How many people usually go in a boat?

We generally put 5 to 7 people in a boat, but this doesn’t mean that you need to have a group of 5 to 7 to go rafting. For example, if you’re reserving two people, you may be paired with a party of 4 or 5. If you have a group of 10 people, we would just divide you into two boats that travel together on the water.

While we have an excellent record, the sports of whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, zip lining, rock climbing, skiing, snow shoeing and biking have inherent risks. It should be recognized that accidents can and do occur. For this reason, we cannot assume responsibility for injury or loss of property. Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver stating they are aware of the risks involved and are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those with health problems limiting their normal activities may be prohibited from participation at Zoar Outdoor’s discretion. Pregnant women will be prohibited from participating in Zoar Outdoor Activities.

Do you have group rates?

Yes! We have special pricing for youth groups, corporate groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties and family groups of 12 or more. Check out our group booking page for more details.

Is there any food served?

Since our Concord River trips are half-day long, we do not serve any food.

Can we rent wetsuits?

Wetsuit packages are included in this trip at no extra cost!

Are wetsuits required?

Wetsuits are not required, but included in the cost should you want them! Wetsuits are ideal for those wishing to layer up for colder weather or those who tend to get chilly easily. The extra wetsuit layer helps to keep you warm, so it depends on personal preference!

Will there be photos of my trip?

Yes! Our photographer will be stationed at the class III rapid taking high quality pictures of each raft. Back at base you’ll be able to view your photos in the rafting pavilion. If you’d like, you can purchase the photos of your raft.

What happens if the forecast calls for rain or storms?

We run our trips rain or shine, so you should come prepared for the weather. If we do have to cancel the trip, that decision would be made on the morning of the trip. However, it’s rare that weather forces us to cancel our rafting trips.

Where do we park? What do we do with our car keys?

There is PARKING available at the Lower Locks Garage next to the hotel. Keep your car keys with you during registration, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box just before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats.

Should I tip my guide?

This is completely at your discretion. If you feel the service you receive from your guide is exceptional, and you want to say “thank you” with a tip, although it is not expected, it is always appreciated.

Can I request a guide?

If you have had a guide you especially liked and would like to have them guide your next trip, we will do our best to match their schedule to yours. Simply request your guide when you make your reservation. Please be aware that we are not always able to match request, but we will do our best!

Alcohol and Drug policy

The use of recreational drugs or alcohol is prohibited on all programs. If you arrive here under the influence, you will be prohibited from participating in the day’s activity and you will not receive a refund.

Deer Creek CA

By Elaine Campbell

I finally got to experience some Cali rivers and creeks. It was everything I thought it was and more. Amazing scenery, great drops, and was so much fun! The best part of it all was I finally did my first self support overnighter on Deer Creek which is a class IV with maybe three V’s.

I was a little nervous about it at first being fully committed to a creek was a tad bit overwhelming for me at first. I’m so used to being close to a road so if something goes wrong or your not feeling it you can just walk out. I’m very confident in my abilities to paddle class V but I think too much about the consequences that come with it. Anyway, I manned up and packed up my Diesel 70 with 3 dry bags filled with food, a sleeping bag and pad, and some extra paddling clothes. I also had in the Diesel 70 a first aid kit and a break down paddle.

The put in to Deer Creek was an insane class IV highway with lots of mud and massive puddles (perfect road for dirt biking). It took about 2-3 hours to get to the put in and we took a wrong turn somewhere. We finally got there by 2pm and got on the water by 3pm. Mike ran it about two weeks prior so he lead followed by Lance, Matt, Sage, Anna, and I ran sweep.

Deer Creek starts with continuous class IV creeking pretty much right away. It was a little tough at first trying to paddle a boat for the first time stuffed with gear. It took me about a half hour to figure out how to paddle it. Once I got it sorted out it was easy to paddle. The Diesel 70 handled so well I was really impressed with the boat after the trip. I was toying with the idea to paddle my Habitat but I made the right choice with the Diesel 70 it worked great!

The run itself was 24 miles long. We paddled about 8 miles on day one with one portage that had some wood in it at the entrance. We camped upstream of Ishi Falls on a rocky beach. We tried to sleep in a field above the beach but we were swarmed by mosquito’s so went back down to the beach were the bugs weren’t as bad. We ate some food, drank some whisk, had a fire, talked, and went to bed under the stars. The next morning we got up and got back on the river around 9am. We had a long day ahead of us trying to bang out about 16 miles.

The scenery was nothing I had ever seen before. The rock was all lave rock which was pretty insane and you’d be paddling in these canyons that were so amazing with the coolest rock formations I had ever seen. We were surrounded by huge mountains, grassy fields, canyons and birds. The only other wildlife I saw was a turtle, a snake eating a fish, mosquito’s, and mountain lion prints.

This was probably one of the funnest creeks I have ever done with really fun drops. It should go on your list if you are ever in CA to go boating. The plan for next year an overnighter on Mill Creek.

Here are some photos form the trip.