The thrill of plowing through high water rapids is not lost on anyone, especially Andrew Soriano, one of the new owners of Seventh Mountain Rafting Company.

Soriano can hardly contain his excitement when he speaks of a series of five rapids on the Deschutes River, with its centerpiece, The Big Eddy. It’s infectious for he and his staff and the clients feel it as well.

“We’re all here to have fun. Forget your worries of the day, the troubles of the world, and just enjoy nature,” he says.

Soriano is no newbie to the rafting trade. In fact, he has run the river for Seventh Mountain Wyndham Resorts for seven years prior to he and his family buying the operation outright this year.

Soriano, his wife Carlene, and partners (and parents) Troy and Terri Gallagher, purchased Seventh Mtn Rafting Co. from the Wyndham Resort company. It is based at Seventh Mountain Resort. One of the first resorts in Bend, Seventh Mountain lies just west of the city off Century Drive and provides easy access to hiking, biking, cross country ski trails as well as Mt Bachelor downhill skiing to the west.

But of easy convenience is the Deschutes, moments from the front door of Seventh Mountain.

While well known to locals, the Big Eddy run is ideal for visitors to experience a whitewater trip without taking up a whole day. Time can be precious when one has a few days to enjoy all Central Oregon has to offer.

“A complete trip takes about 1 hour, 40 minutes,” Soriano said. “And the put in is just a short bus ride from the resort.”

“It’s possible to be skiing in the morning, rafting in the afternoon and enjoying the downtown nightlife and dining in the evening,” Carlene Soriano says.

What’s attractive about Seventh Mtn Rafting Co. is it is locally owned and operated. Carlene has lived in Bend about 20 years, growing up enjoying the outdoors while her family vacationed here.

“Now our four children can experience the same things,” she said.

For stepdad Troy Gallagher, the rafting company is a chance to work in tandem with Andrew, who also operates a custom painting company – S & C Painting solutions – and the Rapa Nui Tiki Bar in Bend’s Old Mill District (the only authentic Tiki bar in town).

“We’ve been trying to come up with a project together ever since we got to know each other in the early days in Prescott, Ariz.,” said Troy.

“It is very much a family operation,” says Terri Gallagher. “It is a natural fit.”

Andrew grew up in Mayer, Arizona, and has been in the hospitality industry for several years, getting his degree from Northern Arizona University.

When Wyndham purchased Seventh Mountain, it asked him to run the rafting operations, perhaps the only one Wyndham operated. Soriano took it from a tiny operation to a large and efficiently run one it is today.

“I really fell in love with Bend, because it retains that small-town feel, even today.”

And making locals and tourists feel welcomed is what Seventh Mtn is all about.

“Our logo is from the ‘70s, it has that nostalgic, retro feel that locals will enjoy.” Andrew said. “And we want to offer that river experience that isn’t too costly to enjoy.”

It also offers flatwater tours, kayak tours and stand-up paddleboard tours, which is about a half-day experience and includes lunch. Paddlers get to view Benham Falls and Dillon Falls. Kayaks and SUPs are for rent, as well.

If you’re looking to support local businesses this summer Seventh Mtn Rafting is your spot!

The operation details:

The season runs from May 1 to Sept. 30. Mainly whitewater rafting on the Big Eddy stretch. Put-in is at Aspen day use area and take out at Lava Island Falls. Across that stretch you hit three to four 1- to 2-class rapids and then five, 3 to 4-class rapids. That trip takes about 1 hour 40 minutes with plenty of time for photos, nature talks from the guide, wildlife viewing and even swimming if you choose.

There are 30 employees or 15 FTEs during the height of the season – all trained in guiding rafters safely. The operation has two buses, a van and a trailer for the rafts.

Here’s what rafters can expect from Seventh Mtn.:

Trip Summary:

Bus Ride – 3 miles

Time of Trip – 1.5 hours

Time on Water – 1 hour

Recommended Age – 6 and up

Rapid Rating- Class 3, intermediate

Raft Size- 6 to 9 paddlers depending on water levels and weight of group. Splits will be decided at the put-in by the lead guide. If you want your own raft reserve for 7 people and bring 6.

Seventh Mtn runs 5 trips a day, starting at 10 a.m., ending by 4.

It is permitted to take 250 people down the river and up 9 boats on the water, but usually runs 6 boats.