One River, Three Generations: Why Multi-Generational Rafting Trips Create the Best Family Memories
Some families bond over backyard BBQs. Others gather around board games during the holidays. But for those who crave something more—more laughter, more connection, more adventure—there’s Imperial River Company on the Deschutes River in Maupin, Oregon.
Here, families don’t just vacation together—they create stories that will echo across generations.
Why Multi-Generational Rafting Works
You may think whitewater rafting is just for thrill-seeking twenty-somethings. But at Imperial River Co., families are bringing kids, parents, and even grandparents along for the ride—and discovering that rafting isn’t just an adventure. It’s a bonding experience unlike any other.
With Class II–IV rapids, expert guides, and a range of trip lengths from 90 minutes to 3 days, rafting here is as inclusive as it is exhilarating. Whether it’s your 8-year-old “riding the bull” up front or your 70-year-old dad grinning as the boat crests another wave, each person gets to be part of the action—and the laughter.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote:
“Our group ranged from age 9 to 61. From zero experience to several years of rafting. Everyone had a great time. The guide made it feel safe, fun, and memorable.”
That’s the magic: when adrenaline meets assurance, and every generation finds their moment of courage.
The Real Value: Shared Accomplishment
There’s something powerful about overcoming rapids together. It builds trust. It builds pride. And it creates a sense of team across age gaps.
Your teenager stops scrolling to help paddle. Your father-in-law tells jokes with the guide. And suddenly, instead of sitting at opposite ends of the dinner table, your family is leaning in—eyes wide, faces wet, hearts full.
As one guest recently put it:
“This is the kind of trip they’ll talk about all year. And beg to do again next summer.”
-Lauren B. Google
Not Just a Rafting Trip—It’s a Tradition in the Making
For many families, rafting at Imperial River Co. becomes a legacy.
Some return year after year. Some bring three generations on a summer reunion. Others plan milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or that long-overdue bonding trip.
One grandmother wrote:
“I was 69, hadn’t been rafting in over 30 years. And I ended up on the bottom of the raft laughing like a kid. My grandkids said it was the best day of the summer.”
-Kim S. TripAdvisor
These are the moments that live on—long after the trip ends.
Comfort, Connection, and No TV in Sight
After a day on the water, you return not to a generic hotel, but to a riverfront lodge where every room tells a story. Some are themed after Oregon’s wild heritage. Others open directly onto the Deschutes, where you can sip a glass of wine and watch the current flow by.
With an expansive lawn, riverside swings, and an outdoor fire pit perfect for post-rafting stories, it’s the kind of place where kids roam, grandparents relax, and parents recharge.
No distractions. Just your people and the river.
The Guides Are the Secret Sauce
Ask any returning family why they come back and they will say the staff. The guides aren’t just paddling instructors. They’re storytellers, safety coaches, comedians, and group therapists rolled into one.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxed float or an adrenaline-pumping ride through rapids, they’ll adapt the adventure to match your group’s style. They have a knack for turning anxious children into courageous explorers, and for eliciting laughter from even the most reserved fathers.
And they do it all while quietly making sure everyone feels seen, safe, and supported.
Planning Is Easy—Even for a Crowd
We get it. Coordinating a trip with six, eight, or twelve people of different ages and energy levels can be overwhelming.
That’s why the team at Imperial River Co. does the heavy lifting. From organizing room assignments to recommending the perfect rafting trip for your mix of ages, they’re pros at group planning.
Many families also combine rafting with other activities—fly fishing, hiking, scenic bike rides, or even just napping riverside with a good book.
Book Early. Return Often.
Imperial River Co. isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. A feeling of shared adventure, deep laughter, and timeless connection.
If you’ve ever said, “We should do a family trip,” this is your sign. Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, you’ll leave with more than just photos—you’ll leave with a story that your whole family helped write.
So gather the crew. Block the dates. And get ready to start a new family tradition—on the water, under the sun, and together.