owyhee river tour

Oregon’s Wild and Scenic

Owyhee river.

Watch Owyhee River Video

5 Day Owyhee River Rafting Trips

• Length: 48 miles / 5 days
• Season: April
• Activities: Class II/III rafting + kayaking
• Minimum Age: 12
• Includes: Professional guides, exceptional food, and all equipment
• Meeting Place: Rome, Oregon
• Trip Cost: $1795/person
• Dates & Prices
• Trip Details (PDF)

Trip Reviews

Truly exceptional.

Hidden in Southeastern Oregon, this high desert river is as special as it is remote making it qualify for many seasoned boaters’ bucket lists. With columnar basalt formation created by the same geologic hot spot that currently lies beneath Yellowstone National Park, the Owyhee River canyon is a must-see. And although at first glance the landscape might look barren, the Owyhee River is home to an incredibly diverse and exciting environment.

As you make your way down river, you’ll spot pictographs and other evidence of native tribes that pepper the canyon walls. Of the more than 100 different types of birds that live in the area, see how many you can identify. Later at your campsite, watch the river from an immense rock canopy. From the bright sunflower-like Arrowleaf Balsamroot to the aromatic scent of sage in the wind after a light rain to soaking in steaming hot springs while watching a dramatic sunset, the Owyhee River will delight all your senses.

We run the lower part of the Owyhee River, 48 miles of Class III rapids from the town of Rome to Birch Creek. The moderate snowpack often melts in a sudden burst, leaving it either too high or low during the majority of the year. This means a rather short and irregular season on the Owyee which simply heightens its appeal. Generally the first half of May is a perfect time to experience the Owyhee and is suitable for boaters of all ages and skill-levels.

Owyhee River Rafting Trip Rhythm

Expect your Owyhee River rafting trip to start off peaceful but then quickly build to the most difficult rapids on Days 3 and 4. The last day is generally easy.

Off the Rafts

Most of the camps have wonderful hikes to the rim of the canyon or other viewpoints to see some of the geologic wonders. We may also camp by hot springs.

Flora & Fauna

Sagebrush, Western Juniper, Balsom Root, Hackberry, Indian Paintbrush, Globemallow, Chukar, Magpie, Western Tanager, Canyon Wren, Red-tailed Hawks. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled high for eagles’ nests as Golden Eagles and other birds of prey are abundant in this river canyon. On an Owyhee river rafting trip Western Tanagers, magpies, and swallows will also be seen swooping overhead and there’s even the chance to spot river otters, pronghorn antelope, or bighorn sheep.

Land Acknowledgement

Our trips on the Owyhee River travel through the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Northern Paiute and in particular the Tagötöka (Taga Ticutta) peoples. We recognize current indigenous peoples and those who were removed from their homelands.

Trip Highlights

• Hiking up Lambert Dome
• Camping deep in Iron Point Canyon
• Soaking in a riverside hot spring
• Class II and III rapids great for inflatable kayaks

Quick Facts

• From its source in northeastern Nevada the Owyhee flows through southern Idaho and finally into Oregon
• Enters the Snake River near Nyssa Oregon
• Named after Hawaiian trappers in the early 1820s
• 1984 brought protection to the Owyhee Wild and Scenic River
• 120 miles of river are now protected, preserving the remaining free-flowing nature

Worth the Wait

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SPRING RIVERS

• California Salmon Rafting Safari Class V, 3 to 5 Days - Northern California
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• Lower Owyhee : Class III, 5 days
• Middle Owyhee : Class IV+, 4 days
• Lower Owyhee Kayak Expedition : Class IV+, 7 days
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SUMMER/FALL RIVERS

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• Lower Owyhee - Cave Camp - Photo: Andy Hinton
• Chalk Basin on the Lower Owyhee - Photo: Erik Meldrum
• The Lower Owyhee - The Grand Canyon of Oregon.
• Atop Pruits Castle: Lower Owyhee River - Photo: Erik Meldrum
• World-Class Owyhee Hiking
• The Lower Owyhee - Bizarrely Beautiful
• Incredible sunsets at camp on Oregon's Lower Owyhee River. Photo: Andy Hinton
• World-class Hiking on Lower Owyhee Rafting Trips

Owyhee River Rafting

T he Wild and Scenic Owyhee River is described in many ways; Grand Canyon of Oregon, the loneliest river in the U.S., bizarrely beautiful, and more. These descriptions are usually delivered with a reverence reserved for places that are always on the “must do list” but rarely actually done.

Why choose us on the Owyhee?

The Owyhee is one of our favorite spring rivers and between the Lower and Middle Owyhee we run more trips than any other company. The river is a classic Momentum style adventure that highlights our guiding experience, expedition roots, and attention to detail and guest comfort. The Owyhee is remote with the kind of challenging logistics that we relish and we have built a reputation for innovative and comfortable camping in wilderness places.

For most of the trip’s guests do not need to be experienced adventurer’s, athletes, or even to have ever touched a paddle or spent a night under the stars.

We truly love showing people this place!

Located in the remote southeast corner of the state, the Owyhee River is almost unmatched in its remoteness and desert beauty. The river travels through magnificent desert canyons with walls towering over a thousand feet overhead and is home to a wide array of wildlife and birds. The area is rich in cultural history with Native American petroglyphs up to 9,000 years old and abandoned ranches from a far more recent time. The Owyhee’s canyon is also home to beautiful side hikes, big sandy beaches, and riverside hot springs (oh yeah!).

Owyhee Trip Options

We offer the class IV-V Middle, the class III Lower Owyhee, and our Lower Inflatable Kayaking Expeditions. Both rafting trips run April through early June and may be combined to create a longer trip. The inflatable Kayaking trip is run as a charter trip only in June and Early July. Please give us a call if you have any questions or would like help deciding which trip is best suited for your group.

Lower Owyhee

The Owyhee River is described in many ways; Grand Canyon of Oregon, the loneliest river in the U.S., bizarrely beautiful, and more. Located in the remote southeast corner of the state, the river is almost unmatched in its remoteness and desert beauty.

Middle Owyhee

One of the most incredible & rarely run river trips in the country. A Middle Owyhee trip is for those who are looking for isolated wilderness, spectacularly dramatic landscapes, and plenty of excitement. A true wilderness experience & an expedition style trip.

Lower Owyhee Kayak Expedition

Our Lower Owyhee Inflatable Kayaking Expedition spends 7 days immersed in one of the most remote, wild, and beautiful areas of the United States: the 'Grand Canyon' of Oregon.

Lower Owyhee DeRiemer Kayaking Trip

Join the nationally recognized kayaking instructors at DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking for guided hard shell kayaking and instruction on the Lower Owyhee. The river is extremely remote, bizarrely beautiful, unpredictable, sometimes haunting, very wild, and rarely seen.

Recent Testimonials

• 5 --> "As a past small businessman, I know how important feedback can be. I don’t think you have too many worries. I’ve been doing trips down rivers for the last 40 years, I pre-date self-bailing boats. Your guides are the hardest working guides I have ever been around and they put more effort in than any other group I have been around. " - Matt --> "As a past small businessman, I know how important feedback can be. I don’t think you have too many worries. I’ve been doing trips down rivers for the last 40 years, I pre-date self-bailing boats. Your guides are the hardest working guides I have ever been around and they put more effort in than any other group I have been around. " - Matt 1 2 3 4 5 -->
• 5 --> "A huge Thank You!! We absolutely loved the trip and I can truly say that you guys at Momentum are the best guides and crew I’ve ever worked with. And thanks for letting me row! :)!" --> "A huge Thank You!! We absolutely loved the trip and I can truly say that you guys at Momentum are the best guides and crew I’ve ever worked with. And thanks for letting me row! :)!" 1 2 3 4 5 -->
• 5 --> "The trip was exceptional. Andy is a true talent. He was well-respected as the leader. The team did a great job. I’ve been rafting for 25 years and this was the best team and experience I’ve ever had." --> "The trip was exceptional. Andy is a true talent. He was well-respected as the leader. The team did a great job. I’ve been rafting for 25 years and this was the best team and experience I’ve ever had." 1 2 3 4 5 -->
• 5 --> "The Owyhee River in SE Oregon is in a remote area. That said, you are rafting in an area of beautiful mini Grand Canyon formations on day 3 and 4 of a 5 day/4 nite trip. Food and staff are the best I have experienced on 12 other adventure rafting trips… Momentum has my vote…9 out of a 10. Never mind….lets go 10!!”" --> "The Owyhee River in SE Oregon is in a remote area. That said, you are rafting in an area of beautiful mini Grand Canyon formations on day 3 and 4 of a 5 day/4 nite trip. Food and staff are the best I have experienced on 12 other adventure rafting trips… Momentum has my vote…9 out of a 10. Never mind….lets go 10!!”" 1 2 3 4 5 -->
• 5 --> "Have already recommended MRE to friends. This trip was definitely my best guided river experience ever -- thanks so much for everything!" - Marc --> "Have already recommended MRE to friends. This trip was definitely my best guided river experience ever -- thanks so much for everything!" - Marc 1 2 3 4 5 -->
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BARKER RIVER EXPEDITIONS

We are now sched ulin g 2024 Owyhee Trips Please call us with your preferr ed dates

Owyhee whitewater river rafting trips.

The Owyhee Canyonlands offer superb river running from April through June each year. This is the longest back country river system in the Northwest.

It is an exciting time to discover the Jarbidge, Bruneau, and Owyhee Canyonlands. Already the most remote area in the lower 48 states, the  Owyhee Initiative has resulted in legislation which has designated  517,000 acres of the Jarbidge/Bruneau/Owyhee as Wilderness and has added 316 miles of river to the nation's Wild and Scenic river system.

We will float through the headwaters of the Owyhee River basin, dropping deeper and deeper into the main canyon as rhyolite cliffs tower over the river. We drift through tranquil stretches, alternating with class IV-V rapids. The Owyhee River offers fantastic hiking opportunities throughout it's river corridor and side canyons.

Cost for Owyhee River Rafting trips (trips run April through early June):  

5-Day Owyhee River Rafting Expedition  - $1 925/person                         

6-Day Owyhee River Rafting Expedition  - $2365/person                           

7-Day Owyhee River Rafting Expedition  - $2775/person

*prices do not include 3% government tax or grat uity  

"After first experiencing these Canyonlands, we keep coming back to do more trips with Barker. There is so much to explore and no one know more about the canyoneering, hidden waterfalls, and gorges than Barker's crew. You can hike to places that people have never even heard of, almost a 'Land of the Lost' experience! It feels magical, like you are the first people to ever visit."

- Carolyn and Aaron (Seattle)

Bruneau - Owyhee Canyonlands

Consider adding 2-3 days of a vehicle-supported Canyoneering/Hiking Expedition to your river trip. We drive by vehicle to day hikes, canyon overlooks, hot springs, and the most spectacular side canyons in the region. You'll hike during the day and in the evening you'll relax in a luxurious camp set up by your guides. These adventures allow you to see  the primary river gorge, plus you will get to see many remote canyons that cannot be reached from the river.

Make a Reservation         Online Brochure       1-888-547-4837

Owyhee River

• 4 or 5 Days
• April - Early May

5 Day "Canyonlands" Wilderness Rafting Trip

Our journey into this region introduces us to a bizarre landscape of lava flows, and cliffs of both sandstone and granite found side by side. Our Lower Owyhee River trip offers spectacular scenery, good whitewater, and the chance to visit a rarely seen part of the United States. The Owyhee boasts a multitude of wildflowers and exotic birds living among the numerous hot springs and awe-inspiring cliffs rising more than 1,500 feet above the river.

Whitewater rafting in the lower Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness is an exciting river trip that keeps a fun pace throughout, great for the adventurous spirit and even families with kids 12 years or older.

Spectacular Views of this high dessert landscape that will remind you of the old west. This sedimentary canyon will amaze you with it’s unique beauty and rugged terrain. It is rare to encounter more than one or two other parties on these spring trips. Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, and other wild flowers abound. Prairie falcons, eagles, and other raptors soar overhead. Bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope may be seen scrambling over the rocky talus slopes.

Hiking opportunities abound everywhere you look, with great overlooks and side canyons full of high dessert flora and fauna.

Hot Springs – During the trip we visit several wonderful hot springs where we try to spend a night. Camps are set on sand beaches where you will gaze at dramatic geologic formations, some of which are similar to the Dakota badlands. There are plenty of hiking possibilities and plenty of camp time for relaxing, photography, and bird watching. The take-out at Birch Creek or Leslie Gulch depending on river conditions.

After an orientation and good night sleep in Boise.  We will have a shuttle van transport you to the put-in near the town of Rome, Oregon.  Here you will meet the guides followed by a safety talk at the river’s edge while your personal gear is loaded on the boats. At about 4:30pm “river time” camp will be waiting after you have had several miles of river fun. Your tent will be ready, and your sleeping pad inflated when you arrive. Enjoy Hors d’oeuvres about an hour before the main dinner course is served. A campfire after dinner and an astronomy lesson are the perfect bedtime rituals.

Our morning spread will be out at 7:00am that will include coffee, tea, coco and all your favorite fixins, breakfast is served around 8:00am. Pack up your personal gear while the guides make the kitchen disappear back into the boat. Enjoy a leisurely morning at camp, playing with the kids, going fishing or soaking up a book from our river library. At about 9:30am, the boats depart for a day of fun on the river. Learn about more historical sites, the geography of the river. Enjoy another gourmet lunch, go hiking or play a game of frisbee or just relax. The afternoon whitewater is full of excitement with class III to IV rapids around every bend.

During the trip we visit several wonderful hot springs where we try to spend a night. Camps are set on sand beaches where you will gaze at dramatic geologic formations, some of which are similar to the Dakota badlands. There are plenty of hiking possibilities and plenty of camp time for relaxing, photography, and bird watching. The take out at Birch Creek or Leslie Gulch depending on river conditions.  Then on a shuttle van back to Boise.

What's Included

All Owyhee River rafting trips with Mountain River Outfitters receive:

• Transportation to and from the river from Boise, Idaho.
• All necessary equipment, including high-quality, roomy tents and thick, comfortable sleeping pads.
• Delicious meals, we customize our menu for each group to accommodate for dietary needs.
• Fun and experienced guides with years of rafting on Idaho rivers to help give you the trip of a lifetime.

Every day after your journey down the Owyhee River you will arrive at a new camp where our guides will immediately provide sunshade and have dining area ready for riverside lounging, playing games or relaxing.  Shortly after your tent will be set up, sleeping pad inflated. Our kitchen and dining area will be serving your favorite hot or cold drinks – What a way to experience the Canyonlands.

• Proffessional Fun Loving Guides
• Gourmet Meals
• The Best Rafts and Gear
• Pampered Camping

Where To Meet

A nights lodging before your trip is included at one of the fine Boise Airport motels. You will meet your guides and receive your personal dry bag and large camp bag with sleeping bag and pillow at the pre-trip orientation at the motel at 8:00pm. You will be transported to the launch site at Rome early the next morning and back to Boise at the conclusion around 6:00pm.

Additional Information

Pre-Trip Travel:  There are many travel options to consider in planning your Idaho rafting vacation. Simply give us a call and we’ll discuss your options and help arrange everything for you.

Multi-Sport Packages available with many of our other adventure activities and wilderness lodging. Choose from Jet Boat tours on the Salmon or Snake River, Fishing or Wilderness Escapes at the Ram House or China Bar Lodge. If you would like our staff to help with additional lodgings with us or local motels we will be glad to assist you.

Trip Packages and Rates

5 day trip adults ...$1495.00 youth ...$1249.00 (7-14), check availability book your next adventure, print or download a summary of this trip, idaho's premier adventure travel outfitter, the mro difference.

No other outfitter offers our quality, professionalism and methods for ensuring exceptional service and attention to detail. We know what makes the perfect river vacation, and we are committed to providing this for every trip. We have the lowest guide to guest ratio to ensure personalized attention and uncrowded boats.

• The Best Gear and Boats
• Personalized Service
• Proffessional Guides
• Multi-Sport Packages
• Family Oriented

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Contact information.

• Mountain River Outfitters 1323 S Main St.; Riggins, Idaho 83549
• 1 (888) 547-4837 or (208) 628-3733
• [email protected]
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Idaho’s Premier Wilderness Outfitter    –     Escape …the Ordinary!

Jess and Brenda Baugh owners/operators of Mountain River Outfitters dba S & S River Outfitters operates under a special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest for Main Salmon River (SA-6) float boating.  Salmon River Tours dba S & S River Outfitters operates under a special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest for Main Salmon River (SA-6 and SA-5) jet boating and associated activities. Mountain River Outfitters LLc., Dba S&S River Outfitters operates under several USFS and BLM special use permits for Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Nez Perce National Forest, BLM Lower Salmon River Cottonwood Field Office (SN12, SN14, SA7A, SA7B, SA7C, SA8). Mountain River Outfitters, LLc. and Salmon River Tours Co. are insured, licensed and bonded outfitters by the State of Idaho’s IOGLB and are equal opportunity recreation service providers and employers.

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Hot Springs & Rafting This Spring

Sought after Spring Trip

4 Day Wilderness River Raft Trip

Owyhee river.

• Location: Eastern Oregon
• Level: Class III, Moderate,
• Dates: April
• River Miles: 65 miles
• Trip Time: Meet 7:00am Day 1 | End 4:00pm Day 4
• Ability: Non Swimmer
• Meals: 10 meals included
• Camping: 3 Nights Wilderness Camping

$1,499 Adults (14+) $1,339 Kids

TRIP OVERVIEW

Remote white water rafting + hot springs.

Often dubbed the “Grand Canyon of Oregon,” the Owyhee River presents a captivating scenery with towering cliffs and a 3,000-foot relief. Encompassing a vast two million acres, the Owyhee Canyonlands offer an extensive and pristine wilderness for exploration. The river rafting expedition unveils remarkable views of red-rock spires in Honeycombs, Chalk Basin, and Leslie Gulch, complemented by historic petroglyphs providing insights into the area’s cultural history.

This white water rafting trip features four days and three nights of a very unique part of Oregon. The arid landscape, devoid of inhabitants and vegetation, adds to the mystique. The steep cliffs and narrow canyon create a captivating experience for those exploring the region.

Hot Springs

There are several hot springs along the river to soak in during the trip including Echo Rock Hot Springs, Snively Rock Hot Springs, Greely Hot Springs and Three Forks Hot Springs. Many of them are primitive with mud bottoms and varying in size. A few are located right on the banks of the river while most we will need to hike a bit to get to – we try to explore as many hot springs as possible during the trip depending on timing, weather, and river conditions.

All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

• Known as the “Grand Canyon of Oregon” with breathtaking towering cliffs and 3,00o ft relief from the water
• Option to stop and soak in multiple hot springs along the river
• Experience the Owyhee Canyonlands via river rafting, which stretch across more than two million acres
• White water raft the Wild & Scenic River section
• Very remote, wild and untouched
• View red-rock spires Honeycombs, Chalk Basin, and Leslie Gulch
• Historic petroglyphs
• Noted as one of the least tainted by light pollution in the lower 48, this region is a hallmark for stargazing.
• Explore the Birch Creek Historic Ranch post-trip at our takeout point.

Trip Itinerary

Our white water rafting trip launches in Rome, OR and ends at the Birch Creek take out

Six and one-half miles from the Rome put in; Crooked Creek comes in on the left, marking the start of the canyon. The canyon opens for several miles; about 6 miles below Crooked Creek is Upset Rapids, class III, followed by Bullseye, class II-III. Artillery Rapids (mile 21.5) is a straightforward class III. About 1 mile below this rapid, Rustlers Cabin makes a nice break stop along the right. The cabin has been badly damaged over the last ten years, and only some of the walls remain. Old farm equipment and rock corrals here are impressive historic sights. Look for a hot spring near the river within the marshy area if you crave a warm soak.

Lambert Rocks rise majestically along the left 2 miles beyond Rustlers Cabin. After beautiful Lamert Rocks, Bogus Creek Falls is seen on the right at mile 27.5. Another 1.5 miles farther is class III Dogleg; after 2 more miles comes Whistling Bird Rapids, class IV-.

Pure spring water flows right out of the side of the canyon at Weeping Wall and hot springs are present at Ryegrass or Greely Bar. Dramatic, awe-inspiring geological features where cliffs drop hundreds of feet directly into the canyon are influenced by faulting and warping.

The middle section of the Owyhee from Three Forks to the Rome put-in is a 39-mile challenge, featuring Class III, IV, V+ rapids with boulder gardens, heavy hydraulics and steep drops. This one is not for the faint of heart. The aptly named Half Mile rapid offers nonstop adrenaline, as does The Ledge and the oft-portaged Widowmaker.

Continuing along, the next rapid you encounter is Montgomery rapid, the canyon narrows dramatically as it makes an S-turn and then widens again. Next look for beautiful, spring-fed Rinehart Creek which cascades down the left bank. Just downstream of Rinehart Creek is Morcum Dam rapid, formed by the remains of an old diversion dam for Hole-in-the-Ground Ranch.

A mile below the ranch, on the left, look for some historic native petroglyphs on rock slabs near the river. Respect the area and take only photos. A hot spring is located at a grassy spot on the left just 2 miles below the petroglyphs. We will take out at Birch Creek Historic Ranch on the 4 day trip.

We work with a local vehicle shuttle service and coordinate having your car transported from our put in location to our take out point. Your car is stored at the shuttle service’s secure lot during the trip and moved to our take out spot the day our trip ends. When your trip is completed, your car will be waiting for you! Fees are calculated per vehicle. Reservations are coordinated through Tributary.

Traveling to the Owyhee River

Where to stay.

Rome Oregon is very remote and there are no hotel lodging accommodations in the area. Tent camping is available at the Owyhee River Put In (our meeting location).

What Should I Bring

For rafting.

• Re-usable 20oz or more water bottle
• Shoes (no flip flops)
• Sunglasses (with a strap)
• Baseball hat
• Cell Phones
• Expensive jewelry

For Camping

• Sleeping bag
• Flashlight/Headlamp
• Change of clothes

Click here for a full detailed list of what to wear and what to bring.

What Does Tributary Provide

Included with rafting.

• PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
• Professional raft guide for each raft
• Shuttles to/from camp

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

• Sleeping Pad
• Dry Bag for your gear
• 3 nights camping
• Meet & greet dinner the evening before your trip begins
• Day 1 – lunch & dinner
• Day 2 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Day 3 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Day 4 – breakfast & lunch

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the Rivers we run

Our vision is to create a sustainable and equitable reality where our rivers are enjoyed and protected, a place where families and friends can be inspired and challenged.

Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running rivers since we were first founded in 1978. Since we opened 40+ years ago we have expanded to include Adventure Connection, Mariah Wilderness Expeditions, High Desert River Outfitters, Canyon Outfitters and are the parent company of Raft California and Raft Oregon. While some things have changed over the years, Tributary remains a family-run small business with the same passion for the river and the mission of leading others to experience it.

 © 2024, Tributary Whitewater LLC, All Rights Reserved

Tributary Whitewater Tours is a permitted outfitter under the National Forest Service, the CA Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Nevada County, El Dorado County and Bureau of Land Management. Tributary Whitewater Tours is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.

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Owyhee River Rafting

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Bizarre, beautiful, and like no other, when the Owyhee River rushes to life, it’s one of the best spring rafting trips in the West with mild to intense whitewater, excellent wildlife viewing, and intriguing canyon scenery.

Our 6-day Owyhee River rafting trip is a guide favorite and an avid paddler’s dream trip through Southeastern Oregon’s Grand Canyon. A rarely-visited, but mesmerizing river, the Wild & Scenic Owyhee is a place where gleaming basalt bluffs cascade down to desolate, soft beaches speckled with the lure of undiscovered gemstones. And there’s wildlife everywhere. Eagles, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions are native to the region.

Due to a short window of raftable flows on the Owyhee, this Owyhee Canyonlands adventure is typically only available as an early-season rafting escape in April and May when water levels are at their peak.

Trip Highlights

• Owyhee River rafting & comfortable catered camping in Southeastern Oregon
• Raft, dory, and inflatable kayak options available
• See eagles, antelope, bighorn sheep & even wild horses
• Colorful basalt canyon walls & gemstone-dotted beaches
• A great early spring trip in the pristine Owyhee Canyonlands

What to Expect

Itinerary & Map

Itinerary at a glance.

We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, camp locations, and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:

The Day Before Your Trip

The evening before your trip, we’ll meet for a pre-trip meeting in Boise, ID. This is an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and trip leader, and ask any last-minute questions.

The group will meet up first thing in the morning for a 3-hour drive southwest to Rome, Oregon. En route, we’ll stop for fishing licenses and any last-minute items in the town of Jordan Valley before camping at the put-in.

Each morning, you’ll be greeted with hot coffee, tea, and cocoa and a hearty breakfast. After you pack your belongings, you’ll have some time to relax while camp is broken down and the boats are loaded before we launch on our Owyhee River rafting trip. 

Our first day on the river brings rapids of varying sizes, including Artillery, which we usually stop to scout. As interesting clay and sandstone formations reveal themselves ahead, we enter into the moonscape terrain of the Owyhee Badlands region. Ideally, we’ll arrive at camp each afternoon with plenty of time to relax, explore, or chat with new friends as the guides prepare a delicious meal.

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. From here, we enter a narrow section of river bounded by precipitous cliffs.

Further downstream, Lambert Rocks and Jackson Creek may entice us on extended walks up into colorful side canyons and along scenic overlooks. Small hot springs near the river add another interesting geologic dimension, and if we’re lucky, may provide the opportunity for a dip.

Today, there is more whitewater excitement, culminating with a wild Class IV chute. Afterward, we may visit Hole in the Ground Ranch, a historic remnant of the past.

At low water, Birch Creek is used for our take-out. In high water, we travel on to the Owyhee Reservoir, where we have a short motorboat tow to Leslie Gulch. The intensity of the colorful rock formations makes up for the lack of current as we cross the lake. From the take-out, it’s a 2.5-hour drive back to civilization and hot showers in Boise.

Meeting Time & Place

Meeting time

8 PM, the evening before your trip

Approximately 4-6 PM to Boise

Ways to Save

To book with one of our special offers, call 1-800-346-6277 or contact us today.

Groups Save 15% on 1- & 2-day trips in CA, UT and more!

Book a group of 12 or more and save 15% on select trips in CA, UT and Fiji!

Frequent Floater

After 5 trips with OARS, automatically save 5-15% on most adventures.

Active Military – 10% off Multi-day trips

Save 10% on most domestic multi-day rafting trips.

Premier Pricing

Save up to 10% (or more) on most domestic trips when you’re one of the first 4 people to book by March 31st!

The Need-to-Know Info

Included in Your Trip Cost

• Skilled, professional guide service
• All meals from lunch on day 1 through lunch on the final day, with limited beer & wine at dinner
• Expedition equipment, including high-quality rafts, 2-person shared tent, sleep kit, personal flotation device (PFD), helmet, waterproof bags, camp chair, as well as eating utensils and plates
• Sleeping bag & a deluxe 3-inch thick air-filled sleeping pad
• Transfers from Boise, ID to the river and back

Not Included in Your Trip Cost

• Pre- and post-trip transportation, accommodations, and meals
• Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan

The number and variety of boats on an OARS trip will vary based on water levels, the number of participants, and other factors we take into account when planning your adventure. Please be aware that in doing so we will ask you to share boat time with your fellow travelers. We don’t assign boats, nor can we guarantee exactly which crafts we bring, but trust us to provide you with the best possible mix for you and others on your trip. 

Learn more about the OARS Fleet and the boats that may be a part of your experience: Oar raft , dory (depending on water levels), inflatable kayak , or paddle raft .

After each active day on the river, we pull ashore to camp for the night. Our first task is to unload the boats using a fire-line of crew and guests to expedite the process. Individuals then collect their waterproof bags and locate an area on the beach to camp for the night. 

While you put up your tent, the guides will set up the kitchen and central dining/seating area with camp chairs. They will also locate a secluded area away from camp to set up the portable toilet, where privacy is assured.

As guides prepare dinner, hors d’oeuvres are served. This is an opportunity to relax, enjoy a drink if you wish, and reflect on the day with your fellow traveling companions.

In the morning, the first wake-up call lets you know that coffee, hot water for tea or cocoa, juice, fresh fruit, and cold cereal are ready. You can fill your mug and grab a bite, then begin to pack up your personal belongings and sleep gear as the guides prepare breakfast.

After breakfast, the entire camp is broken down and packed up. Once the guides have all of the gear loaded back onto the boats, we’ll head downstream to see what new adventures await us.

More info about Meals & Dietary Restrictions can be found on our Trip Resources page.

The weather for early-season trips on the Owyhee can be unpredictable. One should be prepared for severe temperature shifts and the potential for snow and/or rain.

Average Air & Water Temperatures

Before booking your trip with OARS, there are a few important considerations we’d like you to know about.

• Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. If you exceed 260 pounds, please give us a call. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria .
• Whitewater Orientation: To increase your safety, we expect everyone to watch our Whitewater Orientation video before joining us.
• Trip Forms: Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms within two weeks of making a booking. Refer to your confirmation email for the link to the online forms. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know right away. If you are reserving within 60 days of departure, your forms must be completed immediately to ensure we can properly plan for your trip.

Reservations and Payments

A $400/person deposit is required at the time of booking with final payment due 60 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 50 days before the departure date will be canceled.

Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to the final payment due date.

Cancellations and Refunds

Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.

We regret that we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan .

Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details.

Canceled Trips

OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 45 days prior to departure. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified with OARS that your trip is confirmed. 

If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less the initial deposit amount and any non-refundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we cannot guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.

If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same season, or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $25/person fee up until 90 days before departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. Transfer requests made 89 days or less before departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.

O.A.R.S. Dories, Inc. operates on the Owyhee River as a permitted outfitter of the Bureau of Land Management

Ancestral Lands Acknowledgement

We respect and recognize that many of the river canyons on state and federal lands where we operate are the ancestral homes of indigenous communities. Where we operate on the Owyhee River between Rome, Oregon and the Owyhee Reservoir we acknowledge the territories of the Northern Paiute.

Related Blog Posts

How to Stay Warm on a Rafting Trip

Owyhee Rafting: What’s All the Hype About?

Be Like Roger: Exploring Nature through a Different Lens

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Owyhee River Rafting

Trip Highlights

Sample itinerary.

The Lower Owyhee River Rafting Trips 5 days.  50 miles.

This is the most approachable section of the Owyhee as the rapids are easy to moderate in nature and we are able to use our larger 16' rafts and run more of a "normal" rafting trip with the usual amenities that make for very comfortable and cushy camping. Our put-in is near the town of Rome with our take-out being at Birch Creek. During the trip we visit several wonderful hot springs where we try to spend a night or two. Camps are set on sand beaches. We see some dramatic geologic formations along the way, some of which are similar to the Dakota badlands. There are plenty of hiking possibilities and plenty of camp time for relaxing, photography, and bird watching. The best choice for those who don't want the tough whitewater of the Middle Section, or the expedition-quality of the Upper sections. Trips are limited to 16 guests and four guides.

Travel Arrangements

GETTING THERE

Meeting Time: All trips meet the evening before the launch date. For trips on the Upper Owyhee we meet in Boise, Idaho. Trips on the Middle or Lower Owyhee meet in Boise for those who fly and Jordan Valley, Oregon for those driving.

For Lower and Middle Owyhee River Trips your ROW team leader will meet you the evening before your trip either at the Boise airport at 5:00 PM Mountain Time (if you fly) or at 7:30 PM Mountain Time at Jim’s Shell Motel in Jordan Valley, Idaho (if you drive). At the motel in Jordan Valley, we’ll have a brief meeting to answer your questions and give you your waterproof bags to pack. This is an important meeting, so please be on time. Early the next morning (usually about 7:30am) we leave in our van for the 30 minute drive to our put-in at Rome for Lower Owyhee trips, or for a one-hour drive to Three Forks for Middle Owyhee trips. At the end of the trips, we’ll drop off those who have cars in Jordan Valley at the motel around 4pm. You may want to spend the night or begin driving home. Then, those who met us in Boise will continue in our bus, arriving at the Red Lion Inn Boise Downtowner by about 6pm.

For Upper Owyhee trips, we meet everyone in Boise at 7:30pm Mountain Time the evening before the trip at the Red Lion Inn Boise Downtowner. The next morning, we depart from Boise for our 5-hour drive to the put-in. At the end of the trip, we return to Boise by 6pm. For all Owyhee river trips, if you fly to Boise, it’s best not to plan to fly home that night, as we don’t know our exact arrival time (muddy roads can slow down our take-out) and you’ll be ready for rest and a hot shower. For Lower and Middle Owyhee trips, be sure you arrive in Boise no later than 4:45pm the day before the trip for our 5pm airport pickup. If you are driving, then drive to Jordan Valley where you can leave your car at the motel parking lot during the course of the trip. Some travel distances and directions: From the San Francisco area, head to Reno and Winnemucca and turn north on Highway 95. Allow 10 hours. From Portland and Seattle, first go to Bend, Oregon, then head east on Highway 20 to Burns. Then Highway 78 for 90 miles to Rome, turn north on Highway 95 for 46 miles to Jordan Valley.

Motel Accommodations: Middle and Lower Owyhee Trips - The night before your trip, we suggest you stay at Jim’s Shell Motel in Jordan Valley, Oregon. To make reservations just call them at 541-586-2244.  Please Note the Jordan Valley Rodeo is always held the third weekend in May and typically fills all the hotels. For trips during this time we will meet in Boise, ID instead.

For the night after the trip if you are driving, you may want to start your drive home, or stay in Jordan Valley again. For those that fly to Boise, we'll take you back to Boise this evening and suggest you stay at the Red Lion Boise Downtowner, phone number 208-344-7691. Be sure to ask for the ROW Adventures rate.

Upper Owyhee river trips - The night before and the night after the trip, stay at the Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner phone 208-344-7691. Be sure to ask for the ROW Adventures rate. They offer free airport pickup and are about 10 minutes from the airport. (Just call them using your cell phone as they do not have a courtesy phone in the airport.) You can also store extra luggage there during the trip or leave your car in their parking lot. 

Don't be surprised if the people at the front desk don't know anything about ROW, although our corporate rate is coded in their computer system. Their staff turns over regularly and we are very small part of their total business.  Extra Luggage: If you have luggage that you won't be needing on the trip you can leave it at any of the motels or in your car

Our Owyhee River Whitewater Rafting Trips generally run from April to late May, with the best water levels and weather in May. Since spring is a time when weather systems tend to be less stable than in the summer, temperature ranges can be extreme, with the possibility of snow flurries and a 95-degree sun in the same day.

Our detailed packing list will tell you what you need to bring to be properly prepared. Because of the unpredictable weather and water levels, we ask that everyone who signs up for these trips be flexible and come prepared for all kinds of weather. Both high and low water can happen. In low water, we can usually run, but it might require running lighter rafts with fewer amenities. In May, on Owyhee River trips, we ask that you be willing to transfer to the Snake River in Hells Canyon should the need arise.

Our goal is always to raft the Owyhee River and you can bet we'll do everything in our power to run the trip as scheduled. If we do have to change, it won't change your logistics any, since we will still meet and end in Boise.

Jordan Valley weather

Getting Ready

All of our multi-day rafting trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions.  ROW Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities, and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip.  We ask that you consult your Doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure.  In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

Wear all protective and safety equipment that is required by ROW Adventures and recommended/required by industry-wide standards.

Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for ROW Adventures activities.

Reach the river access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.

Enter and exit the raft, or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.

Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.

Perform all on water activities, including following instructions that like paddling commands from the guide in class I and higher whitewater on their own or with the assistance of a qualified companion. 

Float on their back when entering moving and still water.  The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while underwater.

Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a whitewater swim.

Get out from under a raft, whether the raft is up-right or capsized, in moving water.

Climb into the raft, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the river.

Make progress toward the shoreline or a raft by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the river and ascend the shoreline once reached.

Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip. 

Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Packing List

• A cool day on the river.
• A warm day on the river.
• Time spent lounging in camp.
• One large waterproof bag (16” in diameter x 33” tall) per person. This will contain your sleeping bag as well as your personal clothing and items. This bag is NOT accessible during the day as it goes ahead of the group with our cargo raft.  Note: This bag will also contain additional gear provided by ROW: Sleeping bag, flannel liner & pillow
• A small daypack (9” in diameter x 20” tall) for items you want to access during the day such as rain gear, sunscreen, camera, medications, etc.
• Two T-Shirts (1 quick dry and 1 cotton for a hot day)
• One light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection and cool evenings. Popular options are a rash guard or sunscreen shirts.
• Two pairs of shorts (nylon quick drying always better than cotton).
• Light pants are great for sun protection or on a windy day. Lightweight zip off pants works great.
• Swimsuit – two-piece suits are easier for women - tankinis and river shorts are a great option.
• One pair of river sandals (must have a secure ankle strap, no flipflops or crocs!) Velcro is okay if in good condition. Popular name brands include Chaco, Teva, Keen, or Merrells. Tennis shoes with polypro socks are a good option if your feet tend to get cold.
• One Cap, Sun Hat or Visor (ROW hats are available when you arrive).
• One rain suit, jacket & pants (windbreaker without cotton liner works well, but no cheap ponchos)
• Mid-weight to light-weight long underwear tops and bottoms. Best worn over a swimsuit and undershorts.
• One synthetic or wool mid-weight sweaters for layering on the river on cool days.
• Sunglasses with retaining cord/device
• Bee Sting kit for those allergic to bees
• Biodegrable sunscreen (we highly recommend  Stream2Sea  as an all natural option)
• Lip balm with SPF 20-50
• Water bottle with carabiner
• Extra Cap, Sun Hat or Visor
• Two Short sleeve shirts (Enjoy clean and comfortable)
• One pair of pants (lightweight nylon, cotton or fleece)
• Pair of shorts
• One synthetic mid-weight sweaters for cool evenings
• Underwear and socks
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries
• Skin lotion, lip balm, waterproof sunscreen, etc.
• Toilet kit - toothbrush and paste, soap ( biodegradable is best, no soaps can be used in the river), camp towel, washcloth, comb, handkerchief, a small pack of tissues, small mirror, moist towelettes, shaving stuff, feminine sanitary supplies, etc.
• Extra eyeglasses and/or contact lenses strongly suggested. ALL glasses need a head strap!
• One pair of tennis shoes or walking shoes for cooler weather and hiking. (We don’t recommend you bring large hiking boots as they take up too much space and aren’t necessary.) Flip-flops/ crocs are also comfortable for easy walking on sandy beaches!
• Stocking Cap/ Beanie for cool nights
• Two pair wool or polypro socks to wear on the river
• One additional synthetic pile or wool shirt
• Wool or poly gloves & wool or poly cap (like a skiing hat)
• Camera – waterproof digital with extra batteries & memory card recommended. Many guests use smartphones (there is NOT cell service on the river). A waterproof case is also highly recommended for protection and ease of use.
• Paddling Gloves
• Sundress for camp
• One female urinary device (allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing). Silicon or hard plastic ones work great. Popular name brands include  Gogirl  and  Shewee.
• 2-3 Carabiners for clipping items to the boat
• Plastic garbage bags (2-3 for separating dirty/wet clothes in your waterproof bag)
• Cards, games, books, musical instruments, journals
• Fishing gear and Oregon fishing license if you plan to fish - must be in a protective case & disassembled. Only catch and release fishing with single barbless hooks is allowed!!
• LAYER #1: The layer next to your skin should be close-fitting and thin. Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and synthetic or wool shirt as a base layer. You do not want to wear cotton on the river on cool rainy days. The evaporation of water from a wet cotton layer will actually make you colder! Synthetic fibers maintain insulative properties when wet and "wick" moisture away from your skin.
• LAYER #2: The next layer should also be made of a synthetic fiber, but should be a bit heavier in weight. If you get too warm you can always peel this layer off.
• LAYER #3: The outer layer is what is known as the "barrier" layer. This layer should be waterproof and loose-fitting enough to give you a good range of motion. The idea of this layer is to seal out water, and seal in the warmth generated by you and insulated by layers # 1 and # 2. A good rain suit can do the job, or a good paddling jacket and pants. Not only will this protect you from rainstorms, but chilly water temperatures when running rapids as well! 

IMPORTANT!  It is important to keep your gear to no more than 25lbs! This is especially critical on the Middle Owyhee where linings or portages are possible and on the Upper Owyhee where everyone carries their own gear in their inflatable kayak.

Like anyone in the service business, river and outdoor adventure guides appreciate gratuities. Our guides are some of the best and most highly trained in the business. They not only guide your raft down the river, but set up camp, cook and serve gourmet meals, provide interpretation on the natural and cultural history of the area and strive to provide the highest level of hospitality. Tipping is ultimately a personal decision, however if you appreciate the service your guides provided, then as a guideline we suggest a gratuity of 10-20% of the trip price.

Tips can be given to the ROW Team Leader at the end of the trip in the form of cash or personal check. The Team Leader distributes them equally among the guides and gives a portion to ROW’s behind-the-scenes, unsung heroes like our drivers and food shoppers.

Reading List

Some of our favorite books about the Owyhee River

Cadillac Desert: The American West and its Disappearing Water , by Marc Reisner (Penguin Books). This is an enlightening and easy to read book about water politics in the West. It does not contain much about Idaho – but is still a must read – especially with the current debate over removing the four lower Snake River dams. Highly recommended.

Children of Grace , by Bruce Hampton, Henry, Holt Publishers, 1994 (out of print as of 3/98 – but in ROW founder, Peter Grubb’s opinion, one of the best! Look for it at used bookstores or try www.bibliofind.com. If you're only going to read book about the Nez Perce and the war of 1879, this is the one. Highly recommended. (Out of print, available on Amazon.com)

Idaho Chinese Lore , by Sister M. Alfreda Elsensoln (Idaho Corporation of Benedictine Sisters and printed by The Caxton Printers, Ltd. In Caldwell, 1970). Out of print. Try your local library or Amazon.com.

Idaho for the Curious: A Guide , by Cort Conley (Backeddy Books). This thick book is a great resource for the curious. Conley follows the roads and relates the natural and human history of the areas. It’s worth the money and the perfect companion in your car for your dog to read to you as you drive.

Idaho Loners , by Cort Conley (Backeddy Books, 1994). An in-depth look into the lives of the hermits, solitaries and individualists that shaped Idaho’s history. Fun, intriguing, biographical reading. Highly recommended.

Indians of Idaho , by Deward E. Walker Jr. (University Press of Idaho).

Myths of the Idaho Indians , by Deward E. Walker Jr. (University Press of Idaho, 1982). (Out of print, available online)

Nez Perce Coyote Tales , by D. Walker (University of Oklahoma Press, 1994). (Out of print, available online)

Owyhee Trails , by Mike Hanley (The Caxton Printers, Ltd.). A book on the history in the “West’s Forgotten Corner.” Out of print. Try your local library.

Rivers of the West - A Guide to the Geology & History , by Elizabeth L. Orr & William N. Orr.

Roadside Geology of Idaho , by David D. Alt and Donald W. Hyndman (Mountain Press Publishing Company, 1989). Few states pack so many different rocks into such a small area as Idaho, the book covers this unique occurrence in an exciting geologic story.

Roadside History of Idaho , by Betty Derig (Mountain Press Publishing Co., 1996). “The best way to enjoy Idaho’s rich heritage is to visit the sites where history happened”. This book transports you to those places through well-researched, well-told text and vivid historical photographs.

Sources of the River , by Jack Nisbet (Sasquatch Books, 1994) Jack re-creates the life and times of David Thompson – fur trader, explorer, surveyor, and mapmaker who blazed the way West before Lewis and Clark. As a result of adding his own observations Jack has created a fascinating story of two men discovering the Northwest Territory almost two hundred years apart. (Author Jack Nisbet lives in Spokane and has traveled on the Missouri River as a ROW interpretive guest.) Highly recommended.

The Biography of a Grizzly , by Ernest Thompson Seton (University of Nebraska Press, 1987). Seton wrote over 60 books around the turn of the century and was the main person to bring to Western consciousness the idea of wild animals having personalities and character, sharing life struggles similar to humans. This book is the story of the life of a grizzly cub who grows up alone in the mountains of northwestern Wyoming. Highly recommended.

The Education of Little Tree, by Forrest Carter (University of New Mexico Press, 1976). The true story of a Cherokee boy’s unique education in the 1930’s. A wonderful book that shows the stark contrast between the values, awareness and relationship with nature of the Indians versus those of white people. Highly recommended.

The River Reader , by John A. Murray (The Lyons Press, 1998). A collection of writings that is composed of both classic selections and contemporary writings from twenty-two diverse writers that are devoted to a single environmental subject.

The Weiser Indians: Shoshoni Peacemakers , by Hank Corless (The Caxton Printers, Ltd., 1996). “This book documents Indian-white relations in the southwestern Idaho during the time of initial white encroachment onto Indian lands. It also offers a perspective on all native peoples of the northern Great Basin”. Besides that it illustrates the daily life and culture of an Idaho Indian tribe around the time of the first settlement of Idaho by white people. Highly recommended.

Undaunted Courage , by Stephen Ambrose (Simon & Schuster, 1996). A must read! A poignant human drama of Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the opening of the American West. This book is one of the main reasons so many people are intrigued by the Lewis and Clark story. Highly recommended.

Helpful Links

Watch - Camping with ROW Adventures

Watch - Bathroom Facilities on the River

Watch - Packing for a Day on the River 

What to do in Boise?

White Water Craft Guide  

Understanding Leave No Trace on the River   

Know Before You Go - 10 Things You Might Encounter Multi-Day Rafting

A Remote River Odyssey - Rafting the Owyhee or Bruneau River - Learn what makes the Owyhee one of Idaho's most underrated rivers!

Terms & Conditions

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.

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Owyhee River Rafting Trips

A unique exploration of oregon's grand canyon.

This remote desert sanctuary is filled with dramatic, colorful gorges, an abundance of wildlife (especially birds of prey), and endless opportunities for hiking. An abundance of ancient petroglyphs add mystery to the history of the river and riverside hot springs (when available) add a level of comfort during the often fickle early season weather. The Owyhee River rafting season typically runs from March through May and is entirely dependent on winter snow accumulation and spring precipitation. It is not unusual for trips to be canceled due to low water. 

Trip Length :  5 and 6 Day Trips

Rafting Season:   April and May

Difficulty:   Class III

Minimum Age :  10

 once-in-a lifetime Adventure

$1,759.00 (Adult/Youth)

Minimum Age 10

The 5-Day trip runs 55 miles from Rome to Birch Creek. Set in a remote and seldom-traveled desert canyon with exceptional scenery and isolated wilderness. This trip has just enough moderate rapids to deliver a good dose of fun and excitement without taking away from the scenery and endless opportunities for hiking.

 5 Day Geology Trip

Amazing Geologic Interpretation

$1,879.00 (Adult/Youth)

The 5-Day trip runs 55 miles from Rome to Birch Creek. Spend 5 days exploring this remote and spectacular canyon with Owyhee geology experts Dr. Kyle House or Dr. Gordon Grant. Each provides in-depth and entertaining interpretation of the varied geology of the canyon. This trip follows a similar pace to our standard 5-Day trip

 6 Day ONDA Trip

 Make an impact

The 6-Day trip runs 55 miles from Rome to Birch Creek. This trip is run in partnership with The Oregon Natural Desert Association. ONDA works tirelessly to protect, defend and restore Oregon's high desert treasures. This trip typically features a coordinated service project while on the river. Please contact ONDA for availability at (541)330-2638 or [email protected].

Photo Gallery

Click  any image to view the full slide show

Owyhee River Travel & Area Information

Weather conditions.

The Owyhee River is only floatable in the spring. During this time weather conditions can vary drastically. We provide plenty of cold-weather gear, but more than any other river, it is important to be adequately equipped with the appropriate clothing.  

Getting There

Meeting Location

All trips meet at the BLM launch site in Rome, Oregon at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

If flying, the closest airport is Boise (BOI). You will need to rent a car as shuttle services in the area are scarce or often unavailable.  Call our office if you have questions about transportation in the area.

Transportation & Shuttles

We provide return transportation by van or 4WD vehicle from our take-out at Birch Creek to Rome. For those wishing to depart immediately for Boise or points north, having your vehicle shuttled to the take-out will save you some driving time. You will need to arrange this through our office. If you choose this option, we recommend filling up in Burn’s Junction if coming from the West or Jordan Valley if coming from the East. From Birch Creek, you will need a high-clearance vehicle. Please bring an extra set of keys. Call our office for current rates.

Rome Launch Site Map

Where to Stay

Rome    (Our Meeting Location)

Rome Station Café & RV Park  

Very basic cabins, campground, RV hookups and airstrip. (541) 586-2295

BLM Launch Site

Unimproved campsites with pit toilets. No dependable water source.

Burns   (1 hour, 45 minutes west of Rome)

America’s Best Inn

Comfortable lodging in a slightly larger town with grocery stores and dining options. (541) 573-1700

Crystal Crane Hot Springs

Rustic cabins and tent/RV sites available. Private and public hot pools. (541) 493-2312

Jordan Valley    (30 minutes east of Rome)

Basque Station Motel

Basic but the only motel in Jordan Valley. 

(541) 586-2244

Sunny Ridge RV Park

An RV Park with a few newer partially stocked trailers to rent and an EV charging station. As far as we know this is the only EV charging station in the area.

Boise  (2 hours east of Rome)

Best Western Vista Inn  

Near the airport.  (208) 336-8100 

Area Activities

Steens Mountain

Isolated and unique this mountain oasis offers sub-alpine meadows, forests, deeply glaciated valleys, and stands of aspen. Activities in the area include hiking, resort lodges, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, photography and a variety of winter activities. Located 60 miles south of Burns, OR.

Jordan Craters

"Moonscape-like" area of basalt lava flows with well preserved vents and striking features. Located 60 miles northeast of Rome.

Paradise Birding B i rding trips in the nearby Malheur Wildlife Refuge and river-based birding trips on the Owyhee.

Jordan Valley "Big Loop" Rodeo

Third weekend in May. This is one of the truly “original” rodeos left. Rough, wild and in the tradition of the old west this rodeo draws cowboys from all over. 

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

187,000 acreas of habitat including wetlands, riparian area, meadows and uplands offer prime wildlife viewing. With more than 320 species of birds, and 58 species of mammals, the refuge offers prime wildlife viewing. In the spring waterfowl using the Pacific Flyway stop at the refuge and on the Silvies River flood plain around Burns to  refuel for their journey northward. Large flocks of lesser and greater sandhill cranes and flocks of snow and ross' geese provide spectacular viewing opportunities. 

Silver City, Idaho A u thentic old west ghost town. One of the better-preserved ghost towns. May be difficult to get to in the spring. 60  “slow” miles east of Rome. 

Outstanding Remarkable Values

Wild & Scenic River Designation - October 19, 1984

Learn about the outstanding remarkable values that makes the Owyhee River such a special place and helped it to achieve protected status under the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act.

Cultural & Prehistoric

The Owyhee watershed would have provided the major source of water, fuel, food and protected campsites in the harsh environment of southern Oregon. Approximately 100 prehistoric campsites have been recorded on the lower segment of the Owyhee River between the Rome Launch Site and Burnt Creek Ranch. The "Hole in the Ground" petroglyph site is one of the most outstanding sites of its kind in eastern Oregon.

Rocks exposed along and adjacent to the Owyhee River range in age from the late Miocene to recent. From oldest to youngest, these groups consist of rhyolitic flows, basalt flows, sedimentary rocks, young lava and alluvial deposits. Benchlands were formed during a period of intensive volcanic activity. Lava flows filled the stream valleys, damming them and impounding large lakes. Thousands of feet of sediment were deposited in the lakes which were subsequently drained as streams eroded through the basalt dams.

Recreational

Outstanding recreation abounds in the canyon, including rafting, drift boating, kayaking, hiking, photography, nature study, fishing, hunting and camping. The Owyhee is recognized nationally as a prime early-season whitewater destination, popular for commercial and non-commercial river runners.

The canyons of the Owyhee River are dramatic, awe-inspiring landforms. Reddish-brown canyon walls, sharply contrasted by the colorful, eroded chalky cliffs, reach up to 1,000 feet above the pristine sagebrush and grass-covered and talus slopes that form the river's edge. Cliffs occasionally drop hundreds of feet directly into the river. The canyon rims are often eroded into a multitude of towering spires, while in other areas the canyon walls reach to the sky as fractured, blocky monoliths tinted with brilliant green, yellow and orange microflora.

The Owyhee River Canyon provides diverse habitat for over 200 species of wildlife. Birds are especially abundant, both in number of species and number of individuals. Swainson's, ferruginous and red-tailed hawks, as well as American kestrels and northern harriers are common, and prairie falcon and sharp-shinned hawks have been observed frequently. Golden eagles are abundant year-round, and bald eagles winter in the canyons.

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[email protected]   •  (541) 385-5947

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Owyhee River Rafting - Trip Itinerary & Details

An Owyhee River trip has been called a journey through Oregon's Grand Canyon for good reason . You'll discover multicolored spires, dramatic canyons and sculpted grottoes: scenery that is a match for the better-known canyons of the American southwest. The scenery is superb.

But an Owyhee River trip has even more to offer

• Soak in natural hot springs while watching a desert sunset fade on dramatic canyon walls.
• Hike through a fairyland of colorful, eroded rock pinnacles at Chalk Basin.
• View petroglyphs carved into riverside rocks long ago by the Owyhee region's early inhabitants.
• Challenge the Owyhee's lively rapids, including Whistling Bird, Squeeze, and Montgomery, then relax between rapids while scanning the shore and sky for bighorn sheep, antelope, and the over 100 species of birds that make their home here.

All this and more is why the Owyhee is the river our guides feel most privileged to share with you. Join us for a true wilderness adventure you will always remember.

The Owyhee can only be rafted in the Spring, when upstream snowmelt brings life to the canyon and creates challenging rapids. This is the most remote, secluded and pristine trip we run. Many of our guests come back to join us again and again, and sooner or later they all want to run this one. This is a very special river: rare and wild, isolated and pure.

Our first day on the river begins with calm water and mild rapids, which are ideal for a warm up, especially for those behind the oars or paddling an inflatable kayak. After five miles in the open countryside, we enter the first of a series of scenic gorges. Highlights of our first day on the water include Upset rapid and Bull's-eye rapid. The following morning we'll stop at Weeping Wall Springs, a lovely desert oasis, to refill our water jugs with refreshing spring water. We'll run Artillery rapid, stop at a hot springs, and camp at or near Chalk Basin.

Chalk Basin is a strikingly beautiful fairyland of colorful, eroded rock pinnacles and canyons. On our second afternoon or third morning we'll through this scenic area, and, time and weather permitting, we'll offer a hike to the top of a dome overlooking the river for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Owyhee's pristine wilderness.

The scenery just keeps getting better as we head downstream. Over the next two days we'll float through gorgeous Green Dragon Canyon, where 1,000 foot walls dwarf our boats. And we'll encounter our most challenging rapids: Whistling Bird, Squeeze, and Montgomery. We'll take a soak in the river's best hot springs. And we'll stop to view petroglyphs in a lovely, wide-open valley ungraciously named "Hole in the Ground".

Our last day on the water features more beautiful and varied scenery. The last day's whitewater is mild, and this is a good time for those who's yet to experience rowing or paddling to give it a try.

First Morning

We meet at 7:30 AM Mountain Time (6:30 AM Pacific Time) at the Basque Station Motel in Jordan Valley, Oregon. The Motel (currently the only one in town) is on the main road and easy to find. Jordan Valley is 43 miles east of Burns Junction, approximately 425 miles southeast of Portland, Oregon, and 68 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho. (Please have your breakfast before our meeting time, and arrive in your river clothes.) Our Lead Guide will meet you in the Motel parking lot. Look for a vehicle sporting the O.R.E. logo. After a brief orientation you will pack your things into our river bags, and park your vehicles next to the motel. We will then go by van to the launch site at Rome.

Once we arrive at our launch site, you’ll meet the rest of our guide crew, and they’ll conduct a short safety and orientation briefing, which will include instruction on paddle and rowing techniques as needed. We’re normally on our way downstream by mid-morning.

On the River

Each day is a bit different. But a typical day on the river begins with freshly brewed coffee around 7 AM, and breakfast by 8 AM. After breakfast we’ll pack our bags and load the boats. Then, after a brief orientation to the day’s adventures, we’ll head downstream.

We’re on the river an average of four to five hours per day. Along the way we stop for a riverside picnic lunch. We may also stop to swim, to explore historic sites, to scout rapids, or to hike up scenic side canyons. We usually arrive in camp by mid to late afternoon, and while the guides prepare hors d’oeuvres and dinner, you’ll have time to hike, swim, fish, read, or nap.

Logistics for our final day on the river vary depending on water level as well as weather and road conditions. When possible we will leave the river at Birch Creek Ranch. Once we’ve unpacked our gear and de-rigged the boats at the ranch we'll board a van for the ride back to Jordan Valley, where we will arrive around 5 PM.

Alternatively, we may raft past Birch Creek to the headwaters of Lake Owyhee. There we will lash our rafts together, attach a motor to our gear boat, then embark on a leisurely and scenic cruise across the reservoir. In this case we'll reach our take-out at Leslie Gulch between 4 and 5 PM, de-rig, then drive back to Jordan Valley, where we'll arrive between 7 and 8 PM. (Please contact our office if you have questions about which will be the likely format for your trip.)

• The services of our professional guides and staff.
• Transportation to our launch point from the town of Jordan Valley, and from our take-out back to Jordan Valley at trip’s end.
• All meals, from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last. Our menu is delicious, varied, and hearty. Meals are freshly prepared by our guides from the highest quality ingredients. Juice and water are available at each meal. Coffee, tea, and cocoa are available at dinner and breakfast, and complementary wine is served with some dinners. Special dietary needs may be accommodated with advance notice. We also provide cups, plates, and silverware.
• Durable, professional quality rafts and river running equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard Approved lifejackets.
• 3-person tent (for 2 people), sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner and "paco" river style sleeping pad. (Deluxe kits available, includes cot & bigger tent).
• Waterproof river bags and boxes for your personal gear.
• Cups, plates and eating utensils.
• Camp chairs.

We will meet at 7:30 AM Mountain Time (6:30 AM Pacific Time) at the Basque Station Motel in Jordan Valley, Oregon. The Motel, one of only two in town, is on the main road and easy to find. Jordan Valley is 43 miles east of Burns Junction, approximately 425 miles southeast of Portland, Oregon, and 68 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho.

From Portland follow I-84 to the Oregon-Idaho border. Just past the border turn south onto US-95 and follow it to Jordan Valley. Or drive to Bend, take US-20 to Burns, OR-78 to Burns Junction, and US-95 to Jordan Valley. From California take US-97 or US-395 to US-20, US-20 east to Burns, OR-78 to Burns Junction, and US-95 to Jordan Valley.

The closest commercial airport is Boise, Idaho. It is serviced by Alaska, United, Delta, and Southwest Airlines. Plan your flight to arrive the day before your river trip begins.

There is no public transportation available from Boise to Jordan Valley, but car rentals are available at Boise's airport.

Your trip fare includes transportation from Jordan Valley to our put-in at Rome, and from our take-out at Leslie Gulch back to Jordan Valley at trip’s end. If you’d rather have your car waiting for you at Leslie Gulch, give our office a call. We will assist you in arranging for shuttle service. Conducted by local drivers.

You will need to bring your own clothing and toiletries.

Details, tips, and a complete list of what to bring are found here. You will receive a copy of this information when you sign up for your trip.

Today's Weather

Weather statistics.

The weather in the Owyhee River canyon is quite variable -- more variable than on any other river we run. Little rain falls, and warm days are likely. But cool or cold days are a possibility, too. The river water itself is cool early in the spring, but may warm to the high 60’s as air temperatures rise and the water level drops.

Today's river level

Average flow chart

Fishing on the Owyhee ( trout and small mouth bass) is fair to poor during high water, but improves markedly as the water warms and clears. If you would like to fish you will need an Oregon fishing license, which may be purchased at Oregon sporting goods stores or online at the Oregon  Department of Fish and Wildlife's web site .

We select scenic beaches for our camp sites. Our guides establish a central kitchen and social area, and trip members select spots in the surrounding area to pitch a tent or roll out a sleeping bag. O.R.E. will set up a portable toilet at each camp, which will be located with privacy and convenience in mind.

O.R.E. practices minimum impact camping, and the crew will instruct you on the simple steps we follow to protect the Owyhee's fragile desert river environment.

There is one motel in Jordan Valley: The Basque Station Hotel (and Shell Station): (541) 586-9244, which is our meeting place. Jordan Valley is also the site of two trailer parks, which provide showers, a laundry, and hookups for RVs.

Rome features a small BLM campground on the east side of the river, as well as Rome Station on the west side. Rome Station (541-586-2295) includes a cafe, small store, gasoline, cabins, RV park and airstrip.

When Europeans first traveled into the Owyhee country they found the Northern Paiute people living a nomadic life in the region. Food was so scarce that families spent most of their time traveling from place to place, searching for what little the desert offered. Plants were vital to Paiute survival. During Spring they sought fresh green thistle or squaw cabbage around streams and lakes. As plants ripened and produced seeds during summer, Paiute families might travel up to 40 miles to gather seeds at a particularly productive location. Grass seeds — fescue, wheatgrass, and Indian rice — were collected, winnowed, and ground into flour. Adding water to the flower, a mush was produced. Seeds were stored in baskets, pits, or caves for use during the long winters. Late in the Summer, Paiute families traveled to moist areas where bulbs of camas, lily, arrowroot, and wild onion were harvested. With the onset of Winter, Paiute bands moved to semi permanent villages near their stored-food sites, where they stayed until the following Spring.

In 1819, Donald McKenzie of the North West Fur Company traveled through the Owyhee region. His job was to discourage competition in the Snake River watershed by exterminating the region’s fur bearing mammals. In his search for these animals, McKenzie sent three employees — Hawaiian Islanders, as it happens — to explore a river they had encountered. They never returned, and the river — the Owyhee — was named in their honor, after their homeland.

The first passable east-west road through the region, known as the Oregon Central Military Road, crossed the Owyhee near Rome. (Rome was so named because white cliffs found near town reminded visitors of pillars in Rome, Italy.) Local gold miners, faced with rising prices for basic supplies, had hopes that improved transportation would drive down prices. Instead, prices continued to rise: to $ 3.00 for a dozen eggs, and $ 12.00 for a pair of boots.

Traffic was so heavy along the roadway that Sam Skinner, Mike Jordan, and Peter Donnelly — the road’s builders — had to inspect the route constantly for damage. During these tours of inspection the partners had to be on the lookout for the Paiute, who were determined to keep the encroaching outsiders away. During one such inspection tour, Jordan and his brother were killed. 

But the Paiute did not succeed in protecting their land from the outsiders. By 1896 an increased military presence in the Owyhee region had compelled the northern Paiute to surrender. The Paiute were placed on the Malheur Indian Reservation, created in 1871 by President Grant. Not happy as reservation farmers, a way of life alien to them, the Paiute left the reservation in protest in 1878. The catalyst for their departure was trouble on another reservation. A clerical error opened the Camas Prairie Reservation in Idaho to white settlers — a mistake that precipitated the Bannock War, last Indian uprising in the Northwest. 

Prehistoric evidence left by the Indians who lived in the Owyhee region is scarce. Petroglyphs are found in the Owyhee canyon near Hole-in-the-Ground. Designs found there include human figures, bird tracks, ladders, rain symbols, and circles. To the south, along Jordan Creek, several sites display a series of petroglyphs on canyon walls and on boulders near springs. The drawings found on boulders, however, have been exposed to the elements, and the patterns are greatly faded.

The rocks found in the Owyhee River Canyon are relatively young in geologic terms. The oldest are those of the Miocene Sucker Creek Formation, which were deposited about 16 million years ago. In general, the Owyhee rocks are composed of sediments deposited in shallow lake basins, interspersed with volcanic deposits. Fossils preserved here include leaves, pollen, and wood, as well as numerous fish and mammals.

The rocks of the Owyhee Plateau are predominantly flat lying. However, in some areas faulting has broken the landscape up into a series of blocks, creating a rugged landscape.

The Owyhee River from Rome to Owyhee Reservoir cuts neatly through the strata of the Owyhee Plateau, beginning with the youngest rock — the Rome Beds — and ending with the oldest — the Sucker Creek Formation. To float down river is in effect to travel progressively back in time, from rocks 10 million year old in Rome, to rocks 16 million years old at the reservoir. This amounts to a backward step in time of roughly 100,000 years with each river mile.

Owyhee Geology at River Level

In Rome, the buff to tan colored Rome Beds are visible on the skyline in every direction. The evenly layered nature of these sediments is the hallmark of an ancient lake of considerable size. Between the mud/clay layers one sees coarse sand and gravel from the old lake shore.

The fossils preserved in this old lake include a diverse cross-section of mammals, including rhinoceros, camels, horses, bears, peccaries, beaver, antelope, rabbits, and otters. In addition, the bones and scales of many species of fish are preserved. All of these fossils have been dated as late Miocene in age — about 10 million years old. The abundance of huge lake fish and the presence and size of aquatic mammals confirm that the lake was quite large. Toward the northern end of these lake sediments, about 5 miles downstream from Rome, the river cuts directly across the axis of a gentle basin, or “syncline”. Here the Rome Beds have been folded to form a shallow north/south trough.

Less than 6 miles down river from the put-in, the river abruptly leaves its wide-open valley and enters a narrow canyon composed of rocks of the Jump Creek Formation. The formation consists of a volcanic rock called rhyolite. Although rhyolite weathers to a black or gray color, fresh exposures are pink. When they are hot, rhyolite lavas are characteristically stiff, viscous low-temperature flows. The lava’s dough-like consistency, which appears in swirling patterns like that of a marble cake, can easily be seen in the sheer canyon walls.

Downstream, the river moves into a series of very narrow canyons, cut into rocks of the Deer Butte Formation. The Deer Butte consists of alternating thin, fossil-bearing lake and stream sediments, and thicker lava flows. (Fossils in the Deer Butte — rodents, carnivores, and hoofed mammals — are 15 million years old.) For the next 6 to 10 miles the river crosses a series of fractures in the rock, which were probably created during large earthquakes.

Farther downstream, the river canyon opens up gradually, as more and more soft sediment is exposed along the banks. Lambert Rocks, some 25 miles downstream from the put-in, is a fantastically eroded monolith of great beauty. Part of what makes Lambert Rocks so striking is a series of black lava flows that provide sharp contrast to the lighter colored lake sediments. Volcanism has lent other color and drama to Lambert Rocks, as well. As lava flowed rapidly over moist lake flats, clay in the muddy flats was baked by the intense heat, and turned into a natural, red brick. This brick layer is visible below each of the lava flows, and it is particularly resistant to erosion. Each of the picturesque columnar rock formations in the Lambert Rocks badlands is capped or armored by a layer of the brick. The hard, erosion resistant nature of the brick is in fact responsible for the columnar topography.

In the dry washes emerging from Lambert Rocks, opal may be found. The opal is white, glassy where broken, and shows a pearly luster. The quartz in the opal is derived from the dissolved volcanic ash of volcanoes.

A fascinating geologic feature found below Lambert Rocks is the presence of “intercanyon lava flows”. About 10,000 years ago, a series of volcanoes on the Owyhee Plateau poured hot, runny lava into the river canyon. Although these lava flows did not entirely fill the canyon, they did disrupt the river’s flow for a time. Faced with a wall of rock in its path (the cooled lava), the river began the slow process of cutting around the blockage. Generally, the easiest route was along one of the old canyon walls.

Intercanyon flows are visible today where the two canyon walls don’t match. On one canyon wall, lake or stream sediments are exposed in gentle slopes, and on the opposite wall, blocky lavas form sheer cliffs.

Volcanic breccias are common along this stretch of river. Breccia forms where volcanoes turn explosive due to the sudden release of water and gas. The result is rock composed of yellow volcanic ash studded with small blocks of lava.

Faults are also common along the river. Whistling Bird Rapid, perhaps the Owyhee’s most challenging, was formed by a large block of rock and debris that slid down a steep fault line on the east side of the river.

After Whistling Bird Rapid the river takes an abrupt eastward turn into Green Dragon Canyon (aka Iron Point Canyon). Incredibly sheer walls make this canyon one of the most picturesque sections of the river. The rocks here are predominantly banded rhyolite, and the varicolored pinks and grays characteristic of this rock are spectacular.

Downstream from Green Dragon Canyon a boater encounters Montgomery Rapid, another of the river’s noteworthy drops. Below Montgomery, the river flows past old lake bed, coarse sand and gravel stained in multiple hues by oxidized iron in the sediments. 

For the last 6 to 10 miles before reaching the Owyhee Reservoir, the rock seen in the canyon is of the Sucker Creek Formation. This brightly colored rock formed in an ancient stream and lake environment that experienced a series of volcanic ash flows. The Sucker Creek Formation contains scattered mammal fossils dating from the early Miocene (16 million years old), but it is most famous for its rich deposits of fossil leaves. Plant fossils have been used to estimate local rainfall during the Miocene (43 inches per year). Regional altitude, latitude, and minimum temperatures have all been calculated as well, based on the fossil plant record.

From the takeout — at Leslie Gulch on Owyhee Reservoir — the road back to Jordan Valley winds up the Gulch, through a beautiful, colorful landscape typical of the Sucker Creek Formation, and onto the Owyhee Plateau.

If you'd like to do some additional camping, hiking, and exploring while you're in the area, consider visiting Leslie Gulch, Jordan Craters, or Succor Creek State Recreation Area. For more information contact the Bureau of Land Management at 100 Oregon Street, Vale, OR 97918, 541-473-3144, and request a map of the region ($4.00): the Vale District Recreation Guide.

Guests sometimes ask whether it is appropriate to tip their guide. Tipping is optional, but if your guide did a great job then feel free to thank him or her with a gratuity. The amount is up to you, but tips between 8% and 20% of trip cost are customary. Gratuities are customarily presented to the Lead Guide, and will be shared equally among all guides on your trip.

Trip Highlights

• Spectacular desert scenery.
• Great hiking.
• Natural riverside hot springs.
• Excellent birding.
• Petroglyphs, historic sites.
• The most remote, pristine river we raft.

Trip Summary

• Near: Jordan Valley
• Trip Length: 4 & 5 days
• Meeting Time: 7:30 AM
• Season: March-May
• Boat Options: paddle raft, oar raft, row-yourself cataraft, inflatable kayak
• Whitewater Rating: III+ (Intermediate)
• Suggested minimum age: 12

Owyhee Trip Guide (pdf)

Owyhee CURRENT ADVENTURES Trip Guide (pdf)

Owyhee 6 day Trip Guide (pdf)

Guest Information Form

Please tell is a bit about you and your group. The answers to these questions will help to ensure that we run a great river trip for you. This form is designed so that one person can provide information for themselves or for a group. This form is particularly helpful and needed if you will be joining us for a trip that is 2 days or longer.

• Name * First Last
• Group Name/Reservation Under *
• River & Trip Type
• Trip Date MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Total number in your party
• Number in party 12 & under For proper life jacket sizing, and also to ensure proper raft capacity
• Number in party 100 lbs or less For proper life jacket sizing, and also to ensure proper raft capacity
• Number in party over 225 lbs For proper life jacket sizing, and also to ensure proper raft capacity
• Medical Concerns or Physical Limitations:
• Food allergies/dietary preferences
• Height, weight and shoe size of party members ONLY NEEDED FOR WETSUIT RENTALS
• Guided oar raft
• Paddle raft
• Inflatable kayak
• Inflatable kayak, full-time (rental fee applies)
• Row-it-yourself cataraft (rental fee applies)
• Questions of Comments
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Start your adventure today! 1-800-635-2925 or Text 208-630-6668

Lower Owyhee Wilderness

The Owyhee River in South Eastern Oregon is easily the most remote and arguably the most scenic, river trip in the state. Both customers and guides who float through the deep “Grand Canyon-esque” gorges of this river come away changed from the awe-inspiring landscape. Many have said they have entirely new view of Oregon and the treasures the state has to offer.

Our Owyhee trips are 5-days of whitewater, scenery, hiking, hot-springs and relaxing in this remote escape from civilization. If things work out, one night will be in a camp with a hot-spring pool which is extra nice in the brisk high desert air or April and May. For most groups we time our days to include hikes into Pruitt’s Castle, the Chalk Basin and for stops to see Native American petroglyphs, many over 8,000 years old. These trips are small and the season for this river can be as short as a few weeks. So sign up today and be one of the few that get’s to enjoy the “Grand Canyon of Oregon” on the Owyhee River.

Additional note, due to the early season and the variety of weather we see on this trip, these tend to be adult only trips.  So if you are looking to just travel with other adults the Owyhee is a wonderful option for that experience.

Trips start and end in Rome, Oregon.

Also, if you plan to inflatable kayak we we will provide a wetsuit, wetsuit booties, and a splash top.  That said, the trip is far more comfortable in a DRYSUIT which we do not offer or have to rent.  Please look on the packing list section and we have dry suit rental information.

Trip at a glance

The person who enjoys scenery and wilderness. If you are looking for the classic summer rafting trip with swimming and sun bathing, this is not it. If you love hiking, exploring, relaxing, and beautiful wilderness, this is your ideal trip.

Dates / Rates

Owyhee trips.

$1799 per person - Adult only trips

2024 Trip start dates:

April 15, 22,

We meet for this trip in Rome, Oregon.

Detailed Itinerary for the Lower Owyhee Wilderness Trip

At the put-in: The trip starts at the raft launch site in Rome, Oregon. Please arrive around 9:00 AM Mountain Time. At the put-in we will supply you will all of your needed river gear including: Dry bag for your gear, wetsuit, splash-top, helmet, and a PFD. We will have additional drybag or dry box space if you have something you would like to bring which won’t fit into the supplied drybag. When you are all packed we will have a thorough river skills and general trip orientation to help prepare you for this high dessert adventure.

Day 1: The first 5 or so miles of this trip take explorers through eastern Oregon farmland where avoiding gravel bars and choosing the right path around prairie islands are the real challenge. At about 5.5 miles the river suddenly comes around a corner and goes from flat farm land and into a narrow, vertical walled river gorge making the first spectacular canyon of the trip. In the afternoon the group will find a nice camp for spending the evening. Most camps in this part of the canyon mix impressive riverside scenery with steep hikes to wide vistas.

Day 2: In the morning the group will float into Sweetwater Canyon and the white water will begin. Multiple class III rapids including Long Sweetwater, Upset, and Bulls Eye keep things exciting and require you to focus back on the river and stop taking in the scenery. Around lunch the group will float into Weeping Wall Springs where under ground springs poor water from the vertical rock wall. This is a great spot to fill your water bottle with true spring water. The afternoon has two very exciting class III rapids leading into a camp with a hot spring pool in one-direction and some of the best hiking on the Owyhee in the other. Hikes into Pruitt’s Castle and the Chalk Basin will lead you to some of the most impressive views of the trip. Horizontal bands of different colors make obvious layers in these unique formations created under a shallow lake 10 million years ago. As on all nights, relax after dinner around the campfire and share stories with your new friends before crawling into your tent to spend the evening.

Day 3: Today is an exciting day. Today the group will go into the heart of the Owyhee Canyon, officially known as Green Dragon Canyon. In this canyon solid rock walls climb right out of the water to almost 1000ft over you. As in any tight gorge we run into some great whitewater to keep us busy between pools where we turn our heads skyward to try and take in the grandness of this spectacular canyon. In the inner gorge the group will paddle through two class III rapids before coming into the only true class IV rapid of the trip, Montgomery (however in an inflatable kayak it’s really more of a III). Not far below Montgomery we will come into a camp in the heart of the gorge.

Day 4: Wake up and watch the sun slide down the 800ft vertical wall based right in camp. As the rays from the sky reach our little beach and start to warm your skin we will prepare to put back on the river. By this point all the stress of your day to day life has been long forgotten and you have become fully invested in enjoying the scenery of the river and taking on the day to day tasks of river life. Waking up, eating, running the river, finding camp, eating, relaxing, and sleeping. It’s a great cycle of life and today is just another day. As we come out of the inner gorge of Green Dragon Canyon we will float into our class III rapids for the day including Nuisance which makes for an exciting rock garden. The afternoon today is filled with class II rapids which will always keep the group on our toes. If everything works out, tonights camp is a guides favorite. With amazing scenery, hiking, and a hot-spring pool this is one of the best riverside camps anywhere.

Day 5: About 12 miles will bring the group to the top of the lake where we will strap the rafts together, drop the motor, and slowly putt across the reservoir and the takeout. From here we will return you to either Boise or Rome.  Sometimes the lake option does not work and the group will take out at the historic Birch Creek Ranch.  If we do this option a shuttle vehicle will be waiting to drive you up the 4x4 road and out of the canyon.

Where to Meet Orange Torpedo Trips

Please meet us at the Rome Oregon boat launch.  The town of Rome Oregon is located approx 115 miles Southwest of Boise Idaho on hwy 95.  We meet at 9:00 AM at the Rome boat launch (MOUNTAIN TIME).  Just east of the bridge crossing the river the boat ramp is on the south side and set back from the road about 1/8th of a mile.

Accommodations

Burns Oregon is a little under two hours NW of Rome.

• Silver Spur Motel Burns Oregon  541-573-2077
• Best Western Burns Oregon  541-573-5050

Jordan Valley Oregon is about 30 minutes from Rome, Oregon put-in.

• Basque Station Motel Jordan Valley Oregon  541-586-2244

You can camp at the Rome put-in. There is water available.

Flying in and out of the Boise Airport is the easiest option.

Typical Weather

This trip is known for having a variety of weather in one day. The temp swings can be amazing.  Average May Temps are 75F high and 40F low but temps outside of that range are possible.

You will be able to leave spare items and luggage in your vehicle at the put-in. Everything going downriver will go into the supplied dry bag. The dry bag (18″x36″), is about the size of a medium duffle. This is where all of your personal items for the trip will go, including your sleeping bag, so pack conservatively. Due to the weather on this trip it requires additional clothing compared with many of our trips so if additional dry bag space is needed we can sort that out. When sealed correctly, dry bags will not leak. However, if sealed incorrectly, they may let water in. We strongly suggest that all items of significant value, such as expensive jewelry, be left at home. We will also supply a day bag to store items like cameras for easy access during the day.

What to pack

On the river.

• 2 or 3 swimsuits or shorts and top (cotton not recommended)
• Sports sandals or hard-soled wetsuit booties (or both)
• Paddling gloves (if kayaking wetsuit gloves can prove very comfortable on this trip)
• Wide rimmed hat or ball cap (ball cap fits well under helmet)
• Polypro, synthetic or hydro-skin shirt
• Water Bottle (1 liter) with carabiner
• Waterproof sunscreen
• Sunglasses with strap (consider bringing two pairs)
• OTT will supply wetsuits and splash-tops for kayakers and splash pants and tops for rafters
• Drysuit, highly recommended if you plan to inflatable kayak - PLEASE SEE INFO BELOW
• 3 pair pants & shorts (at least 1 pair synthetic)
• 1 pair of shoes or boots (ideally gore-tex or water resistant)
• Fleece jacket, sweatshirt, or down/synthetic puffy jacket
• Rain jacket
• Sleeping bag (synthetic material recommended - rated to 30F)
• Headlamp or flashlight
• 1 pair of light gloves
• Camera with extra film or memory cards and batteries
• Personal hygiene items

Dry suit Rentals

Immersion Research - https://immersionresearch.com/pages/dry-suit-rentals

• Must be submitted 2 weeks out - 7 days = $250
• Ships to you from PA.

Oregon River Gear (Eugene) - https://www.oregonrivergear.com/rentals.html#/

• 7 days = $199

Pacific River Supply (Nor Cal) - https://pacificriversupply.com/drysuit-rental-form

• 5-9 days = $175
• Shipping or P/U available

Alder Creek (Portland) - https://aldercreek.com/rental-overview/accessory-rentals/

• 7 days = $175

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

Please find all reservation and cancellation policies here: https://www.orangetorpedo.com/reservation-policies/

We strongly encourage all customers to purchase travel insurance through travel guard to help protect your travel investment against the things that come up in life. It’s a small additional price for the comfort to know that if something comes up (illness, work change, etc) you will have the ability to recover your significant travel investment. Get a Travel Guard Quote Here .

Q: Does the trip go out every year?

Due to the Owyhee’s geographic location it has one of the shortest, if not the shortest, season of any commercially operated river in Oregon.  They Owyhee does have years where it simply does not run due to a lack of water.  About 4-6 weeks prior to our trips we start to get a good sense of what the season is going to look like from a water standpoint.  In the possible situation we have to cancel a trip due to low water your deposit will be moved to the same trip the following year.  If you have any questions about this please don’t hesitate to call.

Q: Does this trip have a minimum guest requirement?

On the Owyhee we require a minimum of six customers for a trip to run.  Any trip with fewer people booked would be subject to a cancellation with a full refund.

Q: Gratuity, is it common to give tips and how much?

Gratuity is certainly appreciated but by no means required. At the conclusion of a trip please just give any gratuity to the head guide who will divide it evenly among the crew. Standard restaurant gratuity percentages tend to apply based on your trip total.  Please do not feel obligated.  If you have any questions just call and ask prior to your trip or consult the head guide on your trip.

Q: How much is the deposit and when is the balance for my trip is due?

As on all OTT trips, this trip requires a 30% deposit. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the trip launches. Upon making your reservation you have the option to set up your credit card to automatically run the balance on the due date.

Q: What is the typical guide to guest ratio?

On the River we typically have one guide for every three to four guests on a trip depending on the breakdown of boat types.

Q: Can I switch boats during the trip?

Yes, but with some limitation. If you start in an inflatable kayak and decide quickly that it’s not for you. We will get you out of the kayak. If you start in a raft and decide you want to kayak, we cannot always guarantee that ability. Based on what people tell us they want to do we pack a specific amount of equipment and bring an appropriate number of guides for a trip. Sometimes that does not leave much room to add kayakers mid-trip. People will often be willing to switch out throughout the trip, but if someone signs up to tackle the river in an inflatable kayak, we want to make sure they have chance to paddle the entire trip if they want.

Q: Does everything for the trip go down the river with the group?

Everything for the trip will go down the river. When you pack a dry bag at the put-in, that will be all of your stuff for the duration of the trip. All food, drinks, and camping equipment will be transported on our rafts for the entirety of the trip.

Q: How many years have we been running the rivers?

Orange Torpedo Trips was founded on the Rogue River in 1969 by rafting visionary, Jerry Bentley. Within just a few years OTT had spread to numerous rivers throughout the Northwest including the Klamath River, the Main Salmon River and Snake Rivers.

Q: What age is considered “Youth”?

Youth is 17 and under.

Q: What is an Orange Torpedo?

An Orange Torpedo is our custom-designed inflatable kayak. The boats we use are built by one of the worlds leading boat builders and designed exclusively for us.

Q: What types of boats do you use?

As on most of our trips we offer a variety of river craft to choose from. Orange Torpedo Trips is best known for inflatable kayaking with 80% of our customers choosing this as the way to go down the river, but on this trip we offer 3 types of river craft on this trip. Watch the video to learn more about our 3-boats.

Orange Torpedo

Learn to paddle your own inflatable kayak (Torpedo). We have guides in Torpedo’s teaching you how to paddle and leading you through the rapids in a 4 to 1 ratio. If you happen to fall out the guides have you out of the river in seconds. 45+ years of doing it on the Rogue River and tens of thousands of satisfied returning customers prove that it is extremely fun.

Paddle Raft

A more traditional type of rafting, paddle rafts are a great way to go if you still want to do some work, but think the torpedo is just a little to much. Work with a team of your friends paddling the big boat through the rapids as the guide sits in the back to help navigate.

Hop on an oared raft and ride in luxury. This is the relaxed way to travel. If taking in the scenery and letting the guide do the work is how you vacation then hop on board. This is how kids 4-11 years old will usually travel.

Owyhee Storm field goes down a storm drain

I'm the Idaho News 6 neighborhood reporter dedicated to bringing you the latest stories from Star, Eagle, and Northern Meridian.

NORTH MERIDIAN, IDAHO — The Owyhee High School Softball team posted a video Thursday night that showed the rain moving dirt from the infield, creating a red river down to a storm drain outside the fence.

• Owyhee Softball posted the video Thursday on Facebook and Instagram.
• Storm Softball is already finding success this year after ending both of their previous seasons with banners.
• If you want to help fund the softball team click here .

( Below is the transcript from the broadcast story)

Owyhee High School is not the only storm in the Treasure Valley. This week we’ve seen a lot of precipitation from those thundering clouds behind me. I'm your North Meridian neighborhood reporter Alexander Huddleston and I spoke with one softball player who watched her field go down the drain... literally.

"We don't have a lot of games left anymore so we can't take anything for granted," said Molly Buckingham.

With the Treasure Valley seeing more than an inch of rain in the last few days, Owyhee High School saw no mercy.

This video the softball team posted Thursday night, shows their infield going right down a nearby storm drain.

"We just saw the dirt going down the drain, and today there are just puddles everywhere," said Buckingham.

The senior first base continued saying she had never seen the field get this damaged from rain.

Buckingham explained, "Not like this bad. We are spring sports. The weather is going to be weird, but we will see how this one plays out."

I spoke to activities director Dane Roy about how these weather interferences affect athletes.

Roy said, "Their season is already so short, a two-and-a-half-month season to begin with. I always worry about how they lose key pieces of having those practices and building that camaraderie with the team."

The Storm softball team is one of the best in the state. A state title last year and a district title the year before just prove a little rain won't get in the way of the real storm.

Buckingham finished by saying, "We can't control the weather, but I think it will teach us more to adapt. Face adversity."

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

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Guided Walking Tour of the Moscow Metro

Description, good to know.

• Pricing details

Departure place

You would like, admiring the frescoes in kurskaya and komsomolskaya metro stations, marvelling at the architecture of the moscow metro, listening to your guide's commentary, essential information *, duration 1 hour 50 minutes, starting time 2:00 pm.

Set off to discover the most breathtaking stops on Moscow’s beautiful metro system on this walking tour.

Some of the stops on the Moscow metro are real masterpieces. Head underground and admire the Moscow metro with your guide.

During your guided tour, you will get to admire the Ploshchad Revolyutsii , designed by the architect Dushkin. There are no fewer than 72 sculptures in this station!

You will then explore Kurskaya station, built in 1938. The design, mosaics and slogans will immerse you in the era of Stalin. You will also see the frescoes depicting Russian victories in Komsomolskaya station.

Then, continue to one of Moscow’s must-see metro stations, Novoslobodskaya , which resembles an underground palace: marble, stained glass windows...

Join your guide to explore the most lavish and important metro stops in Moscow! 

• Availability: every day (excluding exceptional dates)
• Duration: 1 hr. 50 mins approx.
• Departure point: The Kremlin
• Languages: English
• Please wear comfortable shoes
• Metro tickets are included for the metro stations visited during the activity 
• A valid student card will be requested from participants who have booked the reduced student tariff
• A minimum of 2 participants is required to book this activity

Price includes

• Metro tickets
• The services of an English-speaking tour guide
• The guided tour of the Moscow metro

Price doesn’t include

• Access to stations not included in the tour
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• Tips (optional)
• All other extras

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