The 'Rafting Tales From the Past' Category Archive


South Fork American Scenery

How Did the South Fork American River Become So Popular?

It was a setup no one could see. Discover how the South Fork of the American River became known and how it has grown into the most popular whitewater rafting river in the Western US.

  Published October 10th, 2023

Scott running Mushroom (Class V) - Cherry Creek

Caught With His Pants Down

One of the Armstrong family’s classic stories, this rafting tale is about the start of the youngest sibling’s river guiding career. You just have to read it to believe it!

  Published May 18th, 2023

History of Whitewater Rafting

The history of whitewater river running dates back to the Native Americans and John Wesley Powell, well before modern rubber rafts were invented. Let’s take a history lesson about our favorite sport.

  Published May 10th, 2023

All-Outdoors Women Leading the Way

All-Outdoors has been a pioneer in both whitewater rafting and gender inclusivity since its beginning in the 60’s. Women have contributed to the company’s growth every step of the way, playing vital roles both on and off the water.

  Published March 29th, 2023

All-Outdoors…What’s in a Name?

Our guests often ask us the question, “Where did the name All-Outdoors come from?” It is a good question and one that deserves to be answered.

  Published August 15th, 2022

The Last Lost River

The river where California whitewater rafting took sail 60 years ago is now a lake. While the loss of the Main Stanislaus River in the 1980’s was heartbreaking, out of it came a loud voice for river conservation countrywide.

  Published June 6th, 2022

Randy and George on the Rogue River in the 70s

Lessons Learned on a Crazy Spring Rafting Trip in 1970

Read this hair-raising story of a 1970 springtime trip the Armstrongs took on the Main Stanislaus River and see what important lessons were learned on that memorable day.

  Published April 22nd, 2022

60 years on California Rivers

[VIDEO] Celebrating 60 Years on California Rivers!

Turning 60 years old is something worth celebrating, especially when so many lives have been touched by All-Outdoors rafting trips over the decades. It all started in 1962 and what a journey it has been!

  Published March 30th, 2022

[VIDEO] Armstrong Brothers Take on Goodwin Canyon (1999)

AO owner Scott Armstrong tells the story of him and his brothers on an early exploratory trip on Goodwin Canyon in 1999. That trip helped place this unique river into our large repertoire of California river trips.

  Published October 18th, 2021

[VIDEO] George Armstrong’s 2nd Rafting Trip (1963)

George’s first rafting trip was difficult and full of mishaps, but sparked a passion. His second trip the following year in 1963 was more sensible and more enjoyable. Listen to him tell the story and see the footage of this epic voyage…

  Published August 15th, 2021
 
 

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