Tom Scarborough
Area Manager
Guide since 2003: WA, OR, ID. Joined ROW in 2007. Tom has a unique skill set. He is able to recite Dr. Seuss’ poem “The Lorax” from memory, brew a mean pint of beer, drive a bus, milk a cow, cook a tasty Dutch oven lasagna, and write a Microsoft Access database. On top of all that, Tom is a great guide and a wealth of information about the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains. He currently manages ROW’s Rogue River operation where he sings guests to sleep with the smooth sounds of the 70s and his signature number “Waltzing with Bears”. Originally from New York, Tom has a B.S. in Natural Resource Management from Cornell University and an extensive work history ranging from a YMCA summer camp director, to transportation director for a Washington ski area, and finally a river guide. Tom also has a passion for all things bacon, tinkering and pop music.
Guiding Destinations: Rogue River, Owyhee River, Grande Ronde River
Guest Reviews
"Just finished a 4 day rafting and lodge trip down the Rogue River. It was me with my 2 teenage daughters and I could not be happier! Peter, Kayla, Liz, Dane, and Tom were amazing guides. They took the time to make sure my kids were included and had a blast even though the 2 teens have very different ideas of what’s fun. The lodges were amazing, lunch on the river delicious, and the fun stories and factoids were an added bonus. I would do this trip again and again."
"Our family recently returned from a trip with ROW Adventures, and it exceeded every expectation we had. From the moment we met our guides, it was clear that safety was their top priority, but they achieved this without sacrificing the thrill of the adventure. The balance they struck was remarkable; we felt secure and well-cared for, yet still had the freedom to fully immerse ourselves in the experience, whether it was navigating a rapid or exploring a quiet beach. The logistics were flawless, and it was evident that the guides were experts in their craft, always prepared for any situation. This peace of mind allowed us to relax and simply enjoy the spectacular scenery and the camaraderie of our fellow travelers. Perhaps the most surprising and wonderful aspect of the trip was the community that formed among our group. It's a testament to ROW's expertise that they somehow curate a cohesive group of people who get along so well. We had a mix of ages, from young children to teens, adults, and seniors, yet everyone connected effortlessly. Our guides were the architects of this great dynamic, making an effort to get to know each member of our family individually, learning our names and our interests. This personal touch made us feel more than just customers; we felt like honored guests on a shared journey. They wove a rich tapestry of shared history, environmental insights, and fascinating geologic facts into every stop, turning a simple float down a river into a truly educational and enriching experience. The experience was elevated by the delicious food and the thoughtful ways our guides made the trip so memorable. From gourmet meals prepared seemingly out of thin air on a riverside beach to creative games on the raft, every moment was infused with fun and a genuine sense of creativity. There were no dull moments; even downtime was filled with opportunities for connection and laughter. The guides' dedication to making our trip special was palpable—they went above and beyond, offering unexpected moments of joy and shared discovery. Leaving the river, we felt a profound sense of connection not only to the wild, beautiful landscape but to our guides and our new friends. Our guides weren't just knowledgeable professionals; they were genuinely kind, engaging, and passionate people who made an effort to connect with me and my family on a deeper level. This trip with ROW Adventures wasn't just a vacation; it was a transformative journey that created lasting memories and a desire to return for another adventure with them very soon. We love you Tom, Jonas, Liz, Dane, and Peter!!!"