Owyhee River Rafting in Oregon - 6 Days
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
Have you run the wild ones?
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