The Lower Owyhee has been compared to many of the great canyon based and scenic rivers and locations in the continental US. A true gem of the west with its towering bluffs and windswept plateaus, of jaw dropping beauty and awe inspiring loneliness. It is extremely remote, mindbogglingly beautiful, unpredictable, very wild, rarely seen and what western river dreams are made of.

Lower Owyhee

The Owyhee is remote with the kind of challenging logistics, unprecedented beauty. Camping along its banks, soaking in riverside hot springs and experiencing amazing food, plush camping along with some of the most incredible geology and deep history that makes the west so special. Our head guides have amassed over 60 trips on this river. They are eager and thrilled to share the love, history, knowledge and their skill set with you.

For Lower Owyhee trips our guests do not need to be experienced adventurer’s, boaters, or know how to rough it. Come experience the magic of the Owyhee, sleep under the stars in our tents and let the river take you to that special place in your heart.

Our trips are all inclusive from sleeping pads, tents, all the food and drinks. We will be hiking to remote Hot springs, learning about amazing Geology and walking in the footsteps of the natives that roamed this land hundreds and thousands of years before us. This trips is appropriate for anyone looking for adventure, yet wanting a professional guide to help you along.

The 5-day Owyhee river rafting trip begins in the tiny town of Rome, Oregon. We’ll explore 55 miles of the lower canyon at a leisurely pace, passing through the deepest and most scenic section of the Owyhee River canyon. Our take-out is at Birch Creek where transportation is provided back to Rome.

The Owyhee River has inviting sandy beaches surrounded by quiet, uncrowded desert solitude creating a premier camping experience. With a little luck, we’ll enjoy one of several camps with access to nearby natural hot springs – a perfect way to take the chill out of the often fickle weather in April and May. There’s plenty of time to explore side canyons, take photographs and attempt to decipher ancient Native American petroglyphs – many more than 8,000 years old!

Rapids like “Bullseye,” “Nuisance” and “Montgomery” entertain and thrill us with a bit of whitewater each day. A short and early season insures few visitors. Did we mention this is a birder’s paradise? Migratory waterfowl and a wide variety of birds-of-prey are encountered around every corner. A truly unique wilderness river trip in "Oregon's Grand Canyon" awaits you.

---Each day on the river is different and actual activities are chosen according to the general interests of the group. There are a wide variety of short hikes, opportunities to soak in natural hot springs, historic sites and places of interest to linger. You’ll also have the opportunity to move from raft to raft, relaxing in the oar raft, joining a crew in a paddle raft or going solo in an inflatable kayak.

Special Considerations for the Owyhee:
* It is not uncommon to experience wet & dry conditions and temperature fluctuations of up to 40 degrees within a given day on the Owyhee River. Being prepared on the Owyhee means being able to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Common outdoor wisdom tells us that layering is the key. You should have several layers of NON-COTTON tops and bottoms made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene or fleece which maintain warmth even when wet.
* Protecting your head, hands and feet are extremely important and often overlooked. You should have an insulated and water-shedding hat for wearing on the river. We also recommend a pair of neoprene gloves.
* Keep in mind that any of the items you choose to wear on the river (with the exception of your waterproof/windproof shell) are likely be wet when you reach camp. A complete change of clothes should be waiting in your large dry bag (including hats, gloves, socks and shoes).

Come join us and allow us to be a part of a once in a lifetime adventure on the lower Owyhee river.