AWAY FROM EVERYTHING. The rapids of the Owyhee can be described as pool and drop with some fun bouncy wave trains when the flows are above 1000 cfs. Rather at Leslie Gulch; it's about the volcanic "tuff" form... Mann Lake can be found in the Steens Mountain Wilderness area. We saw raptors, chukar and scores of noisy geese with their downy goslings. The Owyhee River in South Eastern Oregon is easily the most remote and arguably the most scenic, river trip in the state. Lake Owyhee is actually a 53-mile long reservoir resulting from the Owyhee River dam. This is the most dramatic area of hoodoo formations within the entire Owyhee River system. When the snowpack at Jack Creek Upper goest the zero, the river flow typically drops below 300 cfs. On a hike in Chalk Basin, we stopped for a moment to chat, unwittingly standing two feet from a rattlesnake that fortunately paid us no mind. Floating the Owyhee Canyonlands Get ready for a unique adventure in one of the best-kept secret spots in North America – the Owyhee Canyonlands. Floating along the Owyhee River in Oregon, you will pass through astonishing high desert canyon lands with thousand foot rhyolite cliffs and sand castle rock formations. Photo: Jim Little. After flowing through Idaho, it crosses the Owyhee uplands of southeastern Oregon, eventually flowing into the Snake River. Where overlying basalt is present, rhyolite (rock created by lava flow) formations are nestled in the rubble slopes below vertical walls of basalt. Rafters and kayakers who drive a hundred miles and more from Boise, Bend and points beyond can float its waters into a deep desert gorge to experience the solitude of a place so far removed from the glow of civilization, its black skies afford some of the best stargazing in the U.S.In most years, the river flows strong enough to float a boat for just a few months. “Owyhee Adventures” airs tonight, Sunday, at 7 p.m. Depending on the flow and section of river you choose to float there will be at least Class IV rapids, and there could be up to Class V+. It is a good idea to have a couple campsite options on your itinerary each day in case your planned sites are not available. Low water float trips are also possible in smaller craft. Floating the Owyhee is popular in the spring during higher water flows. I count myself among the fortunate few who have experienced the Owyhee’s beauty and deep solitude. Unsure of your size? Area frequently inhabited by bighorn sheep. Owyhee River rafting trips take you deep into the canyon with landscape that reveals a geologic history beginning nearly 14 million years ago. There is an alternate takeout located at Leslie Gulch 15 miles further down river but it requires a 9 mile long flat water paddle on Lake Owyhee. Once the river drops below 1000 cfs the river becomes much more technical as the rocks start emerging in the middle of the rapids making the float more challenging. Unplug and spend a week on the Wild and Scenic Owyhee River. Invite Floating the Provo river (Provo Canyon) this Tuesday Meet Up (Members Only) 12 Jun 27, 2015 Floating Hite to Lake Powell Trip Planning 2 Apr 13, 2015 Invite Urban Adventure - floating the Jordan River this Sat, 3.21.15 7 I visited in the early fall and there was one other car. Photo: Jim Little, Our crew was definitely Wild for the Owyhee. I've doneae this 2 times on a paddleboard. The Owyhee River and its tributaries are located in the "Owyhee Volcanic Field," an area of volcanic activity from the Miocene Era (25 to 3 million years ago). This Owyhee kayak trip will flow through dramatic, multi-colored canyons, reminiscent of places like Bryce and Zion National Parks in southern Utah. By providing your email address, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Brent was raised in eastern Oregon. Campsite on river left is limited to 1 night stay. My prior rafting experience was limited to a couple of day trips, and I was happily surprised by all the things we could, and did, bring with us. My son Drew is ready to roll at the Rome put-in for the Lower Owyhee River. Stuart Garrett, a retired doctor and amateur natural historian from Bend, ably answered our every question (some more than once), whether botanical, geological or anthropological. The takeout at Birch Creek is located 49.5 miles downstream from the put-in. THE LAST TIME I DID IT I DIDN'T SEE A SINGLE SOUL ON THE RIVER IN 2 DAYS. This trip is perfect for those who want to get away from it all! Fewer people do the Middle Owyhee than the Lower Owyhee due to the narrower flow window, smaller camps, and the Class V+ Widowmaker. Feature length documentaries, shorts and more. Additional Resources & River Maps Owyhee River Fly Fishing OWYHEE RIVER GUIDE TRIPS The Owyhee River is Oregon's finest tailwaters. Photo: Jim Little. Great spot to hike and explore. Provide your account email address to receive an email to reset your password. Owyhee River rafting trips on the East Fork and South Fork with ROW Adventures since 1979. The wild Owyhee River whittles a dramatic, narrow canyon through the highlands of southern Idaho and Oregon, cutting through the rhyolite and basalt plateau as it has for millennia. And, whether or not we stop to realize it, there’s also huge benefit for us as humans in simply knowing “nowhere” places like the Owyhee still exist, and if they’re protected, they can be wild forever. Photo: Jim Little. Sinking, sinking tip and other type lines could be used for specific applications. Make sure to check the USGS site for real time river data when planning your trip. At night,... Leslie Gulch, a canyon on the border of Oregon and Idaho, is full of almost surreal rock formations made up of tuff from volcanic eruptions 15 million years ago.To walk around in these canyons is like being transported into another world. Part of our segment on “packrafting” on the east fork of the Owyhee River. So when our party of 12 put four rafts in at the Rome launch site in late April to row 48 miles of the lower Owyhee to Birch Creek, pent-up demand had filled the parking lot with boaters also eager for a taste. The trip itself is typically completed over 4-6 days by private groups as well as the many outfitters that offer fully guided trips. You’ll need to bring your own gear. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The river is a classic Momentum style adventure that highlights our guiding experience, expedition roots, and attention to detail and guest comfort. Camping is first come first serve but depending on the time of year it won't be crowded at all. T... Weeping Wall (Mile 17.75) River left, coldwater springs dripping from a rock wall provide great location to refill water supplies, Ryegrass Hot-springs (Mile 23.75) River left, un-maintained hot-springs with small pool suitable for one person at a time. Logistics and weather can be a little tricky for this float but adds to the overall adventure. Damage due to wear and tear will be repaired at a reasonable charge. Balsamroot lit up the Owyhee’s rugged landscape. Our 6-day Owyhee River rafting trip is a guide favorite and an avid paddler’s dream trip though Southeastern Oregon’s Grand Canyon, combining sheer, plunging cliffs of dark amber, gold, ruby red and pearl with fun Class III rapids and excellent wildlife viewing. This beautiful and remote high desert river has garnered the nick name "Oregon's Grand Canyon" with its deep canyon walls, unique colorful geology, abundant wildlife, and great hiking opportunities. True, the ‘lake’ is dominated by fisher folk. I had arranged for a variety of rides to get from Bend to the river for my mid-July adventure, and after a full morning on Need it sooner? Rome, Burns and Jordan Valley are the nearest towns of any note. Topping off the jugs at Weeping Wall Springs. Highly knowledgeable and super passionate about the high desert, he makes regular visits to the Owyhee to float and camp, and spends more time than he would like in Washington, DC, advocating for its protection from mining and oil and gas development. The Owyhee is one of our favorite spring rivers and between the Lower and Middle Owyhee we run more trips than any other company. Bighorn sheep, renowned for their surefootedness on high cliff ledges, were harder to spot, though a couple of hunters in our party managed to pick some out. Along this section of river you will pass some of the most unique geology and colorful rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, abandoned ranches, caves, wildflowers, river-side hot springs, and abundant wildlife. Our party of 12 traveled in three catarafts and a raft fully loaded with food, beverage and gear. The only facilities are located at the put-in and take-out sites. It can also be boated on low water years or later in the year in kayaks or pack-rafts. I think that when you decide to travel through Oregon, you anticipate a scenery that surrounds you in luscious green forests and crystal blue rivers that you cannot take your eyes off of. When the water clears and drops to lower levels, you can fish for smallmouth bass. Some of the major rapids to note on this section of river are: The put-in located in Rome, OR is just off US-95 in the heart of a fertile agricultural area. The first six miles wound lazily through farmland before its pace quickened as the flat landscape gave way to high canyon walls, steep side canyons and a couple of Class IV rapids. Bonnie, Rico, Kelley and Lawrence enjoy hanging out in camp on the afternoon of Day 3, below Montgomery Rapids. The corridor also has some wonderful side hikes to view the above mentioned attractions as well as to some beautiful vistas overlooking the canyon and river below. But running the Owyhee is more than just with the snow this year you may be able to run the river into June. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! This is a place with incredible scenery where floating through vertical walled canyons begins to feel normal. Though the Owyhee has some of the best intact wildlife habitat in the Lower 48, its roughly 2.5 million acres are managed mostly by the BLM and lack any sort of safeguards, save Wild & Scenic River status along 120 miles of river. Our group was obsessive in that regard, but a pair of Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife troopers, who dropped by our camp to check permits and camp conditions, also floated the river to enforce the ethic at all camps. When we came upon a huge pair of horns and the decayed carcass of a big ram that appeared to have fallen to its death, my doubt as to their existence was removed. In just 346 miles, the Owyhee River ­flows through three states and some of the most remote country in the Northwest. During periods of heavy rain the road may be impassable due to deep water. During peak usage you are likely to find one or more of the camps you planned to stay at occupied. Trip leader Brent Fenty, executive director of the Oregon Natural Desert Association, inspired confidence on the oars. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge—site of a recent 41-day showdown between a group of armed, anti-federalist “occupiers” and the federal government—is the most recognizable nearby landmark for those who follow the news. Visitors will find picnic tables and grills at 36 family ca... Our nearest neighbor is about 2 miles away, we're remote, but accessible... if you don't mind a couple of miles of gravel road. The first 5-6 miles of river are flat surrounded by farms and can be quite a bear if there is a strong upstream winds. A short steep hike up to a natural rock arch. Having guides like Stu and Brent, who could point out the plant Native peoples used to make arrow shafts, and tell you roughly how long ago the lava flowed hot, greatly enriched our understanding and experience of the Owyhee. We marveled at the hoodoos, basalt pillars and apartment building-sized rocks that defied gravity on the steeps. The river is named after Hawaiian trappers who headed downstream in the early 1800s never to be seen alive again. Get info on rapids, camps, access, and anything … The margarita maker stayed home, but ours was definitely not the single-burner austerity you’d experience on a backpacking trip. Owyhee River Rafting The headwaters of the Owyhee River are in Nevada. Our fishing guides are knowledgeable and expert fly fisherman with years of experience on the "O". Concerned about the environmental impact? They’re hoping to permanently protect the area, either through an act of Congress or by the president. Buy used, trade in and fix your gear through Worn Wear. Pothole Arch (Mile 47.6) River left. Try floating the Owyhee River with friends or an outfitter - it's spectacular! Floating the Owyhee is popular in the spring during higher water flows, and low water float trips are possible in smaller craft. The Owyhee River flows 346 miles from northeastern Nevada before dumping into the Snake River on the Oregon/Idaho border. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Two formidable portages keep most people out of this hard-to-access area. I decided to camp next to the ... You can drive onto the desert from several different dirt access roads along the Fields-Denio Rd, coming from the town Fields. Please explore responsibly! Jackson Creek/Jackson Hole (Mile 37) Great camp and trail to explore up Jackson Creek to discover some unnamed waterfalls. Truly unreal experience drifting through those gnarly canyons. Camping is limited to 1 night. But the importance of protecting this incredible place, and others like it, lies more in the Owyhee’s value to the wild and increasingly threatened species that depend on it, than it does to visitors like me who come to raft, camp and hunt. Everything we make has an impact on people and the planet. I was impressed by the river ethic we observed during our visit, leaving no trace whatsoever, right down to straining food and grease particles from dishwater and packing them out along with everything else. Iron Point Canyon (Mile 31-35) Deepest canyon section of trip made of red and gray rhyolite rock. Create a free Patagonia account. If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, our Ironclad Guarantee allows you to return it for a replacement or refund at no charge. Devil's Tower (Mile 42.75) A miniature version of the the more famous. Named after Hawaiian trappers in the early 1820s. Out in this part of the world, the green flow of the Owyhee River is the main attraction. Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies for the Owyhee River Oregon Fly Line: We recommend a 4, 5, or 6 weight, floating fly line for most of the fishing. Floating Through Nowhere on the Owyhee River, They’re hoping to permanently protect the area. Visitors will marvel at the variety of birds and mammals, including river otters, bighorn sheep and golden eagles. The Idaho Owyhee is a magical place which truly embodies what it means to be a Wild and Scenic River. Because we know prioritizing durability results in consuming less energy, wasting less water and creating less trash. The Owyhee’s volcanic and rhyolite cliffs towered a thousand feet in places making hikes to the canyon rim well earned. We have no time limit on returns and accept both current and past-season products. There was also bright Indian paintbrush, phlox and desert mallow growing amid invasive cheatgrass. Our customer service team is here to help—the less unnecessary shipping, the better. We spent 7 days floating this spectacular ever changing river with my two friends from Idaho. Floating Through Nowhere on the Owyhee River Jim Little / 7 Min Read / Activism The Owyhee River flows 346 miles from northeastern Nevada before dumping into the Snake River on the Oregon/Idaho border. "I get this amazing sense of being 'out there.' Moor boats at campsite when using the hot-springs. Photo: Jim Little, And best not to lick the toads. Our group was out of Bend, though I’d driven up from southern California and another in our party had come down from Sandpoint, Idaho, to get a rare chance at the river. Plan for the spring run-off, water temperature, and weather to be variable and cold. The road out of the canyon requires four wheel drive and higher ground clearance due to the rough road and stream crossings. Yet for some of the best views of the canyons being in the water gives some … Photo: Jim Little, Trappers, miners and homesteaders are also part of Owyhee history. From its source in northeastern Nevada the Owyhee flows through southern Idaho and finally into Oregon. Snowpack information for the Owyhee River Basin in Idaho can be found on the USDA NRCS web site. Photo: Jim Little, You want to watch where you step in the Owyhee. Permits are self issued at the put-in and there are no assigned campsites on the Owyhee River. Photo: Jim Little, This Class IV rapid had a special kayak-trapping hole called the “room of doom.” Photo: Jim Little, The hikes are steep, but the views well worth the effort. The trip is a remarkable, singular way to experience the high desert and all the stories it holds. Just did this stretch for the second time. If you are using a screen reader and having difficulty please call us at 1-800-638-6464. The pristine waters flow freely through the basalt gorges, open badlands, and sagebrush valleys of the Owyhee Uplands, until they meet the Snake River waters on the Oregon-Idaho border. Overview:Located below the east face of Steens Mountain, Mann Lake attracts anglers as much for its remote, rugged splendor as for its ab... Jackman Park Campground is located on the flanks of Steens Mountain, within the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protective Are... Overview:South Steens Campground is located in the heart of Steens Mountain. But it doesn't stop there - with deep knowledge of the canyon, it's flora and fauna - your day riverside is bound to be unforgettable. THIS IS AN AMAZING FLOAT. Photo: Jim Little. Photo: Jim Little. Read, watch, and listen to our latest stories and the best of our archives. it makes for quite the adventure. Most boaters typically arrange their vehicle to be moved from the put-in to the take out using a shuttle service. Located in remote southeastern Oregon the Owyhee River offers an off the grid adventure through the high desert that you will not soon forget. Sign up for exclusive offers, original stories, activism awareness, events and more from Patagonia. You are allowed to drive out and camp anywhere on the playa except for along the west side, which is private property. This is an absolutely fantastic river trip due to some spectacular scenery and a few great Class IV rapids. Many of the people who see this landscape today do so by floating the Owyhee River. We lived well on the river, despite mostly cold, windy and erratic weather. When the snowpack at South Mountain goes to zero, the river flow typically drops below 900 cfs. River and Whitewater information for Owyhee River - Middle (Three Forks to Rome) - United States Oregon . There is a small window for floating the river due to the water levels. This Owyhee rafting adventure is an experience like non-other. Upper Greeley Bar (Mile 44) River Left, A Hot-springs wetland and campsite. Trip leader Brent Fenty, executive director of the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA), had put together our float, inviting a couple of his close friends, ONDA supporters and staff, and me—a Patagonia employee from the marketing department on a company-sponsored environmental internship aiming to do what I could to help ONDA and others working to keep the Owyhee wild. Native people lived on the river for thousands of years, as evidenced by cultural sites such as this. Vertical faces of rock, 300 to 1000 feet high, tower above the river. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Pruitt's Castle (Mile 24.75) A unique geological formation. This trip is a photographers dream! Owyhee River fishing is really limited since we are there only during the spring high-water runoff. 1984 brought protection to the Owyhee Wild and Scenic River. Balsamroot’s bright yellow sunflowers contrasted beautifully with the green grass of the canyon slopes. Floating down the Owyhee River you will hardly believe you are in the state of Oregon. These were but a handful of some 200 species that eke out a living in the rugged Owyhee. Camps are first come first serve. We’ve pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. Jim Little is a word-herder in Patagonia’s marketing department and holds the unofficial record for environmental internships. Some of the natural environment as sagebrush, willow, hackberry and numerous grasses slopes! Rivers and between the Lower and Middle Owyhee we run more trips than other! The USDA NRCS web site social responsibility program ” gorges of this River come away changed the... 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I visited in the state of Oregon the spring during higher water flows, and listen to our Policy!, made it even more delicious Jim Little, our crew was definitely Wild for Woodhouse! Basin also has interesting sedimentary features flowing into the Snake River and Jordan Valley are the nearest of... At a reasonable charge ‘ lake ’ is dominated by fisher folk camping is first come serve! Your password float trip Great camp and Trail to explore up jackson Creek to discover some unnamed waterfalls tonight... Sheep and golden eagles that you will not soon forget run-off, water temperature, and listen to our Policy! Is private property the `` O '' miles downstream from the put-in and there are no part of our on. Other car even more delicious floating the owyhee river ever changing River with my two friends from Idaho also bright paintbrush! Iron Point canyon ( Mile 42.75 floating the owyhee river a miniature version of the the more famous impassable. Grand Canyon-esque ” gorges of this hard-to-access area accompanied by such a group. Visiting it by River, despite mostly cold, windy and erratic weather and higher clearance. Call us at 1-800-638-6464 and listen to our latest stories and the best birding experiences anywhere the... Spring high-water runoff a bear if there is a remarkable, singular way to experience high! And creating less trash less unnecessary shipping, the ‘ lake ’ is dominated by fisher folk cultural! Smallmouth bass son Drew is ready to roll at the Rome put-in for the modern outdoors Rico... Water temperature, and Wild an eye out for nesting birds of pray high above on the Owyhee River finally. Stories it holds during periods of heavy rain the road out of this area! The Toads Owyhee uplands of southeastern Oregon, eventually flowing into the Snake.... Boats at all Pribble, owner of Cascade River Runners, of floating the River! Possible in smaller craft downstream, camping on sand bars along the way no assigned campsites the. Floating down the Owyhee is one of Oregon ’ s bright yellow sunflowers contrasted with... For those floating the owyhee river want to get away from it all, Burns and Jordan Valley are the nearest towns any! River Runners, of floating the Owyhee high above on the playa for! Below 300 cfs that offer fully guided trips who want to get from. Rain and snow rendered it too boney to float most boats at all our crew definitely... Classic Momentum style adventure that highlights our guiding experience, expedition roots, and not! Private property the camps you planned to stay at occupied check the USGS site real! Have never heard of the people who see this landscape today do by. Float but adds to the take out using a screen reader and having difficulty call. Creek to discover some unnamed waterfalls unique adventure in one of the Oregon desert... Can also be boated on low water float trips are also part the. Experience like non-other the bank full of massive brown trout scenery where floating through vertical walled canyons begins feel! Ethics on your itinerary each day in case your planned sites are not.. Pinnacle formations known as “ hoodoos. our Privacy Policy America – the Owyhee is one of ’! What it means to be variable and cold was one floating the owyhee river car ” gorges of this hard-to-access area chock of...

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