In the steep canyons of southeastern Oregon, the Owyhee winds through a bizarre and beautiful exhibit of brown, red, yellow, and white rock formations, lacquered black bluffs of basalt, and bubbling springs and waterfalls. A virtual museum showcasing eons of erosion, these gorges are filled with towering spires, ancient fossils, and sandy beaches dotted with agate and other gemstones from the surrounding walls — a geologist’s paradise.
The Owyhee, which flows in the early season, is a great trip with exhilarating whitewater, hikes in colorful canyons, and abundant wildlife — including eagles, egrets, minks, pronghorn antelopes, bighorn sheep, and even wild horses. You’ll also enjoy a variety of boats (rafts, dories, and inflatable kayaks), fantastic springtime scenery, and very few people.
Trip Details
Duration
6 Days/5 Nights
Location
Owyhee River
Season
April; May
Trip Type
Paddle & Oar
Nearest City
Boise, ID
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Oregon, United States
Rated Classes
III
Minimum Age Limit
7 Years
Distance Traveled
70 Miles
Inflatable Kayaks
Available With Instruction Provided
Additional Activities
Hiking, Swimming
Dining
All Meals Included
About Liquor
Beer/Wine Provided and/or BYOB for Evening
Rates
$1,224.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
A $250 per person deposit is required at the time of reservation. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
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Trip Itinerary
The Day Before Your Trip: There will be an orientation meeting at 8:00pm at the Best Western Vista Inn. Your trip leader will meet with you to answer last minute questions and distribute waterproof bags in which to pack your gear.
Day 1: Meet at 7:00am for a three-hour drive southwest into Oregon. En route, stop for fishing licenses and any last minute items in the town of Jordan Valley. The launch point is Rome, Oregon (which could have been built in a day). Once through the pastoral Rome Valley, pass the confluence of Crooked Creek before making camp.
Day 2: Shove off, anticipating real whitewater action. Encounter many rapids of various sizes, including "Artillery", which you might stop to scout. The "Badlands" area begins here, with its interesting clay and sandstone formations.
Day 3: "Whistling Bird" rapid is the highlight for today. With a difficult hairpin turn against a dramatic cliff face, it's a certain scout and great photo opportunity. Enter a narrow section of river bounded by precipitous cliffs.
Day 4: Lambert Rocks and Jackson Creek entice you on extended walks up into colorful side canyons and scenic ridge lines. Small hot springs near the river add another interesting geological dimension.
Day 5: Today there is more rapid excitement with a class IV chute at the "diversion dam". Afterward, pass "Hole in the Ground" Ranch, a historic remnant of the past. Birch Creek, a tributary on the right bank, signals camp for the night.
Day 6: End the trip at the Owyhee Reservoir, where there is a short motorboat tow to Leslie Gulch. The intensity of the colorful rock formations makes up for the lack of current while crossing the lake. Load up and drive 2.5 hours back to Boise - back to civilization and hot showers.
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