rapids, including Helfrich and Gate Creek, and lots of places to jump in and float beside the raft on warm days. We raft past a beautiful high-bank grotto with a seasonal waterfall. Our trip ends after passing under the iconic Goodpasture Covered Bridge.