Oregon and Northern California are just starting to dig out from one of the bigger waves of snow we have ever seen. More is on the way with huge snow totals expected in the mountains this weekend through the next week. And the 18 day forecast is showing no end in sight.
What does that mean (besides great skiing:))? It means we are looking at a full slate of spring rivers! For many river people spring is the time for the most off the beaten path and exciting trips. Rivers that either offer huge whitewater, extreme isolation and beauty, or both!
Below are our spring trips that will benefit the most from all this snow and precipitation. Even on a huge snow year some of these rivers have very short season and the best dates (or all the dates) book fast.
As always – While spring offers some of the biggest and most isolated trips anywhere for most trips you do not need to be an experienced adventurer, an athlete, or even to have ever touched a paddle or spent a night under the stars. Our trips are designed for those who like or want to be introduced to the outdoors and our goal is to make these places we love accessible to everyone. So if you have any questions about whether one of the trips below is good for you just ask.
Spring Snow Melt Rivers:
The Lower Owyhee
5 days | April – May | Class III+ | Gateway: Boise, ID (BOI)
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. The lower has a short season and there are only a few dates left with space.
Middle Owyhee
4 Days | April – Early May | IV+ | Gateway: Boise, ID (BOI) / Eastern OR
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. The Middle has the shortest season of any trip we run – only 2 launches this year.
The California Salmon
3 days/3 nights | April – June | Class IV+/ V | Gateway: Medford, OR (MFR) / Redding, CA (RDD)
California’s premier spring run, this is one of the most spectacular class V adventures in the country! This is truly a world-class, high-adventure whitewater run. The late May dates are getting full.
The Illinois River
4 days | April – early May | Class IV+ (V) | Gateway: Medford OR (MFR)
One of the great wilderness river journeys in the country – some say the best. Few rivers can match its combination of extreme isolation, solitude, beauty, and whitewater. We can only take 24 guests per year.
Clear Creek Kayaking
3 days | Mid May – Mid June | Class IV | Gateway: Northern CA / Ashland, Or
Clear Creek is like no other stretch of river in the country and this is one of the most unique trips we offer. The trip offers a chance to run a stretch of river that is rarely seen (or even heard of!).
