Your best bet is probably the Deschutes River in the vicinity of Maupin, Oregon. It is about 90 miles from Portland by way of a scenic drive that takes you up past Mt. Hood. The weather in mid-July will almost always be hot and dry (great conditions for rafting on a cool river). The river has fun class III and IV rapids, along with stretches of calm water.

There are many rafting outfitters that run 1/2 day, full day and 3-day trips on the river. You might check with either the Oasis Resort or the Imperial River Co. to find out more information. I don't have their websites right off-hand, but I'm sure a google search of those names together with the word "Maupin" will get you there.

The number of rafts allowed on the river on any given day is restricted, so you should probably make reservations.

thanks for the help. i will check for some sites.

A little closer to Portland, there are at least 2 outfitters in BZ Corner, Washington that run 4-hour trips down the White Salmon River. Man, do I look funny in a wetsuit.

I am an avid white water rafter and I LOVE the Deschutes out of Maupin. You can also do a very long trip from Warm Springs.

Box Car and Oak Springs are the two big rapids but there are some equally challenging smaller ones that sneak up on you.

Bring a big water gun of some kind or a bucket because rafting on the Deschutes means water fights with other rafts.

If you go, make sure you pull over at White River, walk upstream and jump into the rapids to shoot back down to your raft. Always wear a life jacket, especially now with so much water running in the river this year.

Totally agree with Rafting Deschutes out of Maupin.

First Summer after I moved to Portland I went with a group from work to Maupin. Never Rafted before in my life and had THE BEST TIME.

We have reservations for rafting on the White Salmon in July, is the water running high? Will it still be ok for a family trip?

I think the water will run high all summer due to the incredible snow pack on the mountains. The water will be cold, too!

Unless you're each paddling your own kayak, I wouldn't be concerned, shellebear. They won't do the trip if it's not safe.

Water should be just fine in July. The White Salmon runs all year.

It also has great rapids, wild and scenic canyons, and an optional Class V waterfall you can run if you want to (but don't have to).

Bigger rapids and better scenery than the Deschutes, plus much closer to Portland.

Here's a few other suggestions for teens:

Alpine Slides and Adventure Park - http://skibowl.com/index.php?page=attractions

Willamette Jet Boat Excursions - http://www.willamettejet.com/

Portland Ducks - http://www.portlandducks.com/

Malibu Gran Prix - http://www.maliburaceway.com/

Portland Aerial Tram - http://www.portlandtram.org/

Have fun!