Steeped in a legacy of commitment to exploring and protecting our rivers
NWRC was founded by long-time backpacker, kayaker, rafter, and guide Zach Collier. Although established in 2009, our roots go back much earlier to 1998 when NWRC partners Zach Collier and Dan Martin began guiding for ECHO River Trips on the Rogue, Tuolumne, and Middle Fork of the Salmon Rivers. ECHO was operated by industry legends Joe Daly and Dick Linford who provided Zach the education, passion, and foundation to grow a successful and sustainable business as he moved through the ranks of guide to eventual manager.
In 2004, Zach became manager of ECHO’s day-to-day operations allowing Dick and Joe to scale back their involvement. Five years later, after purchasing the Sundance River Center which was renamed Northwest Rafting Company (NWRC), Zach moved to Hood River, Oregon, where he continued to manage ECHO while simultaneously growing NWRC.
In 2013, Zach bought out Dick and Joe’s ownership stake in NWRC and brought on Dan as partner. In 2014, Dick and Joe sold the last part of their ECHO business to NWRC. Dick and Joe’s philosophy has been a primary influence on our approach to creating whitewater rafting experiences with precision and consideration for both the guest and the wilderness.
Throughout the years, we have maintained a foundational commitment to explore, protect, and lead trips on beautiful and remote rivers. We work hard to maintain good relations with the government agents who regulate our rivers, with our fellow outfitters, environmental groups, and the communities in which we base our operations. Every year NWRC hosts Wild Rivers Night, a celebration for the river community that supports several nonprofit organizations that are working to protect our rivers, including American Whitewater. We also donate time and profits to Conservation Alliance, American Rivers, and Redside Foundation.