Imperial River Company owners, Rob & Susie Miles, consider themselves fortunate to have traveled and lived in different parts of the country. However, they look upon their business on the Deschutes River in Maupin, Oregon as their biggest challenge and accomplishment thus far. Maupin feels like home for Susie, who grew up on her family’s nearby ranch. The Imperial Stock Ranch is 20 miles outside of Maupin and maintains the same areas of production as it did over 100 years ago. Susie’s parents, Dan & Jeanne Carver, and brother, Blaine Carver, still live and work on the ranch. After graduating from high school in Maupin in 1993, Susie attended the University of Idaho where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education in 1997. Rob also has a farming background. He grew up on his family’s dairy in Weippe, Idaho. Weippe is a small town similar to Maupin in many ways, including outdoor recreation. After graduating from high school in 1991, Rob also attended the University of Idaho and received his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1996.

Prior to his graduation, Rob proposed to Susie in Acapulco, Mexico and the two agreed to get married immediately after Susie’s graduation in 1997.

In the fall of 2000, Rob & Susie learned that C&J Lodge in Maupin was for sale and it seemed to fit their plan. They purchased the business and took over in January 2001, changing the name to Imperial River Company. Rob and Susie have built on the reputation of the original whitewater rafting and lodging operation, but have also expanded in other areas. They put in a full-service restaurant, added 3 new rooms and expanded the photo shop’s capabilities by taking digital photos of everyone on the river.

In 2006 they embarked upon a little remodel. All told, they added a quiet bar, lobby, 45 seat conference room, courtyard with fire pit, 13 river view guest rooms, a new photo shop and raft storage building, sand volleyball court, extensive landscaping, and paved parking areas.

In July 2004 they had a little girl named Holly. January 2007 brought little brother Jack. They look forward to raising their children in such a unique part of Oregon.