1-800-346-6277Owyhee River Rafting
$1224
Deposit: $250
River Rating  | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Class III | 7 Yrs (12 during high water) |
- Legend
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Owyhee River Rafting in Oregon - Overview
O.A.R.S. 6 day Owhyhee River Rafting trip in Oregon combines sheer, plunging cliffs of dark amber, gold, ruby red and pearl of the Owhyee River canyon with fun Class III rapids and excellent wildlife viewing.
In 1826, the Owhyee River was named after the place from which some of southeastern Oregon’s first settlers originated — Hawaii, a fitting name, considering the Owyhee’s status as a unique American paradise. The Owhyee River in southwestern Oregon is a rarely visited but mesmerizing river in its bizarre beauty, an unplucked jewel in itself. Gleaming black basalt bluffs cascade down to desolate, soft beaches speckled with the lure of undiscovered gemstones. This O.A.R.S. Owhyee River Rafting adventure is an ideal early-season rafting escape as the Owhyee's eco-system is semi-desert and the Oregon weather here is balmy even in the springtime. Our journey down the "Wild and Scenic" Owyhee includes raft, dory and inflatable kayaking options. And there’s wildlife everywhere. Eagles, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and mountain lions are native to the region.
Owyhee River Rafting - Itinerary at a Glance
- Our Owyhee River Rafting adventure begins with a shuttle ride from Boise, Idaho to southeast Oregon where camp is set up along the river
- The river portion of our adventure kicks off with some mild to intense whitewater, including Artillery Rapid
- Enter the moonscape terrain of the Badlands, with its intriguing clay and sandstone spire formations
- Whistling Bird rapid is the whitewater highlight of the day. With a difficult hairpin turn against a dramatic cliff face, it’s a certain scout and great photo opportunity as the rafts enter a narrow section of river bound by precipitous cliffs
- Lambert Rocks and Jackson Creek entice travelers to extended walks up into colorful side canyons and along scenic ridge lines
- Small hot springs near the river add another interesting geological dimension
- Watch for a variety of local wildlife in the Owhyee Canyon including feathered and furred - from eagles and egrets, mink and bobcats, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and even wild horses
- On our final day on the Owyhee River, we encounter the historic remnants of the long abandoned Hole in the Ground Ranch
- Our Owyhee Rafting adventure concludes at the Owyhee Reservoir with return transportation back to Boise
- Testimonials
- Reviews
- Write a Review
“Among the many river trips I have taken, the Owyhee is near the top for the impressiveness of scenery. While the rapids are not big, they are delightful at the water level we had. Isolation of this trip is also a big plus.”
Karl Kumm ~ Seattle, WA
“I can't thank each and every one involved enough...they made the best of every moment. WELL DONE!!! Thanks!”
Jim Devers ~ Egg Harbor Township, NJ
“I think the OARS folks were great! They were nice and interesting people, thoughtful, and excellent companions. Of course, the scenery was okay too...”
Eric Ingbar ~ Carson City, NV
“I am sitting at my desk lamenting the fact that I am no longer on the water.
I wanted to write and let you know how much I enjoyed our trip down the Owyhee (May 6-12, 2009). What an amazing stretch of river. The fact that the O.A.R.S. approach is about respecting our natural world makes you a true leader and I would like to thank you for your commitment. I would also like to commend each and every one of our guides, they were exemplary.
Barry (Dow) was so knowledgeable and dedicated. His awareness of the issues on the river was very informative. Deb (Hausler) was such a treat. Her energy and zest added so much to the trip and you could always count on her for fun and frivolity. Heather (Solee) was an excellent boat captain and I was always comfortable with her at the helm. Jennie (Tindall) was truly a delight and always thoughtful about the guests needs. She went above and beyond in making sure we were all comfortable. Ashley (Brown) was also an excellent guide. She was always upbeat and full of life on the trip. She helped take very good care of us all.
I will definitely recommend an O.A.R.S. trip to anyone who wants to do a river trip. I am hoping to do the Grand Canyon with O.A.R.S. in the future. Thank you for putting together such an awesome team of people to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the river. You have a great deal to be proud of!”
In Peace,
Laura J. Doty, Outreach Coordinator Advocates for the West ~ Boise, ID
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures | ||
| Month | Days | Nights |
| April | 62° | 30° |
| May | 71° | 36° |
| Water Temperatures | ||
| Seasonal Average: 50° | ||
Current Conditions
What to bring on the Owyhee River Rafting trip
This is a sample list. Please refer to your trip planner for a detailed list for your particular trip. If you do not already own any of the items on the suggested packing list feel free to call our office for suggestions. However, many of the items listed are available for purchase online in the OARStore. Please be mindful of the natural environment when purchasing items for your trip. Whenever possible, consider recyclable containers, rechargeable batteries, natural (non-toxic) sunscreens, lotions, biodegradable soaps, and so on.
Equipment:
- Backpack/daypack for day hikes. It should be large enough to carry water, lunch and camera, as well as a warm layer of clothing (750 – 2000 cubic inches)
- Water bottles: 2 heavy-duty and minimum 1-liter capacity each with a carabiner to attach it to the boat. For day hikes, hydration systems like a CamelBak® are great, but you will still want 1 water bottle while in the boat
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries and bulb
- Plastic bags: large trash bags and zip-lock bags to separate clean and dry clothes from wet and dirty
- Camera and accessories
Personal Items:
- Sunglasses with securing strap and a spare
- Towel: small, quick drying, and washcloth
- Toiletries including biodegradable soap and shampoo with moisturizer (Nature’s Gate is recommended by our guides)
- Sunscreen: waterproof and SPF 30 or higher
- Lip protection: SPF 30 or higher
- Moisturizing lotion or cream: 1 bottle (Skin tends to get REALLY DRY – this is a VERY important item!)
- Insect repellent (with DEET)
- Personal first aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
- Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts (Blowing sand can cause problems for contact wearers)
- Cash for gratuities and goodies
Clothing:
- Long-sleeved shirt: 2 lightweight and light color for sun protection (UPF rated shirts are great)
- Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection (no jeans while on the river)
- Shade hat or visor with securing strap and a spare
- Bandanas
- Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant) to protect you from the wind and splash from rapids, as well as rain. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists, and ankles to prevent water from seeping in
- Swimsuits: 2 (two-piece suits recommended for women). Tankinis are a great option
- Underwear: quick drying
- Shorts: 2 pair lightweight, and quick drying
- Hiking shorts: 2 pair (some people prefer different shorts for the river and hiking)
- T-shirts or lightweight quick-drying tops: 3
- River sandals (such as Teva): 1 pair to wear in the boat and for short wet hikes
- Athletic shoes or lightweight hiking boots: 1 pair, comfortable and with good tread
- Hiking socks: 3-4 pair mid-weight
- Synthetic long underwear top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
- Fleece top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
Additional Essentials Even Though You Might Not Use Them:
- Extra pair of dry shoes for camp
- Wetsuit booties and/or neoprene socks
- Additional fleece top and bottom
- Warm hat and gloves: synthetic or wool
- Fleece vest
Optional Items:
- Sarong: also useful as a cover-up from the sun, when bathing or to discreetly change clothes
- Solar shower: small “solo” showers heat up faster and are easier to use
- Bathing towels/wipes: pre-moistened disposable wipes such as Coleman Swash Cloths
- Binoculars: small
- Whiskbroom: small (no long handle) to sweep wet sand off tent and ground cloth
- Splash jacket and pants
- Paddling gloves
- Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes in camp
- Notebook and pen
Download our travel planner here:
Owyhee_River_Trip_Planner.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
