Skip to content
Washington River Guide Service since 1980

About Us

Washington River Guide Service since 1980

For more than 40 years, we have been offering professionally guided river trips on the most thrilling and scenic rivers in Washington. Wildwater is made up of passionate river guides who have traveled the world for the sport we all love. What sets us apart from others in our industry is our commitment to guest service, top of the line equipment, and the highest guide certification standards in the state. Our goal is to connect people with nature through fun, professionally guided river trips that will enhance the way people view themselves and the environment. Join the experience today!

Team Wildwater - Join the experience

Team wildwater

Team Wildwater is much more than just a team. We’re a close-knit family of river enthusiasts. We live and love to guide people down the beautiful rivers of Washington State. When we’re not on the river you can find us hiking, fishing, camping, rock climbing, practicing yoga, and climbing mountains, as well as other outdoor activities. Come be a part of the Wildwater experience and let us share our passion with you.

The Owner

Lance Surfing Rodeo Hole Rapid

Lance brought new energy and offerings to Wildwater River Guides in 2012.

LANCE REIF - OWNER, RAFT GUIDE, KAYAK INSTRUCTOR

Lance grew up playing in the rivers and creeks of West Virginia where he developed his passion for the outdoors. As a Senior, he was introduced to kayaking by a teacher at his high school. Upon graduation, he attended Ohio University where he earned a degree in Adventure Recreation and Business. In the Spring of 2004, Lance began his commercial whitewater career working as a professional guide on the New and Gauley Rivers in West Virginia for Songer Whitewater.

Lance's professional guide accreditations include:

  • Level 4 American Canoe Association Whitewater kayak instructor
  • Sierra Rescue International River Rescue Instructor
  • Wilderness First Responder with over 20 years of experience in the whitewater industry

Lance brings worldwide experience with rafting, kayaking, and SUP in Ecuador, Mexico, Africa and British Columbia, and has gained a renewed focus on continuing education, risk management, and professionalism within the business. Over the past 21 years, he has guided on rivers throughout Washington, West Virginia and Oregon while competing in various whitewater races and events.

One of Washington's first river outfitters

Wildwater River Tours was founded in 1980 by Eastern Washington University senior student Rod Amundson. The outdoor recreation activities he once viewed as fun hobbies were transformed into a full-fledged river canoeing and whitewater rafting outfitter.

Over time the business focus shifted from flatwater canoeing to whitewater rafting on Washington and Oregon's best rivers. At the end of the 2012 season, Wildwater River Guides was born out of a desire to offer more ways to experience the beautiful rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Under new ownership and outfitted with the latest equipment, the company now offers expert whitewater kayak instruction, specialty kayak clinics, and guided down-river SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) trips in addition to whitewater rafting trips and guide training.

Wildwater River guides is under permit with the U.S. Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and the North Cascades National Park.

Contact Us

Reservations & Information

1 800 522 WILD | 509 470 8558


info@wildwater-river.com

Follow Us

Guest Testimonials

Thrilling, fun, & worth every penny!

Really loved our experience with Wildwater River folks! They accommodated us booking a whitewater rafting trip super last minute and were willing to work with our group of 3 and make it happen, even though their policy is a minimum of 4 people. It was my mom’s 60th birthday and we were really grateful for them making it happen. To summarize, it was a BLAST and hella worth every penny.

Yasmeen O

Perfectly organized, all the equipment was in great condition, our guide was a passionate naturalist and told us many interesting details about the surroundings, river, geology, climate etc. (much more than the usual tourist trivia). Overall, amazing adventure - will definitely come back for more.

Michał Czapiński

I just want to say that Lance, our guide, was an awesome guy! Not only was he very knowledgeable, but was also very fun to talk too. Made the trip even better with his upbeat attitude.

The trip itself was on the Wenatchee-river, it was a nice mixture of calm sightseeing and exciting rapids! I took my my mother that's never done it before and she had a blast!

Overall... Would recommend it!!!

Kyle D.

Private Kayak Instruction

I took three of my boys (14, 18, and 21), and spent several hours on the river with two Wildwater River Guides. We were so impressed. They were personable and knowledgeable. They adapted to our varying skill levels. By the end of the instruction we were competent enough to navigate the class I, II, and III rapids and have loads of fun. Thank you for a memorable safe, and exciting time.

Kevin Arrington

Will never forget White Salmon
I have been whitewater rafting with 3 companies and by far this was the best one. Spenser and Liam were amazing guides that truly made our experience unforgettable in the best way. Hands down!!!! Best way to end the summer.

Joan M

This is my third time using Wildwater River Guides and I continue to have great experiences each time. Spencer was our guide down the White Salmon and we're planning on booking a couple more trips and requesting him specifically. If you're new to rafting or looking to try a new guided tour, I highly recommend Spencer and the team over at Wildwater River Guides.

Evan Stichler

I have been a rafting guide and rafted a lot. I honestly think this is the best crew I've been around. They are a well oiled machine; each person has the role they play in the making of an all around awesome experience for everyone. With my history of rafting, honestly most of the guides I have been around (and worked with) were a group of random misfits! Not a bad thing, just nothing that binds them as a "group." These guys are none of that; they made yesterday a fantastic experience on the Tieton River. Can't wait until spring to see them in Leavenworth!

CJ Jillian

We had an absolute blast with Wildwater on their two-day rapid progression kayaking course! Andy was very professional, knowledgeable, and kept us learning on the river all day. I feel confident tackling the river by myself now after the course and would recommend the course for anyone looking to get into whitewater kayaking. Thanks, Andy and the Wildwater team!

Brandon Bramley

Read or post a review:

© 2024 - Wildwater River Guides.

Wildwater River Guides, LLC is an equal opportunity provider and is under permits with the U.S. Forest Service; Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, North Cascades National Park, and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Website Design + Development: Mind Merge Design