OWYHEE RIVER RAFTING TRIP
Raft Oregon’s Grand Canyon for 5 days and 4 nights
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Class II, III, and IV whitewater rafting
Luxury beach camping with delicious river meals
Optional hiking and kayaking
Riverside hot springs, extraordinary scenery and wildlife viewing
For ages 7-70+
Trips starts & end in Boise, ID
Located in Southeastern Oregon
Overview
Itinerary
Trip Prices
What to Pack
Food Menu
Calendar
There’s nothing quite like rafting the spring runoff through and untouched desert.
The Owyhee River in Oregon is one of whitewater enthusiasts best kept secrets. It’s known as “Oregon’s Grand Canyon” and can only be accessed in the spring to early summer by whitewater rafting. Flows vary with snow melt, bringing life to the canyon and creating challenging rapids.
The Owyhee’s uncrowned desert solitude, rhyolite cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches make this a premier river experience. There is vast and rarely disturbed wildlife, plentiful clear drinkable springs that pour out from rock walls and riverside hot springs, of which there are several. A long soak in nature’s mineral hot tubs are the perfect way to wind down after an exciting day on the river.
Our adventures down the Owyhee will allow you plenty of time to hike the many trails and basins, fish for catfish, bass and trout, explore petroglyphs from cultures of the past, or just simply relax and enjoy all that the river has to offer. The Owyhee is a remarkable journey through remote high desert making this seldom visited wilderness a favorite for adventurers looking for a unique river experience.
All meals are restaurant quality and made from scratch in our full-service kitchen on the river
Enjoy slow-paced afternoons filled with appetizers, beach games, fishing, reading, and more
Explore the desert wilderness and find wildlife like falcons, hawks, eagles, bighorn sheep, antelope and more.
Hike to riverside hot springs and adventurous side hikes (optional; all hikes are rated easy)
50 miles of splashy Class II-IV whitewater rafting with big rapids in oar boats, paddle boats or inflatable kayaks
Relax and enjoy your vacation. We take care of everything–planning, packing and cleaning
Learn about the Owyhee River’s history through petroglyphs and geology.
Sleep in roomy tents on cots or thick sleeping pads beneath the starry night sky
- 50 miles of splashy Class II-IV whitewater rafting
- Big rapids in oar boats, paddle boats or inflatable kayaks
- All meals are restaurant quality and made from scratch in our full-service kitchen on the river
- Hike to riverside hot springs and adventurous side hikes (optional; all hikes are rated easy)
- Explore the desert wilderness and find wildlife like falcons, hawks, eagles, bighorn sheep, antelope and more.
- Learn about the Owyhee River’s history through petroglyphs and geology.
- Slow-paced afternoons filled with appetizers, beach games, fishing, reading, and more
- We take care of everything–all you have to do is relax and enjoy the vacation
- Sleep on luxurious sleeping pads beneath the starry night sky
- Trip starts and ends in Boise, ID
Itinerary
Trips start and end in Boise, ID. (Options availble to meet in Jordan Valley, OR as well. Please contact us for details)
Day 1: Depart Boise in a shuttle van at 7:30am. Arrive at the boat ramp for a safety meeting and introduction. The first day starts off with with several Class III rapids with the occasional Class IV rapids. Lunch is served riverside, usually with a short optional hike and leisure time. After more floating and whitewater, arrive at our riverside camp in the late afternoon. There’s plenty of time to spend the evening relaxing in camp, soaking in hot springs, fishing, swimming, hiking and playing beach games. Each night a delicious gourmet meal will be prepared from the river kitchen: appetizers, delicious entrées, fresh baked Dutch Oven breads and decadent desserts.
A Typical Day (Days 2-4): After falling asleep under an amazing Oregon starlit sky, wake in the morning to the enticing aroma of hot gourmet coffee. After a delicious hot breakfast, it’s back on the water to experience, relax and enjoy. This is when the magic of a river trip happens: no clocks, no cell phones, no computers; just you, the group and your beautiful surroundings. The evenings will be similar to the previous nights at a camp further down river.
Last Day: We arrive at the take-out in the early afternoon and head back to civilization. Expect to arrive back in Boise in the late afternoon or early evening.
Note for booking departing flights after the trip: There’s a lot of travel time from the river on the last day. We do not recommend flying out on the final day of a river trip. Please call or email us with questions about appropriate flight times and airport choices: 208-347-3862.
DIFFICULTY RATING
The Lower Owyhee River is a Class III-IV river: mostly Class III’s with a few Class IV’s. It is a low volume river, only available to whitewater raft when the spring runoff conditions are just right.
In the spring (typically April-June), the Owyhee is at its peak and ready to run. The high desert weather is unpredictable. Rain gear is highly recommended but most days are mild: t-shirt and shorts weather. This trip is not for the faint-of-heart, but it offers its own adventure and few get the opportunity to see what this river has to offer.
Are you gluten-free, vegetarian or have other food needs? Let us know when you book and we’ll be sure to pack delicious food that’s right for you!
Day 1
Breakfast
- Freshly baked muffins and scones
- Fruit
- Yogurt and homemade granola
- Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa
Lunch
- Chicken Salad Sandwiches on croissants
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad with feta, black olives and lemon vinaigrette
- Chips
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Idaho Peaches
Dinner
- Appetizer: Spinach Artichoke Dip with Toasted Baguette
- Main: Grilled BBQ chicken, rice pilaf, grilled onions, pineapple and peppers, Sesame Coleslaw, Blue Cornbread
- Dessert: Strawberry and Peach Shortcake with Whipped Cream
Day 2
Breakfast
- Fresh Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
- Eggs to Order
- Idaho Cantaloupe
- Yogurt and Granola
- Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa
Lunch
- Chicken and Bacon Sandwiches with housemade honey mustard
- Sweet Pickled Jalapenos
- Roasted Sweet Potato Lentil Salad
- Local Fruit
- Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Dinner
- Appetizer: Baked Brie with crackers and grapes
- Main: Grilled Tri Tip, Asparagus, Couscous, Candied Walnut, Apples Gorgonzola Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, Irish Soda Bread
- Dessert: S’mores Bars
Day 3
Breakfast
- Banana Bread French Toast
- Scrambled Eggs
- Bacon
- Farm fresh Melon
- Yogurt and Granola
- Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa
Lunch
- Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
- Italian Herbed Potato Salad
- Chips
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Watermelon
Dinner
- Appetizer: Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese with crackers, Pimento Cheese & Pretzel Rods
- Main: Grilled Honey Dijon Pork Tenderloin, Apple Sauce, Baked Potato Casserole, Glazed Carrots, Watermelon Salad with arugula, feta and orange shallot vinaigrette, Rosemary Beer Bread
- Dessert: Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Whipped Cream
Day 4
Breakfast
- Huevos Rancheros with homemade salsa verde
- Eggs to order
- Potato Hash
- Man Bacon
- Fruit Salad
- Yogurt and Granola
- Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa
Lunch
- Deli Sandwiches
- Southwest Quinoa Salad with grilled corn, black beans and sweet pickled jalapenos
- Chips
- White Chocolate Chip and Hazelnut Cookies
- Oranges
WHAT TO PACK
Packing list & Recommendations
Air and water temperatures are cooler and the chances of rain are higher in the spring and high desert. Plan for varying temperatures and weather. Check out the packing list for recommended clothing. It’s always better to have more clothes than less.
ARC has splash tops and bottoms available as well as a small selection of “farmer john” overall style wet suits.
Every season’s a little different, so please contact us with weather or trip questions!
How to Pack
Included in the trip is 1 large overnight dry-bag and a smaller day dry-bag per person given out during the pre-trip meeting the night before the trip.
The large dry-bag comes packed with your sleeping bag, pillow, and fitted sheet. It will be able to fit the contents of a good-sized duffle bag. Small duffle bags or backpacks can fit right into the dry-bag and large sized bags may need to be repacked directly into the dry-bag. This large dry-bag will be packed away during the day and should contain only items that you will need at camp.
The smaller dry-bag is used to hold everything you’ll want during the day: extra clothes, sunscreen, chapstick, etc. This bag will stay you all day.
If the dry-bags are packed and sealed correctly they will stay dry under most conditions, but they are not guaranteed to be completely waterproof. In order to protect important items such as cameras, medications, etc., they should be packed in dry-bags or boxes inside of the dry-bags. Less valuable items like books, playing cards, etc. can be placed in zip-lock bags inside your dry-bag to keep excess moisture out.
If planning on bringing a nice camera, there are dry boxes available to borrow for the trip.
Fishing the Owyhee
The Owhyee River offers excellent fishing opportunities for beginners to experts: fish from the boats throughout the day, from the banks during lunch, and in the evenings at camp. A Oregon fishing license is required to fish.
Fly fishing recommended gear:
- 5-6 weight fly rod
- 5-6 weight floating line with medium to fast sinking tip. Bass flies: varies
- Try purple, green and white poppers, streamer patterns
- Trout flies: Caddis patterns, midges
Spinning Gear recommended:
- Average sized trout rod with light tackle, or ultralight rod
- 2-4 pound test line
- Lures: Spinners, meps, spoons, jigs
Fishing gear can be provided for you! Let us know you have an interest and a license, and we’ll pack the right gear.
Books about the Owyhee River
- Owyhee Trails- The West Forgotten Corner Mike Hanley
- Owyhee Canyon Lands Mark W. Lisk
- In Search of Ancient Oregon Ellen Morris Bishop
- Get Lost! Adventures in the Owyhee Desert Steve Silva
- Water-The Fate of Our Most Precious Resource Marq De Villiers
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TRIP PRICES
5 Day Owyhee Rafting Trip
$1575 per person
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- All rafting gear: PFD’s (life jackets), dry bags to pack in, rafts, etc.
- Camping gear: roomy tents, cushy sleeping pads, freshly laundered sleeping bags, pillows, and fitted sheets
- Shuttle to & from the river from Boise, ID
- Professional knowledgeable guides
- Delicious from scratch meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. We take care or everything: all cooking, cleaning & dishes!
- Water, sodas, sparkling water, juice, coffee, teas, and local selection of craft beers.
- Fishing gear: bring your own fishing gear if you’d like or use ours!
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Hotels the night before and after the trip
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last night
- Gratuity for guides
- Other alcohol besides beer: bring your own and it’ll be packed and chilled for you
BOOK YOUR TRIP
A 30% deposit will hold your spot on this Owyhee Whitewater Rafting Trip. The remainder of the trip price is due 30 days before the trip.
RATHER TALK TO A HUMAN THAN BOOK ONLINE?
TRAVEL TIPS
- If flying Boise, ID is the best airport to fly into and out of
- The best travel days are full day before and after the trip. Rivers are wild and it’s best to give it some wiggle room
- It’s best to stay in Boise, ID the night before the trip and on the last night
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