LEAVENWORTH GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
River Guide Training: Orion’s 45‑Season Program — 2026 Sessions Begin March 21, April 11 & June 15
A hands‑on raft guide course teaching rescue, expedition travel, knotwork and the skills to run Class III–IV water; includes experienced instructors, meals, shelter and river gear for the Deschutes portion.
River Guide Training: Orion’s 45‑Season Program — 2026 Sessions Begin March 21, April 11 & June 15.
Orion River Expeditions’ River Guide Training is a comprehensive Deschutes River raft guide program developed over 45+ seasons. The course teaches a full range of skills for aspiring professional guides and paddlers who want to steer craft on Class III–IV water, covering rescue techniques, expedition travel and knot work.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
45+ Seasons of Refinement
The curriculum has been developed and refined across more than four decades of guiding, producing a compact, practical syllabus for people pursuing professional guiding or serious paddling skills.
A Professional‑Grade Curriculum
Training covers the full range of guide skills—rescue techniques, expedition travel planning and knot work—geared toward people who want to run Class III–IV water safely and competently.
Hands‑On Class III–IV Water; June in the Cascades
Most sessions include on‑water practice on the Deschutes River’s Class III–IV rapids; the June session is held entirely in the Washington Cascades for concentrated mountain river work.
What the day feels like
What the Training Feels Like
The program blends hands‑on, on‑water instruction with practical, expedition‑style training led by experienced instructors. Instructional blocks move from knot work and rescue practice to full raft handling on Class III–IV water; during the Deschutes portion the operator supplies meals, shelter and necessary river gear.
THE LEGACY
45+ Seasons of Refinement
The curriculum has been developed and refined across more than four decades of guiding, producing a compact, practical syllabus for people pursuing professional guiding or serious paddling skills.
THE SKILLS
A Professional‑Grade Curriculum
Training covers the full range of guide skills—rescue techniques, expedition travel planning and knot work—geared toward people who want to run Class III–IV water safely and competently.
THE TERRAIN
Hands‑On Class III–IV Water; June in the Cascades
Most sessions include on‑water practice on the Deschutes River’s Class III–IV rapids; the June session is held entirely in the Washington Cascades for concentrated mountain river work.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this training suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
During the Deschutes portion the program includes experienced instructors, meals, shelter and the necessary river gear.
Confirm with the operator what personal items are recommended, but note that core river gear and camp provisions are provided for the Deschutes portion.
The June session is held entirely in the Washington Cascades; confirm which session you are booked on and the corresponding logistics with the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Who operates this River Guide Training?
Orion River Expeditions operates the River Guide Training program.
When do 2026 training sessions start?
2026 training sessions start March 21st, April 11th and June 15th.
Where do participants meet for the course?
The official meeting location for the course is Maupin, Oregon.
What skills does the course teach?
The course teaches a full range of guide skills, including rescue techniques, expedition travel and knot work, and how to steer craft on Class III–IV water.
What does the training include in terms of provisioning and gear?
Training includes experienced instructors, meals, shelter and necessary river gear during the Deschutes portion of the program.
Is the June session different from other sessions?
Yes — the June session is held entirely in the Washington Cascades.