Owyhee Trip Info

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Owyhee River Rafting

The Owyhee River flows through one of the most remote regions in North America.  The Canyonlands of the Owyhee River system is one of the largest unspoiled areas around.  The Owyhee River greets one with impressive canyons that rise as much as two-thousand feet above the rivers' edge.  This river has embraced some the most spectacular, rugged and little known country in the states.  

he Bureau of Land Management in the area describe the Owyhee region as  "The most rugged, remote and least known high desert canyon complexes in North America, the Owyhee Canyonlands are also perhaps the most spectacular".

The Owyhee River lies in the southeastern corner of Oregon.  River Drifters offers three, four, five, seven and ten-day adventures on the Owyhee.  On an Owyhee trip one may encounter a band of California bighorn sheep, a dozen kinds of wildflowers, an unexpected waterfall or one of the areas numerous hot-springs.  One may also see some of the  endangered species that reside in this area, like the peregrine falcon.  Other wildlife that may be seen are the pronghorn antelope, elk, deer, cougars, sage grouse, eagles and many others.

The history in this area stems back to more than five-thousand years ago.  The Owyhee Canyonlands have been a home to Native Americans for thousands of years. Evidence of their existence can be found in the many pictographs, petroglyphs and artifacts that were left behind from them.  Since the white man settled this area more than two-hundred years ago, agriculture and grazing had been abundant for many years.  Still today, one may spend hours exploring side canyons, old ranchers cabins and of course, rewarding themselves with hot-springs soak!  The Owyhee River was named by Peter Skene Ogden in 1819 when two of his fellow trappers were killed.  The river was named after them and the word 'Owyhee' is a 19th century spelling for Hawaii.

Owyhee River Trip Options

Lower Owyhee: (Class III-IV, 4, 5, 7 (or ten-day combo of Middle and Lower) Days, 68 miles; Rome to Leslie Gulch). The Lower Owyhee is much mellower that its upper run, but the scenery is truly mesmerizing. This run features some of the most beautiful and amazing terrain of the entire river system. It is said that each mile you travel down this section of the Owyhee you travel back 100,000 years in geological time.  Some of the stunning landscapes include the Iron Point Gorge, waterwheels, Sentinel Canyon, Montgomery Gorge, Mahogany Mountains, Weeping Wall, Rustler's Cabin, Bogus Creek Falls and the Chalk Basin/Lambert Rocks. The many great scenic aspects of this run are accompanied with petroglyph fields, hot springs and mouthwatering meals.  These alone will help create some of the fondest memories you will ever have.  Exciting rapids like Whistling Bird, Montgomery, Artillery, Bull's Eye, Rock Dam, Rock Trap, Upset and many more will eagerly challenge you!

Middle Owyhee: (Class IV+, 3 Days, 39 miles; Three Forks to Rome). This section of the Owyhee offers hands down, some of the biggest rapids in the Northwest. With famed rapids like Ledge, Subtle Hole, Half-Mile, Raft Flip, Bombshelter Drop, Shark's Tooth and the mystical Widowmaker, you will be assured of a true adventure!  The spectacular canyonlands are some of the most beautiful around, filled with petroglyphs, massive basalt canyons and a few old abandoned ranches. We explore nature and travel through a timeless journey, stopping at the occasional natural hot springs or hike into one of the many amazing tributary canyons, unique grasslands or an old rustlers' cabin!  Just from the launch site, one can observe the abandoned road intended for the postal service by stage coach.  These are just a few of the intriguing attractions that very few people are privileged to see in their lifetime! 

The Middle Owyhee is only runnable from late March through late May!

The Lower Owyhee is only runnable from late March through mid June!

2008 Info            Make Reservations

Our 2008 start dates are on Sundays, however, if your group can only start on a different day, please call us and we'll see what we can do!  More dates upon request!  The current snowpack for the 2008 Owyhee River is looking better every week, don't miss the opportunity this year!

Current 2008 Scheduled  trips:

2008 Prices

*Not including a $90-105/vehicle shuttle fee (depending on location).

Group discounts are available!

What We Provide

River Drifters will provide all the necessary gear to make your trip enjoyable, relaxing and most importantly, hassle free!  A comprehensive personal gear list will be sent out to you upon reservation or you may see a list by seeing our Multi Day Trip List.  Basically the only things you need to bring are a tent, sleeping bag and pad, clothes, personal items and we take care of the rest!  Rentals of tents and sleeping bags/pads are available to assist those who don't have any or those who are flying to Boise and don't wish to lug them along!

Getting to the River   click the below links for directions!

Camping and Lodging

Jordan Valley
Sahara Motel
541-586-2500

Rome Cafe (cabins)
541-586-2294
Modest Cabins

Burns Best Inn
541-573-5295

Expected Weather

Check the Local Area Forecast

or try: www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Rome+Oregon

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