WHITEWATER RAFTING

Lower Owyhee River Trips

It is rare to encounter more than one or two other parties on these spring trips. Floating the Owyhee provides an exciting opportunity to see a wild desert canyon in full bloom. Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, and other wild flowers abound. Canadian geese and their goslings are seen frequently along the river. Prairie falcons, eagles, and other raptors soar overhead. Bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope may be glimpsed scrambling over the rocky talus slopes.

The Owyhee runs in the springtime between mid March and mid June (in some years the season is shorter). Waterflows can be variable and occasionally Northwest Voyageurs needs to move these trips to Hells Canyon if the water is too low.

Trip Details

Day 1: Lower Owyee River Trip
After breakfast, make the short drive from Jordan Valley to the launch site in Rome, Oregon. Here you have a thorough safety orientation before beginning the whitewater trip. The first day on the river is relaxing and a great time for everyone to learn to paddle, or get acquainted with the inflatable kayaks. Travel through about seven miles of irrigated desert farms, navigating braided channels and observing abundant bird life. A delicious lunch served on a sandy beach offers a first taste of the next few days on the water.

As you enter the Owyhee canyon in the afternoon, guides share colorful stories of the history of the canyon and its inhabitants. Guests usually arrive at camp in the late afternoon. Camps are typically on sandy beaches with access to spectacular hiking trails. The camp crew has already set up camp and done all the work, so there is plenty of time to explore the canyon, fish for rainbow trout and bass, play horseshoes or bocce ball, or just relax in camp.

Appetizers and a delicious dinner are served in the evening. Following dinner, you continue to unwind and begin to enter into the flow of the trip — something Northwest Voyageurs calls “river time”. Dessert is always baked fresh in Dutch ovens, and the night ends with warm companionship and a sky full of brilliant stars. (B/L/D)

Days 2-4:
These days follow the same general pattern as Day 1. After breakfast, return to the river and continue the downstream journey. Each day features numerous rapids (mostly Class III with an occasional Class IV), several planned stops and amazing scenery. During the trip, you have the chance to stop at two hot springs and soak away any spring chills. If the water levels are right, you even camp next to one of the hot springs!

Adventurous spirits looking for a little more excitement may choose to paddle in inflatable kayaks during the day, following the guides through the rapids. With each day, you find the river slowly seeps further and further into your soul. With each night, you become more relaxed and more in touch with your surroundings.

Last Day:
After reaching the beginning of the Owyhee Reservoir, hook up the small motor and travel the last few miles on the reservoir before reaching the take-out at Leslie Gulch. After loading the boats and equipment, you begin the drive out of the Owyhee canyon and back to civilization.

Getting Here
Please plan to fly into Boise the day before the trip departs. Groups typically meet in Jordan Valley the night before the trip (though sometimes Northwest Voyageurs can meet people in Boise the afternoon before the trip).