Our Lower Owyhee river trips take place in the wonderful and unpredictable natural environment. Because of this, our itineraries are always subject to change in order to accommodate fluctuating water levels, weather and our guest’s needs and interests.
Day 1:
Our standard trips begin with a pick-up in Boise Idaho and a 2 hour drive to Rome, Oregon. There is also an option to meet in Rome.
The river adventure starts at the very small town of Rome in a remote corner of South Eastern Oregon. Here we will help you pack your dry bags, meet the crew and get a thorough orientation talk. After loading our gear and ourselves into the boats we push off and head into the Lower Owyhee River Canyon. For five days we will float the “Grand Canyon of Oregon” as it flows through one of the most remote, unique and spectacular canyons in the continental Unites States.
The first few miles of the trip are relaxing and calm. We will float through the pasturelands of Rome before heading into the first small gorge. Golden eagle nests can sometimes be spotted on the canyon walls as we enjoy our first day of floating.
Each afternoon you will float into a fully set up camp– kitchen, drinks, chairs and shade/rain fly (our ‘outdoor living room’), and your tents. Leaving you more time to explore and be with family and friends. The first afternoon we will have a “camp talk” and go over everything you need to know about our comfortable wilderness camping. In the evening, we will enjoy our first dinner and a night under the stars with the glow and warmth of the campfire.
We have built a reputation for innovative and comfortable camping in wilderness places (and places with unpredictable weather), for creative menus featuring local and organic produce & products, our attention to detail, & our overall hospitality.
Day 2:
The morning sun brings the promise of another beautiful day. After a hearty breakfast and plenty of time for a second cup of coffee, we will break down camp and head down river. Our day will be spent running rapids and hiking through the bizarre Chalk Basin landscape. If we’re lucky, we will camp at Rye Grass camp where a hot spring awaits and the entrance to one of the most dramatic canyons in the country can be seen in the distance. After another big, delicious dinner (we are well known and proud of our meals!), we will get a good night’s sleep in preparation for day 3.
Days 3-4:
After our morning coffee and breakfast, we will set out for the deepest part of the river canyon. We will float through the formations of Green Dragon Canyon with its walls climbing to more than 1000 ft. We will run the biggest rapids of the trip and maybe even see the elusive Big Horn Sheep. This is the most dramatic section of the canyon. For many, these two days are the highlight of the adventure.
Day 5:
Our last day on the river will be a relaxing but awe-inspiring float through Sentinel Canyon’s amazing sandstone spires. We will stop for lunch and enjoy our last riverside meal and possibly view ancient petroglyphs before we float down to the head of Lake Owyhee. Our river journey will end with transportation back to Boise ID (or Rome, OR).
Find out more about Life on the River >>