Before You Go
Merced River Rafting
Overview
TRIP SNAPSHOT
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, and sometimes the weather. Please refer to your confirmation letter for the exact dates of your trip.
| MEETING PLACE: | The OARS meeting place is a pullout on the left (west) side of the road about 9.4 miles northeast of Mariposa on Highway 140 (1.3 miles east of the Midpines Post Office) |
| MEETING TIME: | 9 AM |
| RETURN TIME: | Approximately 5:00 PM, depending on water levels |
| RIVER RATING: | Early-mid season: Class IV Mid-late season: Class III (suitable for aggressive beginners and intermediate rafters) |
| RIVER MILES: | 16 river miles with 8+ named rapids |
| PUT-IN: | Indian Flat |
| TAKE-OUT: | Railroad Flat (may vary with high or low water levels) |
| TRIP LENGTH: | 1 day |
| BOAT TYPE: | Paddle raft; paddle raft with oar assist |
Itinerary at a Glance
The Day of Your Trip
- Meet your trip leader at the designated meeting spot at 9 AM. The OARS meeting place is a wide dirt pullout on the west side of Hwy 140. Look for our vehicles and the yellow and blue OARS sign!
- Please be prompt and arrive ready for the river in the appropriate clothing and footwear (see packing list below).
- Lock your car and give your keys to your guide for safekeeping. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll fit you with your safety gear and then take a short shuttle drive to the river.
- At the Indian Flat put-in, the guides will deliver an orientation and safety talk before we get on the water. Refer to the trip page for a more detailed sample itinerary.
- At the take-out, an OARS shuttle will be waiting to take you back to your vehicle. You will generally return to your car sometime before 5 PM, depending on water levels and weather conditions.
INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP COST
- Skilled, professional guide service
- Delicious, riverside picnic lunch
- High-quality inflatable rafts and related river equipment including paddle, helmet, personal flotation device and wetsuits, and splash tops (included on early and late season trips, cold weather trips, and by advance request)
- River Access Fees
- Transfers from the OARS meeting place to the river and back
NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP COST
- Transportation to the meeting place and back
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals
- Wetsuit booties or shoes of any kind
- Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
- Gratuities
Getting Ready
PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST
☐ Consider Purchasing Travel Protection: Learn more about the plan we highly recommend and get a quote.
☐ Trip Forms: Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms online and submit them no later than 30 days prior to your trip, or immediately if booking within 30 days.
☐ Reserve flights, shuttles, and lodging: Verify with your adventure consultant that your trip has met minimum numbers prior to booking flights and/or reserving overnight lodging for the night before and after your trip, if applicable.
☐ Whitewater Orientation: To increase your safety, we expect everyone to watch our Whitewater Orientation video before joining us.
☐ Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. If you exceed 260 pounds, please give us a call. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria.
☐ Payments: Full payment is required at the time of booking.
RIVER RUNNERS’ RESPONSIBILITY CODE
1. Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.
2. Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.
3. Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
4. Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.
5. Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.
6. Abide by the managing agency’s rules.
7. No drugs or alcohol prior to, or during, your trip.; alcohol is allowed in moderation in camp on overnight trips.
8. Minimize your impact on the environment.
9. Wear the OARS-issued and properly–fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when in the boats or swimming. Wear a helmet when required.
10. Your children are your responsibility!
Travel Arrangements
Getting to the Merced
View the meeting location on Google Maps. We also recommend taking a screenshot since cell service is not reliable in this area.
By Car
- From the San Francisco Bay Area, take I-580 East to I-205, then east on Hwy 120 to Hwy 99. South on Hwy 99 to Merced, then Hwy 140 east through Mariposa. From the intersection of Hwys 49 and 140 in Mariposa, travel for 8.6 miles up 140E and then you will see our meeting place on the left (1.3 miles past the Midpines Post Office).
- From Yosemite* or El Portal, the OARS meeting place is 22.6 miles (approximately 40 minutes) southwest on Hwy 140 from the Arch Rock Entrance to Yosemite, on the right (or west) side of the highway. Our meeting point is 0.4 miles past the Yosemite Bug Hostel driveway and bus stop.
*Check out the Caltrans Quickmap for up-to-date details on possible delays.
Pre- and Post-Trip Accommodations (not included in your trip cost)
We recommend that you make your lodging reservations well in advance. Yosemite and its outlying areas are extremely popular, and lodges fill up quickly.
Recommended:
- Yosemite Bug (866) 826-7108
Useful Information
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Please let us know if you have any medical issues or dietary needs that we’ll need to consider in planning your trip.
WILDFIRES & SMOKE
Fire activity can impact the air quality on our trips, and occasionally wildfires may be present in the immediate vicinity of where we’re traveling. In general, we will not cancel a trip on account of smoky conditions, except in cases of clear danger to life or property.
Learn more about rafting during wildfire season with OARS, including info about some of our protocols and travel protection recommendations.
Weather
Leading up to your trip, we recommend checking for an up-to-date weather forecast for El Portal. However, it’s always important to be prepared for changing weather, especially during the months of April, May, and early June when California can experience extreme changes in weather.
AVERAGE AIR & WATER TEMPERATURES
| Air (Day)°F | Water Temp °F | |
| April | 63-67 | 42-44 |
| May | 71-75 | 42-46 |
| June | 80-84 | 46-52 |
| July | 88-92 | 54-60 |
Packing for Your Trip
Watch our packing video for helpful information about what to wear and how to pack for day trips with OARS.
We want you to be prepared and comfortable for your trip. Below you’ll find some general tips for how to dress and what to pack and a comprehensive packing checklist. The need for warm weather or cold weather items should be based on a reliable weather forecast leading up to your trip.
Clothing
We recommend starting with a bathing suit/swim trunks and a lightweight synthetic shirt, adding layers of Synthetic or Merino wool long underwear and warmer clothes as needed.
Wearing cotton items on a river trip is only appropriate when the weather is hot. Cotton does not dry, and wet cotton will chill your body temperature.
Footwear
The best choice is an amphibious shoe that drains water, protects your toes, and won’t come off in swirling currents. A retired pair of athletic shoes can work well, too. Sport sandals with a heel strap are a good option, especially on rivers with sandy beaches. Find professional-grade options made by Chaco®, the official footwear sponsor of OARS guides.
If you buy new shoes or sandals for the trip, make sure you break them in first! See our guide to footcare on river trips for more helpful tips.
Sun Protection
Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously! In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Lightweight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs. A hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are also a must.
BUGS & MOSQUITOES
Bugs and mosquitoes vary depending on location and time of year. It’s a good idea to come prepared with insect repellent. Long-sleeved shirts and pants may be desirable at times. Often yellow jackets and wasps can be a nuisance. We recommend a eucalyptus and lemongrass repellent. If you have moderate to severe allergies, you are required to bring two personal epi-pens.
PACKING LIST
☐ Sunscreen and lip protection: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher (aerosol sprays not recommended)
☐ One 1-liter water bottle: durable and reusable, insulated bottles recommended for trips in hot climates to prevent water from becoming too hot to drink
☐ Ball cap/visor which is flexible enough to fit under your helmet
☐ Polarized sunglasses with securing strap (consider bringing a spare)
☐ Swimwear: tankinis and board shorts are a great option
☐ Shorts (long board shorts preferable for sun protection) and quick-drying top
☐ River/tennis shoes or river sandals with an ankle strap (such as those made by Chaco®); “Aqua socks” strongly discouraged
☐ Synthetic or Merino wool long underwear for spring/early-summer trips
☐ Warm socks (neoprene or wool)
☐ Quick-drying towel (such as those made by Rumpl)
☐ Dry clothes and shoes to change into after your trip to ensure a comfortable drive home
Please note: Our wetsuits, when provided, do not include “wetsuit booties.” You will need to bring your own or wear wool socks with tennis shoes as a good alternative.
Cameras
You may want to bring a small waterproof bag to hold your camera and other items you might need during the day. While most rafting-specific bags are designed to be waterproof, you may wish to place your camera in a zip-close plastic bag or waterproof casing for additional protection.
Valuables
We advise that you leave your valuables at home or in your private vehicle and take on the river only what’s absolutely necessary.
Helpful Links
- Visit our Trip Resources page for more info on the use of drones, electronics, cannabis, CPAP Machines, firearms, and more.
- Find all the gear you need for your trip online at REI.
- Recommended Reading: California’s Sierra Nevada & Beyond
Reminders
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHS
There are several professional companies taking photos of each raft at some of the Merced’s larger rapids, which provide great action shots. These companies are not affiliated with OARS. You will need to contact them separately to view and purchase pictures after your trip. We recommend:
- Picture This…Rapid Shooter – to view and purchase photos after your trip click here or visit their site and click on the OARS logo. If you do not see your trip photos, you can request that the photos from your trip be posted. Picture requests can be sent to: [email protected]
GRATUITIES
Tipping is appreciated by our staff. If you are wondering how much to tip, you may consider that we operate in a service industry with a host of behind-the-scenes contributors in addition to the guides on your trip. In general, we suggest a gratuity based on 10 – 15% of the trip cost. It is customary on OARS trips for gratuities to be given to the Trip Leader, in the form of cash or a personal check, who will then distribute appropriately amongst all the guides and support staff.
SOMETHING VOLUNTARY
In reviewing your statement, you will note a $1/person/day donation to Friends of the River, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting California’s rivers, streams, and watersheds. One hundred percent of these funds go directly to Friends of the River, and your contribution is tax-deductible. This donation is voluntary and may be removed from your invoice if you choose not to participate. Please notify our office to delete the donation from your balance.
Terms & Conditions
Reservations and Payments
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 48 hours, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to departure.
Cancellations and Refunds
Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.
We regret that we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.
| DATE OF CANCELLATION | CANCELLATION FEE |
| 30 or more days before your trip | $30/person |
| 29 – 7 days before your trip | $50/person. The remainder of your trip payment can be transferred to another trip within the same year (or to a credit account for the following year). No refund. |
| 6 days or less before your trip | 50% of the trip cost can be credited to another trip (within the same year). No refund. |
| Late arrivals or “no-shows” | No refund or credit |
Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details.
Canceled Trips
OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 7 days prior to departure. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified with OARS that your trip is confirmed.
If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a $30/person service fee and any non-refundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we cannot guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.
Transfers
If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same year, or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $15/person fee up until 30 days prior to departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. If we are 29-7 days prior to your trip departure, there is a $50/person fee to transfer to another trip, within the same year or to a credit account for the following year. If we are 6 days or less prior to departure, 50% of your trip cost can be credited to another trip within the same year only.
Medical
Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying an OARS trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.
Travel Protection
Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel the spaces on this trip that we’re now holding for you, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan. A travel protection plan may help reimburse the cost of your pre-paid, non-refundable payments in the event you are prevented from taking your trip for a covered reason. Trip participants must understand that in the event of an illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Learn more about the plan we recommend.
Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan.
Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote.
Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.
Liability Release / Assumption of Risk
Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release / assumption of risk form before the trip, confirming awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with OARS cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.
Responsibility – An Important Notice
O.A.R.S. West, Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss, or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, pandemics, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 6 guests), and other factors. There is risk in whitewater rafting, particularly during high-water conditions. Rafts and kayaks do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” and “float-it-out” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept guests weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. We are experienced in accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. We need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time.
OARS trips occur in areas where unpredictable environmental conditions are to be expected. To moderate dangerous situations for our guests and guides, all travelers must obey the rules and regulations as determined by the managing agencies and the Trip Leader and demonstrate reasonable consideration for other guests and OARS employees. We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip if, in our opinion, that guest’s actions or behaviors pose a threat to the safety of her/himself or others, or if those actions or behaviors compromise the enjoyment of the trip for others. Should a guest be asked to leave a trip, there will be no refund for the unused portion, nor will OARS be responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest for accommodations, return transport, change fees, etc. Prices subject to change without notice. Upon advancement of deposit, the depositor agrees to be bound by the above-recited terms and conditions. OARS is an equal opportunity provider.
