Our Story
The Beginning of Blue Sky Rafting
Founded in 1997 by adventure enthusiast Pete Giordano, Blue Sky Rafting was born from a deep passion for the outdoors and the thrill of moving water. Pete’s love for rafting began with casual trips down the Wolf River and North Umpqua before taking a beginner kayak course with the Oregon State Outdoor Program. That single course ignited a lifelong love for the challenge and excitement of white-water adventures.
After working as a business manager for a rafting company in Colorado, Pete returned to Oregon in 1998 to bring his own vision to life. With just two rafts and two guides, Blue Sky Rafting officially launched, offering unforgettable day trips on the Sandy and North Santiam Rivers.
๐ฃ Blue Sky Rafting officially started with two rafts and two guides, offering exciting rafting trips on the Sandy and North Santiam Rivers.
๐ We petitioned and secured a Special Use Permit from the Forest Service, allowing us to run commercial white-water trips on the Upper Clackamas River. Before this, no commercial trips ran past June due to limited access and facilities.
๐๏ธ We worked closely with the Forest Service and Portland General Electric to improve three access sites, adding better parking, boat ramps, and bathrooms, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable for our guests.
๐ถ To offer more flexibility, we introduced new access points that allowed us to adjust trip durations based on water levels.
๐ We also upgraded our lunch experienceโmoving from a simple deli lunch to a delicious bar-b-que meal, served at a scenic riverside spot above Hole in the Wall Rapid.
๐ The Upper Clackamas River continues to shape our adventures. In the spring, high water creates big waves and powerful rapids, while in the summer, the spring-fed river delivers crystal-clear waters and technical rapids. As the river evolves, we continue discovering new play spots, challenges, and adventures to share with our guests.
Join the Adventure!
At Blue Sky Rafting, every trip is about adventure, exploration, and unforgettable memories. Whether youโre a seasoned rafter or a first-time paddler, we invite you to ride the waves, embrace the thrill, and be part of our ongoing story.
