2010 - LEAP is Founded

LEAP formally incorporates as a nonprofit and runs its first program on the Rogue River with the Legacy Oregon Burn Center. Founding board members personally plan and operate the inaugural trip, setting the tone for LEAP’s hands-on, community-driven model.

2012 - Expanding Partnerships & First Variety Show

LEAP launches the Variety Show fundraising event and expands programming to the Lower Salmon River in Idaho. New partnerships with Friends of the Children and New Avenues for Youth mark the beginning of sustained community collaboration.

2014 - Source to Snake

LEAP organizes Source to Snake, an unprecedented eleven-day descent of the entire Salmon River. Twenty-two participants raise $125,000, significantly expanding LEAP’s visibility and funding base.

2016 - A Major Turning Point

LEAP secures its own permit for the Lower Salmon River, transitioning to fully independent operations. This year also marks the final season on the Rogue River and the beginning of a long-term partnership with OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

2017 - Professionalization & Growth

With new staff leadership in place, LEAP delivers ten programs for eight partner organizations, serving over 150 participants in a single season. The organization enters a new era of operational stability and program scale.

2019 - 800 Participants Served

The cumulative number of individuals served by LEAP surpasses 800, reflecting nearly a decade of sustained community impact.

2020 - Adapting Through COVID

The global pandemic forces the cancellation of in-person programs. LEAP pivots to virtual and local paddle experiences and establishes the Bret Hokkanen Endowment Fund in honor of longtime board member Bret Hokkanen.

2021 - Rebuilding After COVID

LEAP resumes in-person programming at 50% capacity, offering five programs across the Lower Salmon and newly permitted Lower Deschutes Rivers. New partnerships with Raphael House of Portland and CultureSeed expand LEAP’s reach, and off-river programming experiments begin. Program Director Val Pufahl is promoted to Executive Director, guiding LEAP through recovery and transition.

2022 - Adaptive Programs & Mentorship Launch

LEAP expands to nine programs across the Lower Salmon and Lower Deschutes Rivers. The first one-day Adaptive Rafting Program launches, and the Guide-in-Training Program brings former participants onto the guide team for the first time. New leadership joins, including Executive Director Seth Truby and Program Director Matt Mogck.

2023 - Community Leadership & Longest Season

Six new Board members join LEAP, and the organization convenes its first Community Advisory Council made up of partner staff. LEAP delivers its longest season to date, operating for eleven consecutive weeks across both rivers.

2024 - A New Chapter of Leadership

LEAP continues programming on the Lower Salmon and Lower Deschutes Rivers with long-standing partners. Amy Wickstrom joins LEAP as Executive Director, ushering in a new chapter focused on growth, financial sustainability, and strategic planning.

2025 - Multi-Day Adaptive Pilot

LEAP launches its first multi-day Adaptive Rafting Program pilot on the Lower Deschutes River, serving two individuals and their care partners using custom-made adaptive rafts across 37 downriver miles. New partnerships with Adaptive Sports NW and Wana Waixtishama (CRÍID) reflect LEAP’s continued commitment to inclusive, community-driven programming.

OUR STORY