The Owyhee Desert is one of the most remote regions of the lower 48 states and carving its way through it runs one of the most remote rivers in this great land – the Owyhee River. A journey into this region will introduce you to a bizarre landscape of lava flows, and cliffs of both sandstone and granite found side by side. The Middle Owyhee offers the most difficult and technical whitewater that Northwest Voyageurs runs, including the famous Widowmaker Rapid, which is typically an unrunnable Class VI through which the boats are lined. This trip requires all participants to be in good physical condition with a serious interest in embarking on an adventure.
Choosing the four-day option allows for a more relaxed itinerary with time for more hiking or relaxing in camp. Please note that certain water flows are required to run this trip, and Northwest Voyageurs uses either the Lower Owyhee or Hells Canyon as their back-up trips. While each season varies, the most reliable time to book these trips is in April and the first couple weeks of May.
Trip Details
Duration
3-4 Days
Location
Middle Owyhee River
Season
March - Early June
Trip Type
Paddle & Oar
Nearest City
75 Miles from Boise, ID
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Oregon, United States
Rated Classes
V+
Guest Capacity
12
Minimum Age Limit
12
Distance Traveled
40 Miles
Inflatable Kayaks
Yes, With Instruction Provided
Additional Activities
Fishing, Off-River Hiking/Exploring, Volleyball, Horseshoes, Hot Springs
Dining
All Meals Included
About Liquor
BYOB for Evening
Rates
$999.00 - $1,149.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
3 or 4-Day Class V Adventure - $999/$1149 Anytime in April and May, Subject to Water Conditions
Combine the Middle and Lower Owyhee for an epic week-long river journey.
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Middle Owyee River Trip Northwest Voyageurs will pick you up from your hotel in Jordan Valley at 7:00am. The drive to Three Forks is on a rough road, and can be quite an adventure if the weather has been bad recently. Once you arrive at the launch site, while guides will rig the equipment, you will participate in a very thorough safety orientation to inform you of the hazards to be aware of along the river.
Right out of the gate, hit some huge Class IV and V rapids, including "Ledges". Stop to have lunch on the river, and after a few more hours of awesome scenery and exciting whitewater, you'll arrive in camp and enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by the guides. In camp you will have a chance to gather around the campfire to get to know each other better and start to slip into that relaxing thing Northwest Voyageurs calls "river time".
Days 2-3: After a hearty breakfast, while the gear guide packs up camp, discuss plans for the day, including details of the coming rapids. It is rare to encounter more than one or two other parties on these spring trips, but the wildlife is plentiful. Prairie falcons, eagles, and other raptors soar overhead while you may catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope scrambling over the rocky talus slopes.
During the day and in camp there are plenty of hiking opportunities or you may prefer to just relax in a lawn chair and read one of the many books and field guides provided.
Last Day: The final day of the Owyhee whitewater adventure can be the most challenging. Here you face Widow Maker, the one rapid that may require lining the boats and portaging the equipment depending upon the exact water flow.
After the final day on the water, arrive at the small town of Rome where you will de-rig equipment and head back to Jordan Valley. Northwest Voyageurs recommends booking your flight for departure the following day out of Boise.
Notes
Getting Here Please plan to fly into Boise the day before the trip departs. Northwest Voyageurs typically meets guests in Jordan Valley the evening before launch, when they can answer any last-minute questions and introduce you to the guides and other guests.
Reservation Policy
A per person non-refundable deposit of $400 for multi-day trips, $100 for overnight trips, and $25 for day trips is required to confirm your reservation. A deposit of $25 per lodge room, per night is also required. The full balance is due 90 days prior to your trip for multi-day trips and 60 days prior to your trip for day trips and lodge reservations. If your trip is booked less that 60 days in advance, full payment is required at the time of reservation.
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