Company Questions from Adventure Source

- Describe your corporate philosophy? 

Sometimes you have to take a risk to discover something new.

Throughout history, explorers have become legends by taking risks. The risk of the unknown. The uncharted. The unexplored. The challenge of something new.

In the outdoor world, savvy adventure guides know new ideas are not a risk but a necessity and that the biggest risk of all is putting our dreams of adventure aside.

At Chinook Expeditions we offer a unique perspective in the world of great river journeys. Since 1974, we have explored and pioneered wilderness rafting trips on some of the wildest and most scenic rivers on earth. Join us in a land where exceptional liquidity and unparalleled integrity prevails; where year around wilderness adventures span our trip spectrum. 

Come to the Pacific Northwest and make the adventure of your dreams a reality. Our legendary guides provide experience and professionalism to those who accept the challenge.

The world of Chinook Expeditions... Explore it!  You never know what you might discover.

- What are your operational objectives?

It is my hope that Chinook Expeditions will increase your awareness of the environment by sharing in and participating in our broad range of year-round wilderness river journeys and adventure vacations. Parents, bring your children... we'll show them, explore with them and teach them about the ways of nature, instill in them a sense of wonder, respect and responsibility about this wonderful planet that we call earth. If you are looking for the danger, courage and romance that come with the high adventure activities, then I have a trip for you as well. Whether you're dreaming of the adventure of a lifetime or just a weekend get-away, Chinook Expeditions will make the adventure of your dreams a reality.

- Describe the qualifications of your tour guides. 

 Our hand picked guides come from a variety of backgrounds and share in the belief that guiding is a service of the highest order.  Our leaders are chosen for their knowledge of and experience in all aspects of wilderness travel. We have professionally explored and pioneered many of the rivers throughout Washington and continue to expand the envelope of unable rivers throughout the Pacific Northwest. All of us are extensively trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Swift water Rescue. We are devoted to the environment and are well versed in the ecological, cultural and historical features of the areas we visit. Some of us have degrees in biology, geology and other environmental studies. We are great cooks and take pride in our culinary arts and camp skills. Most of all we love to guide, tell stories, educate and wholeheartedly contribute to making each adventure the funniest and most memorable possible for each of our guests..

- How long has your company been in business?  

  Chinook Expeditions was founded in 1988 by Shane Turnbull, the primary trip leader of the company.  Shane, a wilderness river guide since 1974, is a pioneer of Washington State’s first commercial river rafting trips with over 74 different rivers and 56,000 river miles logged to his professional record.  We are fully licensed and insured in Washington, British Columbia and Hawaii. We hold special use permits from the Mt.Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest and The North Cascades National Park. We are members of Worldwide Outfitters and Guides Association and Professional River Outfitters of Washington.

- What types of tours do you offer?

We specialize in conducting custom river journeys and adventure vacations with a focus on whitewater rafting trips, natural history river tours, wildlife viewing and environmental education seminars. Similar to a summer camp for adults, our one to fourteen day expeditions give our guests a choice of activities and outings based on their interests. On our Cascade Loop Tours we combine outdoor activities like river rafting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling, sea kayaks and mountain biking. This type of tour is designed for adventurous travelers and reasonably fit persons, who want to see the best places, meet the friendliest people and do the most exciting things during their visit to Washington. Some odysseys are simply educational or less strenuous and are perfect for those souls who enjoy a slower pace or different level of participation, like our Skagit Pioneer Adventures, where wildlife and natural history surrounds you in the exceptionally beautiful North Cascades.  In Hawaii and British Columbia, there are exploratory and working trips, where if you enjoy taking risks, being on a new frontier or helping with research, we'll take you to places very few people have ever seen. We also conduct a seven week Professional Guide School in the fall and spring. Learn basic, intermediate and advanced river rafting skills or train to become proficient and certified professional river guide or expedition leader.

- What countries, or regions, do your tours cover?

The United States and Canada. Primarily the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii, providing year around voyages in Washington, Idaho, British Columbia and Maui. Each year we offer an expanded selection of exceptional trips to meet a broad range of interests and capabilities.

- Do you consider any of your tours to be eco tours?

 Many people today choose vacations that revolve around nature. They want to increase their understanding of the natural world.  When eco-travelers come with Chinook they are looking forward to observing wildlife, learning about ecosystems and contributing to the awareness of our environment. All of our trips are known to have a minimal impact on the land, and the dollars that are spent actually contribute to the preservation of our wild and scenic rivers, as well as, promote the local economy. Many river communities in Washington look forward to the seasons that bring our trips back to their towns. Long before 'ecotourism' became the by word, we practiced 'zero impact or no trace' adventure travel.

- If so please describe what your tours do to promote environmental sensitivity.

As an example; The Fraser River Cultural and Educational Foundation was established in 1992 to focus wider public interest and awareness on the future of the Fraser, its tributaries and the many unique communities within the watershed. In conjunction with the B.C. River Keepers Society and Fraser River Expeditions, we promote annual river trips on the Fraser River that draw attention to the change and permanence in the natural world, as well as, establishing an omnibus fund to finance activities that make a positive impact on preserving this great river.

- Please describe how your tours support the local economy and respect the culture of the places you visit.

 Every winter, hundreds of bald eagles migrate from Canada and Alaska to feed on the spawned out salmon of the Skagit River. This area is home to the largest wintering population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Since 1976, we have conducted scenic float tours down the Skagit to observe and photograph these magnificent birds in their natural surroundings. During the winter months, December - February, our Bald Eagle Float Tours bring a welcome flow of visitors to towns and commerce that otherwise wouldn’t be there. Our clients spend money throughout the valley and we in turn spend our money there also.  As a native of the upper Skagit valley and widely known local guide, our company and the local economy has always been intertwined with tourism. Businesses refer their customers to us because we are the 'locals' and our guests leave with a better understanding, appreciation and respect of rural lifestyles and our balance with nature. We also provide seasonal jobs for people in the areas we visit.

- Describe any other features that make your tours ecologically sensitive.

On  ecotourism both the provider and the participant are respectful toward the ecosystem they visit. Some trips focus on a specific species or habitat others are geared to the geology and natural history of a region. All of our trips are designed for small groups and individuals, usually from four to twenty people. The trip quality, group dynamics and minimal impact are inherent to a smaller group size. As with our whitewater rafting trips, the guides are extremely important on these kinds of tours.  We know how to explain the mysteries of nature to adventurous travelers of all ages and backgrounds. Our knowledge of the country, the animals and plants, as well as, a specialized expertise in wilderness living ensures ecological awareness and the safety of our clients.  We you an opportunity to glimpse nature, participate and learn about areas that would otherwise be unavailable or inaccessible to other visitors.

- Describe any special attractions or features your company offers.

Chinook Expeditions offers a wealth of year around river rafting trips and vacation opportunities for you to discover and enjoy. We invite you to take a step out of Western Civilization and focus yourself in our own ancient homeland of native people and world-class destinations.

 There are many ways to see the Pacific Northwest; by van, by horseback, by foot -- sometimes by sheer nerve. We find the single best motive force is by water. Throughout history, explorers and pioneers have used the rivers and lakes as the most convenient and cost effective way to travel. Join us and you'll be professionally and safely guided down some of the wildest and most scenic rivers on earth.  We'll introduce you to the simple pleasures of outdoor living and a rejuvenating escape from the stress of everyday life. You'll enjoy comfortable accommodations and superb dining environments. Our trips include rustic cabins and tents to extremely comfortable lodges and hotels.  We serve hearty international style meals and creative 'Dutch oven' desserts. The entire kitchen, camp gear, cooking and fireside entertainment is taken care of.  We supply all your personal river equipment, safety gear and transportation when you arrive.  As you reserve a trip everything is provided for you. We plan each trip with your interests in mind and encourage you to contact us anytime, days or evenings, to discuss any questions you may have...

- Why should an Adventure Source user choose your company over another?

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most unique and magnificent regions of the world and we are your personal guides to a region that is as wild as it was when the first explorers ventured into it nearly two centuries ago. With Chinook Expeditions you'll see and experience some of the same wilderness those explorers discovered.  You will gain a perspective of yourself and your own abilities by spending unhurried time in an environment that is dramatically different than home.  Although there are other adventure companies throughout the region, few have the synergistic experience that we provide on our trips. Our professionalism and experience is highly respected and well known. We have a long tradition of providing old fashioned hospitality and personalized service to each of our guests.  Our quality trips bring over 70% return clients and much of our marketing is word of mouth.  Most of all, we are in a new frontier of adventure vacations in the Pacific Northwest and no one else offers the unique itineraries or exclusive trips that we produce. Shane Turnbull and his guides guarantee whichever Chinook Expedition you choose will be one of the most extraordinary experiences of your life and an adventure worth repeating.