You seem to be in a different world at REO Rafting, Glamping, and Yoga Resort! The beautiful forest, rushing jade-green Nahatlatch River, picturesque canyons, and the snowcapped peaks of the Lillooet Ranges that surround the camp create a tranquil and beautiful haven far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
But it is not so far! This slice of paradise is just 2.5 hours from Vancouver, B.C., or 4.5 hours from Seattle. Boston Bar (under 200 people) and North Bend (107 people) are the nearest towns.
The town of Boston Bar was named after the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush (1858–1861), when many Americans, some of whom were from Boston, came into the area. The town is located near the site of a “bar” – a gold-bearing sandbar. Before the gold rush, the Nlakapamux First Nation (also known as the Thompson People) was here for over 9,000 years. They were semi-nomadic and fished the Frazier and Thompson Rivers.
Family Affair- Courtship and Rafting
Was it fate that brought Karen Pennell to REO Rafting in 1993, where she met her future husband Bryan Fogelman, head river guide and owner? Karen went there to raft but ended up with a whole new life! They got married a couple of years later at REO, having the ceremony on the bank of the beautiful green river. Karen was originally from Newfoundland, and Bryan was from South Dakota.
More fate? Their daughter Sierra went to New Zealand to work as a river rafting guide and met Matt Walls, who was also working as a guide. They also had a riverside wedding in 2023 at REO Rafting. Did someone say love is in the air?
Relaxing to the Sounds of the River
We arrived in the early afternoon, and settling into our home for the next several days was easy. We found our platform tent on the banks of the river, surrounded by beautiful trees. Glamping includes many amenities, one of which is a king-size bed. The tent was roomy enough to include a dresser and sitting area. A patio was also at the front of the tent, with very comfy chairs to sit in and watch the river rush by. It was very tempting to take a mid-afternoon nap! However, it was time for Happy Hour in the dining area, perched on a hill overlooking the river. So, having a beverage on the patio with the sounds of the river melting away our worries of the day was also a great choice.
Happy Hour, which offers local brews and wines, happens twice a week. Another benefit of glamping is enjoying three meals a day with stunning views of the Nahatlatch River Valley.
Bryan Fogelman is the Master of Whitewater Rafting
Bryan Fogelman has operated REO Rafting for 42 seasons and has an impeccable safety record. Why? Experience and attention to safety details. Bryan also requires extensive training for his guides.
Bryan’s rafting and kayaking experience dates back to the 1970s. He and some associates pioneered the first recreational descents on some key rivers in British Columbia, including Nahatlatch, among many others.
Make sure to check out Paddle BC, providing information on where to paddle, rent, and much more.
Bryan has many other skills; one could call him a Renaissance man. He is a musician and songwriter for his company, Blue Crush Music. His interest in music dates back to his days in South Dakota, when he was 17 years old, when he organized and hosted two concerts that attracted thousands. His business prowess continued as an adult with an advanced business degree, experience as a business consultant, and success as a small business owner.
Rafting
One very important reason to come here is to experience the adrenaline rush of the class 4 rapids. They will not disappoint you!
Start by taking the shuttle toward the starting point near Francis Lake. On the ride, you will see the scars from the Kookipi Creek Wildfire, which happened in August of 2023 and burned part of REO’s buildings. It is truly a miracle how quickly they have been able to rebuild. We will cover this part of the REO story more in a future article.
The whitewater route is dependent on the water level as the spring mountain snowmelt feeds the river. So usually, there are medium to medium-high water levels in May, June, and early July. The first leg of the whitewater route is slightly over 4 miles with 18 rapids that are class 3 to 4+. After a break, the van takes you back to the start to repeat the run. Thus, you have rafted over 8 miles and 36 rapids in three to four hours. You will get wet, but no worries, a complete wetsuit is provided. Plus no rafting experience is needed.
Then, medium-low to low water levels typically occur in early July to mid-August. During those months, the route will start above Francis Lake and includes a total of 7. 5 miles with 26 rapids; most are Class 3+ and several Class 4 rapids. On this route, you end up back at the resort. Here are the names of some of the class 4 rapids: Twisted Sister, Lose Yer Lunch, Pinball, and Rock n’ Roll (I just love these names!).
Paddling & Hiking
If the goal is a tame water experience, then going to Hannah Lake is the ticket. The guide will load up the kayak or SUP and drive you in their van. The Nahatlatch River flows into a string of three lakes: Nahatlatch Lake, Hannah Lake, and Francis Lake. Today, the guide led us to paddle north and enjoy the alpine scenery. The deep green of old-growth forests surrounded the beautiful lake. Paddling into the headwind gave the group a good workout. The return to the launch spot was fast since the wind was then at our back. Before leaving the water, we floated for a while, soaking up the summer sun and fresh mountain air.
Back to the van, and 30 minutes later, back to the resort for a guided hike in the forest, a short but brisk walk of about an hour along the roaring river. The guide explained some of the wild runs on this part of the river that have been done in the past. However, they are not guided now as the canyon is too steep here. It was a decent workout going up and down the hills.
More Programs
A cornerstone of REO is its all-inclusive Yoga Retreats. These unique wellness retreats are some of its most popular programs and can be fully customized. The yoga classes are held at the river’s edge in shalas (outdoor open pavilions) and are taught by instructors worldwide. You could not have a better setting to relax.
Later in the summer, the Nahatlatch River water levels are too low for whitewater rafting, so guided river tubing trips are offered as an option. Late July and early August can bring temperatures over 90 F, so the river would certainly be refreshing. Staff members fully guide the tubing trips in kayaks.
Even though REO is a small, family-run company, it operates on a wide variety of Canadian rivers. You can compare all the rivers they guide on here.
We can’t wait to return to this slice of paradise for more exciting outdoor adventures and top-notch relaxation.
Editorial disclosure food, beverages, and lodging generously provided
Image Sources:
