Hells Canyon Raft Message on Coronavirus

At Hells Canyon Raft, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of our guests and staff. We are continually monitoring developments to make the best decisions regarding our trip offerings and policies. We are sensitive to the impacts the COVID-19 news is having on all facets of our lives, and want to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to prepare and to focus on your safety and welfare.

It is our goal to operate all trips scheduled for this season. At this time, when we are advised to avoid crowds and enclosed spaces, getting out into the back country may just be the perfect way to spend your vacation. As our clients, guests, friends, and family, you have our pledge that we will continue to do everything both prudent and possible to keep you safe and healthy while you enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

To help with your decision and provide additional information regarding trips for the upcoming season, we’ve compiled a list of our answers to the most common questions we are hearing from our guests.

1. Are you still operating your trips?

At this time, we have no plans to cancel any of our trips. We will do everything in our power to ensure a successful trip and the amazing experience you hope to have.

There is no indication that any of the public lands on which we operate will be closed. In addition, we do not anticipate any significant changes to how we operate our river trips. To this end, we are working closely with multiple government agencies to continually educate ourselves and our guests, and will respond proactively and appropriately to every significant update.

2. What steps are you taking to ensure a sanitary trip experience?

We have thorough and comprehensive sanitation practices.  While our cleaning guidelines have always been above industry standards, we are using CDC recommended cleaning protocols and disinfectants on our gear and warehouse.

In each camp, we set up a hand-washing station. This station allows a person to wash their hands without the need to touch any surfaces after the washing is completed. It is our policy that no one may come to the meal table without having first washed their hands with soap. Hand Sanitizer is also available in camp, before meals, and on the river.

Of course, due to this specific virus, we will be even more vigilant in our efforts to keep surfaces clean, require frequent hand-washing, and practice safe handling of food and anything else that has the potential to spread viruses. In addition to our on-river sanitation protocols, all of our equipment is sanitized between trips.

Our trips occur in remote, back country locations. This gives our trip two distinct advantages: 1. We operate in an “open air” environment. Potential contaminants are more naturally dispersed. 2. We rarely interact closely with other groups. These factors give us great control over our immediate environment.

3. What if, at the time of my departure, I am unable to travel due to a ban or restrictions imposed by federal, state or local agencies?

If an official travel ban has been issued that does not allow you to travel to or from your point of origin, We will allow you to use the full value of your non-refundable payments as a credit for a future trip. Credits may be applied to the same trip for any available departure through 2023. Please note that no refunds for any unused portion of credit will be given. Once an alternate trip is booked, it will be subject to standard cancellation policies.

As you weigh the possibility of future flight restrictions, you may also want to consider the option of driving to the starting point of your trip.

4. If I cancel or reschedule, will Hells Canyon Raft cover my pre and post-trip flight costs, rental car expense or hotel costs?

In the event of any cancellation or rescheduled trip, you will be responsible for cancellation or change fees related to pre or post-trip flights, rental cars, hotels, etc.

5. What if I develop symptoms of COVID-19 while on my trip?

If a guide or guest develops flu-like symptoms during a trip, per CDC guidelines, we will socially distance the individual from the rest of the group, disinfect any suspected areas of contamination, and, where applicable, evacuate the individual as soon as possible.

6. What if Hells Canyon Raft cancels my trip?

If HCR chooses to cancel a launch due to any reason(s), including closure by a federal agency, governmental intervention, health department requirements, or the decision on our part, HCR will issue a full refund or allow you to use the full value of your non-refundable payments as a credit for a future trip. Credits may be applied to the same trip for any available departure through the following season. Once an alternate trip is booked, it will be subject to standard cancellation policies.

7. What if I’m planning to make a new reservation with Hells Canyon Raft?

All policies stated here will also apply to new reservations for the upcoming season. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have additional questions. Of course, as always, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Thank you for your support and trust. Hells Canyon Raft has been family owned and operated for over 30 years years. We consider our employees and our guests to be part of our extended family. These are challenging circumstances, and like any family, we will endure this and any other challenge we face together. We’re glad to have you with us!

Have a wonderful time and make great memories. Covid19 can’t take that away from you or any of us.

We look forward to seeing you on the river soon!