The Owyhee is a class III-III+ river. Each day on the river we moderately challenging rapids that are ideal for first time rafters and experienced river runners. Certain days are more rapid-filled than others, and there are many long and peaceful calms with scenery that has been described as the most beautiful on earth. While the difficulty of the rapids are mild to moderate it is important to note that the Owyhee's isolation adds some risk to the trip.
Jordan Valley, Oregon, is located in the southeastern corner of Oregon, just west of the Idaho state line on Highway 95, approximately 70 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho. It is a small hamlet with a couple of comfortable motels. Boise has a major commercial airport that is served by many different airlines. Shuttle transportation can be arranged from Boise to Jordan Valley.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Your trip leader and river shuttle vehicle will meet you at the Sahara Motel on the first day of your trip. There he or she will distribute waterproof "dry" bags, answer any last minute questions, and help assure that your car is parked in a secure parking area. Following this introduction you will pack your camp clothes, sleeping bag, etc., into the dry bag (be sure to keep any items you want during the day out of this dry bag, as we have separate "day" dry bags). We will then drive approximately forty-five minutes to the Owyhee river near Rome, Oregon, where the rafts and other guides will be. Your dry bags will then be rigged into the gear boats and you will participate in a thorough instructional and safety presentation. Then, its on the river! The Owyhee river trip starts off with a relatively mild section that allows you to gain comfort and confidence before tackling the first big rapids. The rapids, through which you can paddle in rafts or just hold on as a passenger in an oar raft, grow in size as we move down river. Late in the first day we enter the first of many deep and steep canyons. We make camp on a sandy beach, where you can enjoy a happy hour snack and unwind as the guides make the first of many delicious dinners. On this and each subsequent night the campfire lights the night sky and the sound of the river lulls us to sleep.
Subsequent Days: (The number of days varies according to your trip length). Each day on the Owyhee follows a similar routine, although no two days are alike. Breakfast, a multi-course affair with hot cowboy coffee or campfire cocoa, is served as the sun creeps into the canyon. After breaking camp and loading the rafts we run rapids, drift through quiet calms, marvel at the dramatic geologic phenomena, revel in the silence, and so on. We also stop to explore side canyons and towering spires. Highlights of Owyhee trips can include running Whistling Bird and Montgomery rapids, freshening up at Weeping Wall Springs, soaking in riverside hot springs, and hiking up through Chalk Basin. Lunch is set up each day around noon, with more than enough delicious food to energize you for the afternoon’s adventure. In the late afternoon we again set up camp in another beautiful and secluded wild place. The early evening hours provide time to hike, read a book, enjoy happy hour snacks and beverages, or take a nap. Dinner, in all of its glory, is prepared and served each evening with style and flair. You will eat to your stomach’s content meals that have been labeled as the finest outdoor cuisine imaginable.
Final Day: After breakfast we break camp and float the final stretch of the magical Owyhee. Early in the afternoon we rendezvous with our tow boat where the river meets Lake Owyhee. From here we are towed over the lake to Leslie Gulch, our take-out boat ramp. This portion of the trip takes approximately two hours. We often eat lunch while being towed across the lake, or just before we meet the motor launch. Once at Leslie Gulch, the guides quickly de-rig the rafts and load them on the shuttle vehicle. Following a celebration toast and salute to a great Owyhee river trip we drive back to Jordan Valley. The drive back to Jordan Valley takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Youth is under 16; the minimum age is 12 in April and early May and eight in mid to late May.
4-Day Trip; Adult: $990; Youth: $890;
5-Day Trip; Adult: $1140; Youth: $990.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Oregon
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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