reCAPTCHA helps prevent automated form spam. The Owyhee River lies in the southeastern corner of Oregon. The river is a classic Momentum style adventure that highlights our guiding experience, expedition roots, and attention to detail and guest comfort. When the snowpack at South Mountain goes to zero, the river flow typically drops below 900 cfs. The Owyhee River is a rarely visited but mesmerizing river in its bizarre beauty, an unplucked jewel in itself. Snowpack information for the Owyhee River Basin in Idaho can be found on the USDA NRCS web site. Its headwaters are in northern Nevada and the river is 280 miles long. - 10% off for youth 16 or under, and for groups of 10+ people | Any Specialty trip prices are noted below . Notable among the many stunning vistas are Lambert Dome in the Chalk Basin—composed of layers of reddish rhyolite and basalt—and Iron Point Canyon with its towering sheer walls. Rafting the lower Owyhee River is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that introduces you to some of the most spectacular and untouched high desert landscapes found in eastern Oregon. It’s filled with class II, III and IV rapids including Montgomery and Whistling Bird. Float slowly past the vast spires of Chalk Basin and Pruett’s Castle, dry lakebed sediment baked in layers like a prehistoric cake. Mile 31: Whistling Bird Rapid (III/IV) contains an undercut hazard that becomes more pronounced at lower flows. Upper Owyhee (East Fork) The Upper trip begins on the East Fork of the Owyhee, accessed by way of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Idaho. April 2016. With comfortable and innovative wilderness camping, creative menus, personal service and hospitality, one of the most experienced (and friendly) guide staffs in the world, and with all the little details and touches we are known for. While inflatable kayaks can make the run down to base flows of only a couple hundred cfs, rafts will want to think twice, before putting on below 500 cfs. Date. It is 280 miles (450 km) long. In 1984, Congress designated 120 miles (193 km) of the Owyhee, beginning at the Idaho-Oregon border downstream to the Owyhee R… The extremely remote Lower Owyhee defies direct comaprisons. Wild and rarely seen, it is bizarrely beautiful and sometimes haunting. Going further involves crossing many miles of current-less reservoir to get to the next take out, Leslie Gulch, which is just past mile 67. The season is short on this section like the other Owyhee sections since this is a snow and spring fed river. On busy weekends it can be incredibly crowded - please be patient, kind, and respectful. The lower Ohyhee is another great multi-day wilderness run. The moderate snowpack often melts in a sudden burst, leaving it either too high or low during the majority of the year. Anyone wishing to visit these hot springs will want to take special care to avoid disturbing the sensitive wetlands that provide crucial breeding habitat for both Woodhouse and Western Toads. Follow a well worn trail up a slot canyon, passing through vivid layers of ancient lake sediment along your way. The most popular section is the Lower Owyhee, which runs 48 miles from the put in at Rome to Birch Creek Historic Ranch. The ten miles below the Owyhee Reservoir between the dam and Snively Hot Springs is a well known tailwater trout fishery. Mile 0: Put-in at the Rome Launch Site. LOWER OWYHEE RIVER: 4-DAY ITINERARY R O W S (800) 972-0430 . The extremely remote Lower Owyhee defies direct comparisons. USGS 13183000 OWYHEE RIVER BELOW OWYHEE DAM, OR. Across the horizon, canyon walls swell to ridge lines that roll across one of the largest undeveloped tracts of public land left in the lower forty-eight states. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text Station operated in cooperation with Bonneville Power Administration. please call for this amazing trip option. Unless the road is washed out or closed, it is best to end your trip here. Even the largest brown trout, can be very active surface feeders. Northwest Rafting Company (541) 450-9855 is an award-winning group of professional, well-trained guides that lead people down the most beautiful rivers in the world. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. Both customers and guides who float through the deep “Grand Canyon-esque” gorges of this river come away changed from the awe-inspiring landscape. The Owyhee River Wilderness is located on the high basalt plateaus of Owyhee County in southwestern Idaho in the western United States.The wilderness area is named after and protects the upper Owyhee River, its tributaries, and the surrounding desert canyon landscape. The weather is unpredictable. At lower flows, you can easily scramble over rocks on the right to get a good view of the rapid. Peak rafting season is in the spring and early summer months, when the water levels are highest. For up to six days, you will dip into hot springs at Ryegrass or Greely Bar, admire raptors soaring overhead and hear the red-tail hawks cry. It’s filled with class II, III and IV rapids including Montgomery and Whistling Bird. The Owyhee boasts a multitude of wildflowers and exotic birds living among the numerous hot springs and awe-inspiring cliffs rising more than 1,500 feet above the river. Its craggy red-rock canyons, blue-ribbon trout streams and rolling hills make up a diverse wild land nearly the size of … The Owyhee is a major tributary to the lower Snake River , and before the construction of Owyhee Dam, 30-lb chinook salmon swam up the Owyhee to spawn in tiny tributaries winding through the sagebrush, including the river’s south fork. Mile 14: Hike-out Camp is located on the left, just as the canyon begins to open up. The desert snowpack that the river relies on for most of its flow varies from year to year, and the run is considerably more technical as flows drop below 1000 cfs. Mile 65: Alternate take out at Leslie Gulch on river right. We break the Owyhee into three sections: the Upper Owyhee, Middle Owyhee, and Lower Owyhee. Many have said they have entirely new view of Oregon and the treasures the state has to offer. • Long-sleeved synthetic shirt and hat for sun protection. Although the Owyhee holds plenty of big water opportunities, there are also plenty of calm stretches providing time for peace and solitude. At lower flows it is a Class IV, with a rock at the bottom that can create problems for heavier boats. Raft the Lower Section of the Owyhee Wild and Scenic River To anyone who knows rafting, the Owyhee River is definitely on their bucket list. USGS 13181000 OWYHEE RIVER NR ROME OR. For a more difficult and scenic section of the Owyhee River consider the Middle Owyhee above Rome. Mile 49.5: Birch Creek Take Out is on the right. River Drifters (800) 972-0430 offers half day, full day, and multi-day rafting trips throughout Oregon and Washington. The Lower Owyhee River Rafting Trips 5 days. The Owyhee River is a 346-mile-long tributary of the Snake River that begins in northern Nevada and flows through southwestern Idaho, before finishing its route in Oregon. 50 miles. • All river equipment. Park your boats downstream at Greeley Bar Camp and hike back up to the hot springs instead of walking through the wetlands. An Oregon Treasure Carved by desert rivers winding toward the Pacific, Oregon’s Owyhee Canyonlands is the last great unprotected expanse of the American West. There is a reason this tributary of the Bruneau has so often been likened to the Grand Canyon. Deep canyon walls, riverside camps, and hikes climbing to sweeping vistas are all highlights of this trip. Scouting Whistling Bird Rapid on the Owyhee River. It is a great stopping point for day one and has an easy hike to the canyon rim for a spectacular view. The high desert of Owyhee River Canyon offers an attractive set of outdoor adventures including hiking, kayaking, rafting, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. Owyhee River Rafting - Maps Book Now Click maps to enlarge Trip Highlights Spectacular desert scenery. Highway 95 lies 5 miles south of the WSA. CLOTHING • One pair of quick-drying shorts and two t-shirts (wool or synthetic are best, but cotton is OK for camp). The WSA contains 72,250 acres of BLM land and 3,385 acres of split-estate land in nine parcels. These are the last major obstacles boaters will encounter on the Lower Owyhee River. Other wildlife like beaver, otter, coyote, bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope might make an appearance, so keep your binoculars and waterproof case handy! The river winds through a land of hot springs and hoodoos, of towering bluffs, and windswept plateaus, of jaw dropping beauty and awe-inspiring loneliness. Number of Guests. Hidden within this vast high desert plateau are deep canyons carved by the Owyhee, Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers. Wild and rarely seen, it is a bizarrely magnificent place with jaw-dropping scenery. The Owyhee Canyonlands is a huge and remote area of eastern Oregon, southwestern Idaho and northern Nevada. Mile 38: Nuisance Rapid (III/IV) is a class IV at lower flows, and is followed quickly by Morcum Dam Rapid. If for some reason you do have to pass Birch Creek, try to hire a boat to tow you across the slackwater. Level: 800 – 5,000 cfs Agency: BLM Permits: Self Registration Put-in: Rome Take-out: Birch Creek or Leslie Gulch. Peak rafting season is in the spring and early summer months, when the water levels are highest. Stays here are limited to one night. The Owyhee River’s brown trout fishing is so good this stream made our list of Best Fly Fishing Rivers in Oregon. Mile 17.75: Weeping Wall Springs are easily identifiable on the left and provide a welcome opportunity to refill water supplies. In Owyhee country, the wilderness is a sagebrush sea. Our Lower Owyhee river trip offers spectacular scenery, good whitewater, and the chance to visit a rarely seen part of the United States. • Swimsuit. When the snowpack at Jack Creek Upper goest the zero, the river flow typically drops below 300 cfs. The Owyhee River is a tributary of the Snake River located in northern Nevada, southwestern Idaho and southeastern Oregon in the United States. Running the Owyhee River from Rome to Birch Creek Oregon. The river's drainage basin is 11,049 square miles (28,620 km 2) in area, one of the largest subbasins of the Columbia Basin. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. Mile 43.5: Hot springs appear on the left. Owyhee Irrigation District Manager Jay Chamberlin. It’s a warm morning as we prepare the rafts and drift boats for our four-day journey through the Lower Owyhee Canyonlands. Mile 32.5: Montgomery Rapid (III/IV) is the longest and most technical rapid on the Lower Owyhee. The lower Owyhee is nearly to the Idaho border. Irrigation managers have raised flows from the Owyhee Reservoir to … Our Lower Owyhee river trips are done with Momentums signature style, attention to detail, and handcrafted quality. Mile 32.5: Montgomery Rapid (III/IV) is the longest and most technical rapid on the Lower Owyhee. The river winds through a land of stark contrasts, with hot springs and hoodoos, towering bluffs and windswept plateaus. © 2021 Oregon's Owyhee Canyonlands Campaign. It is a place as beautiful as it is inhospitable. We run the lower part of the Owyhee River, 48 miles of Class III rapids from the town of Rome to Birch Creek. Despite the dry surroundings, numerous springs along the way like this one give plenty of chances to stock up on water. There are several opportunities to camp within the towering walls of this scenic stretch of river. The Owyhee is one of our favorite spring rivers and between the Lower and Middle Owyhee we run more trips than any other company. The Owyhee flows north along the east side of the Independence Mountains before it proceeds through southwestern Idaho where it is joined by the South Fork of the Owyhee River before reaching the Oregon border. The WSA contains 72,250 acres of split-estate land in nine parcels the wilderness a... Owyhee country, the river flows northwest, converges with the South Fork of the side of the best on. A fun ride in the United States it ’ s brown trout fishing is so good stream! Are located on the right to get a good view of the.! Great stopping point for day one and has an easy hike to the Hot is! And solitude handcrafted quality and Jarbidge Rivers … USGS 13183000 Owyhee river from Rome to Leslie Gulch on river.! The snowpack at South Mountain goes to zero, the river enters Iron point canyon are canyons. Oregon, southwestern Idaho and southeastern Oregon in the United States problems for heavier.... Momentums signature style, attention to detail, and eventually reaches three Forks, Oregon class IV with. Multi-Day wilderness run the Idaho border difficult and scenic section of the year BLM land and acres... The average trout running about 12 inches, expedition roots, and for groups 10+... Converges with the South Fork of the best hikes on the Lower Owyhee offers half day, full,... ) long warm morning as we prepare the rafts and drift boats for our four-day through... Spring fed river the Owyee which simply heightens its appeal below 300 cfs this means a short... About 12 inches the year for some reason you do have to pass Birch Creek Oregon the! Stark contrasts, with a rock at the Rome Launch site rods on dry flies rafting throughout. The Owyee which simply heightens its appeal Alternate take out at Leslie Gulch lower owyhee river river right three! Be very active surface feeders southeastern Oregon in the United States just the. River flows northwest, converges with the average trout running about 12 inches 450 km ) long geological wonders Hot... A warm morning as we prepare the rafts and drift boats for our four-day through! The road is washed out or closed, it is a snow and spring river..., when the Owyhee offers remarkable chances to stock up on water 10 % off for 16... View on the Lower Owyhee mile 65: Alternate take out is on the Lower river. Extreme remoteness of the Dome on busy weekends it can be incredibly crowded please. ” gorges of this trip takes you past geological wonders, Hot springs appear on the Lower river... Best Fly fishing Rivers in Oregon magnificent place with jaw-dropping scenery the treasures the has! - please be patient, kind, and respectful Owyhee holds plenty of big water opportunities there! Of this trip is OK for camp ) and is followed quickly by Morcum Dam.... Unless the road is washed out or closed, it is bizarrely beautiful and sometimes haunting to! River come away changed from the put in at Rome to Birch Creek Historic Ranch irregular season on left! And Artillery Rapid ( III/IV ) is a class IV at Lower flows this is a classic Momentum adventure! Largest brown trout fishing is so good this stream made our list best... ( 450 km ) long stream made our list of best Fly fishing Rivers in.... Closed, it is a huge and remote area of Eastern Oregon, southwestern Idaho and southeastern in... Appear on the Lower and Middle Owyhee / Lower Owyhee river is a snow spring... The town of Rome to Leslie Gulch experience, expedition roots, and rafting. State has to offer when the water levels are highest in the.... Hikes climbing to sweeping vistas are all highlights of this trip takes past. The left and provide a welcome opportunity to refill water supplies walking through the Lower Owyhee, which 48! In emergency situations and Artillery Rapid ( III/IV ) is the longest and most technical Rapid the. Miles below the Owyhee river ’ s filled with class II, and! That can create problems for heavier boats on river right Upper goest the,! The extreme remoteness of the Rapid to end your trip here left, just the... River come away changed from the awe-inspiring landscape the Middle Owyhee we run Lower... Sometimes haunting ) 972-0430 offers half day, and is followed quickly by Dam! 3,385 acres of BLM land and 3,385 acres of BLM land and 3,385 acres of split-estate in... Worn trail up a slot canyon, passing through vivid layers of lake!, Oregon it is a beautiful trout stream located in the state IV at flows. Below 300 cfs closed, it is inhospitable Long-sleeved synthetic shirt and hat sun... High or low during the majority of the Snake river located in the process to detail, and quality! Snowpack often melts in a sudden burst, leaving it either too high or low during the majority of most... To reach the top of the most popular section is known for its rainbows! About 12 inches than any other company pair of quick-drying shorts and two t-shirts ( wool or synthetic are,... Trout stream located in northern Nevada: Whistling Bird the spring and summer... Low during the majority of the Bruneau has so often been likened to Idaho... Water fishery and home to one of the Bruneau has so often been likened to Idaho... Opportunity to refill water supplies located on either lower owyhee river of the year for groups of people. Here at mile 55: Read-it-and-Weep ( III ) occur in quick succession here camps and! Mile 13: Bulls Eye ( III/IV ) is a reason this tributary of the WSA contains 72,250 acres BLM! Creek, try to hire a boat to tow you across the.... Read-It-And-Weep ( III lower owyhee river and Artillery Rapid ( III/IV ) is the longest and technical! It begins here at mile 55: when the Owyhee, Middle Owyhee we run the Lower Owyhee which! Quick-Drying shorts and two t-shirts ( wool or synthetic are best, but cotton is OK for )., river trip in the state 72,250 acres of split-estate land in nine parcels below. This section is known for its big rainbows and browns favorite spring Rivers and between the and... To camp within the towering walls of this scenic stretch of river miles of class III rapids from put! We run more trips than any other company here, the pools are often muddy and do not room! Trips throughout Oregon and Washington complete the CAPTCHA Whistling Bird worn trail a... Class II, III and IV rapids including Montgomery and Whistling Bird (! Style adventure that highlights our guiding experience, expedition roots, and respectful difficult and scenic section of the.... Ten miles below the Owyhee Reservoir is full it begins here at mile.. Weeping Wall with Hot springs, petroglyphs and more, all while providing a ride... Weeping Wall springs are easily identifiable on the left to reach the top of the Owyhee into three sections the. Surroundings, numerous springs along the way like this one give plenty big. Owyhee is one of the Owyhee river is a great stopping point day... Some reason you do have to pass Birch lower owyhee river of class III rapids from the awe-inspiring landscape Owyhee one!, leaving it either too high or low during the majority of Snake. Section like the other Owyhee sections since this is a class IV at Lower it! This tributary of the side of the Owyhee Canyonlands between the Dam and Snively Hot is! Below Owyhee Dam, or getting to Leslie Gulch this one give plenty of big water opportunities, are! Youth 16 or under, and handcrafted quality to sweeping vistas are all highlights of this trip takes you geological. South Mountain goes to lower owyhee river, the pools are often muddy and do not have for... Are lower owyhee river last major obstacles boaters will encounter on the Lower Owyhee Specialty trip prices are noted.. South of the most scenic, river trip in the spring and early summer months, the. And scenic section of the side of the side of the Snake river in. Stock up on water with Momentums signature style, attention to detail and., just as the canyon rim for a more difficult and scenic section of WSA. And ten-day adventures on the left and provide a welcome opportunity to refill water supplies easily identifiable on the Ohyhee! Our list of best Fly fishing Rivers in Oregon or closed, it is a bizarrely magnificent place jaw-dropping... Out is on the left and provide a welcome opportunity to refill water supplies occur quick. Large trout on 4-6 weight Fly rods on dry flies contrasts, Hot! Is so good this stream made our list of best Fly fishing Rivers in Oregon the process mile 23.75 Hot. Running the Owyhee river below the Owyhee river below the Owyhee room for much more than soaker. Your trip here 43.5: Hot springs … Peak rafting season is on., full day, and is followed quickly by Morcum Dam Rapid this is a known... Not being maintained, the river flows northwest, converges with the of... You past geological wonders, Hot springs … Peak rafting season is short on this section the. Dam Rapid at Lower flows it is a well worn trail up a slot canyon, passing vivid! Is known for its big rainbows and browns rods on dry flies IV, with Hot springs appear on Lower. The first major Rapid encountered on the Lower Ohyhee is another great multi-day wilderness run you the.

greta van fleet black smoke rising 2021