PO Box 40

   405 Deschutes Ave                    phone:  1.800.972.0430         site:   www.riverdrifters.net

   Maupin, OR. 97708                   fax:       240.414.0854             email:   info@riverdrifters.net

Professional River Trips Since 1979!

 

 

Owyhee River

            4-Day Trip Itinerary

 

Overview

A raft trip down the Owyhee River is like no other.  Sometimes just getting to the river and back can be an adventurous task by itself!  The hearty and adventurous individuals will find a trip down the Owyhee the most rewarding.  The river is one of the only ways people can see this desolate and remote area.  Often times only one other party is seen on the river! 

 

Your journey will include running through some wonderful whitewater, but remember there are many other attributes which attract us to the Owyhee.  Time will be spent exploring side-canyons to witness the scenic beauty along with the delicate but abundant desert wildlife.  You may also choose to site by the river and become memorized by its beauty, nap, fish or soak in a hot spring. 

 

The adventure starts by traveling through five miles of open countryside, then we begin to enter our first of a series of gorges and canyons.  We will encounter rapids like Bull's Eye, Artillery, Whistling Bird, Montgomery, Squeeze, Bombshell, Rock Dam, Upset, Rock Trap and many more!  We will travel by the Weeping Wall, Lambert Rocks (also known as Chalk Basin), Green Dragon Canyon , Pruitt's Castle, the infamous hot springs at Greeley Bar, pertroglyphs, waterwheels, Montgomery Gorge, Bogus Creek Falls, Sentinel Canyon, Mahogany Mountains, Birch Creek Ranch, historic cabins & corrals and many other historical and geological points of interest!    

 

Day 1: Meeting Time is at 10:00am at the BLM Launch Site in Rome, Oregon!

 

A Typical Day

The water time may vary from day to day.  We generally spend between four-five hours on the water each day.  The actual water time will vary with side hikes to historic sites, take a dip in hot spring, or any other point of interest.  We will try to be at Leslie Gulch (take-out) by 1-3:00pm on day 5!

 

Last Day

In four days we travel an astonishing 55 miles.  We will try to be at Birch Creek (take-out) by 1-3:00pm on day 4! 

 

 

Meals:  We mix up the variety of healthy meals; we will always have snacks and water available.  Please let us know (ahead of time) if there are any dietary needs that we need to know about, such as diabetics or vegetarians. 

 

Alcohol:  We cannot and do not furnish any alcohol, if desired, you must provide your own and we will transport it to camp for you!  Please keep it in moderation and remember that bottles of any kind are prohibited!!

 

Weather and Climate

The Owyhee Region is in Oregon's high desert, with elevations ranging from2600-3600', the weather can be extreme and change quickly.  Little rain falls and a mixture of warm and cool days are likely.  Please plan for both extremes and bring both warm an cold weather clothes!

 

 

Multi-Day Trip List

For the River:

·        Shorts (quick drying shorts are best, ie nylon) and a T-shirt or bathing suit.

·        Long Sleeve shirts and a hat if you get burned easily.

·        Old Tennis shoes, neoprene booties or Sandals (Teva type are best)

·        Sunglass Strap for both sunglasses and prescription glasses (Croakies or Chums).

·        Sunglasses 

·        Waterproof Sunscreen (with a SPF of 20 or higher).

·        Warm gear (in colder weather): a fleece vest or jacket, silk or long underwear (if one gets cold easily, we recommend this, for more warm gear, please see our Spring and Fall Trip List). 

·        Change of clothes for drive home.

 

For Camp:

·        Sleeping bag (w/stuff sack) and sleeping pad

·        Tent (River Drifters will provide tarps for group areas)

·        Swimsuit

·        1 pair walking shorts

·        2 cotton T shirts

·        Synthetic pile pants and jacket

·        Sweater, Fleece or Sweatshirt

·        Rain coat and pants (just in case)!

·        2 pair underwear

·        Towel (small)

·        Toothbrush and toothpaste

·        Personal medications, feminine hygiene supplies, ect.

·        Lip Balm/chapstick

·        Long sleeve shirt

·        Sunglasses w/strap (chums or croakies)

·        Insect repellent (in the spring)

·        Flashlight w/spare bulb and batteries

·        Spare eye glasses or contacts

·        Shoes and socks

·        An Attitude To Have A Great Time!

 

 

 

River Drifters will provide waterproof bags for your gear.  We also supply all the

necessary kitchen supplies, food, rafts, gear, paddles, life vests and other gear for

camp.  If you have any questions, please contact our office at 800.972.0430 or

800.226.1001.   

 

Please Note:  River Drifters cannot furnish, sell or give out alcohol of any kind on any

of our trips, solely by choice.  If you would like to bring your favorite beverage, then

feel free to do so, but please bring and consume in moderation.  We will help transport

what we can.  Cans are much better and safer than glass containers.  We do not allow

alcohol on any youth trips.