Five of the best days I’ve ever spent on the river! The scenery was stunning, the guides were absolute pros—hardworking, fun-loving, and incredibly skilled on the water. Their teamwork made everything run smoothly, and they were just as fantastic off the river—terrific cooks, super helpful, and genuinely lovely people. I made new friends and unforgettable memories.
★★★★★
5
5
1
“Five of the best days I’ve ever spent on the river! The scenery was stunning, the guides were absolute pros—hardworking, fun-loving, and incredibly skilled on the water. Their teamwork made everything run smoothly, and they were just as fantastic off the river—terrific cooks, super helpful, and genuinely lovely people. I made new friends and unforgettable memories.”
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Malini Jayaraman
Hidden in Southeastern Oregon, this high desert river is as special as it is remote making it qualify for many seasoned boaters’ bucket lists. With columnar basalt formation created by the same geologic hot spot that currently lies beneath Yellowstone National Park, the Owyhee River canyon is a must-see. And although at first glance the landscape might look barren, the Owyhee River is home to an incredibly diverse and exciting environment.
As you make your way down river, you’ll spot pictographs and other evidence of native tribes that pepper the canyon walls. Of the more than 100 different types of birds that live in the area, see how many you can identify. Later at your campsite, watch the river from an immense rock canopy. From the bright sunflower-like Arrowleaf Balsamroot to the aromatic scent of sage in the wind after a light rain to soaking in steaming hot springs while watching a dramatic sunset, the Owyhee River will delight all your senses.
Oar Raft on the Owyhee River
Owyhee River Rafting Trip Trips
We run the lower part of the Owyhee River, 48 miles of Class III rapids from the town of Rome to Birch Creek. The moderate snowpack often melts in a sudden burst, leaving it either too high or low during the majority of the year. This means a rather short and irregular season on the Owyee which simply heightens its appeal. Generally the first half of May is a perfect time to experience the Owyhee and is suitable for boaters of all ages and skill-levels.
Expect your Owyhee River rafting trip to start off peaceful but then quickly build to the most difficult rapids on Days 3 and 4. The last day is generally easy.
Boat Options
We bring a variety of boats so you can tailor your experience to the high-desert elements, whether you want to power through the waves or lean back and search the basalt cliffs for Bighorn sheep. Most of our guests enjoy switching boats throughout the trip, alternating between the different crafts to match the rhythm of the canyon.
The Paddle Boat
For those who want to be fully immersed in the experience, the paddle boat is the way to go. You’ll join a crew of four to seven paddlers, working as a team to navigate the Owyhee’s classic Class III rapids like Bullseye and Whistling Bird. Your guide steers from the back and calls the shots, but your physical effort provides the drive. It’s social, active, and the best way to stay warm and engaged when the whitewater kicks up.
The Oar Boat
These rafts carry our gear and supplies, providing a stable and relaxing platform for up to four passengers. While your guide handles the heavy lifting with a pair of long oars, you’re free to relax, scan the skyline for golden eagles, or chat about the incredible geology drifting by. It’s the perfect choice for a mellow morning or for photographers who want to keep their cameras ready.
Enjoying Owyhee River Scenery from and Oar Raft
Inflatable Kayak (“Ducky”)
The ducky is the ultimate tool for the independent adventurer. It puts you at eye-level with the river, allowing you to captain your own craft through the Owyhee’s splashy rapids. We provide a thorough briefing before you head out, and our guides will provide direction in the bigger rapids.
When you register, we’ll ask you to estimate how much time you’d like to spend in each boat type. Your feedback helps us plan our fleet and ensures we bring the perfect mix of boats to make your journey through Oregon’s desert wilderness unforgettable.
At Camp on the Owyhee River
Life at camp is an extension of the canyon adventure. Because the Owyhee is so deeply entrenched, our riverside spots serve as the perfect basecamp for exploring the “Grand Canyon of Oregon” on foot.
Rim Hikes & Geology: Many of our camps feature trails that wind up to the canyon rim, offering panoramic views of the basalt cliffs and ancient volcanic formations. It’s the best way to see the massive scale of the desert wilderness we’re traveling through.
Hot Springs & Stargazing: The Owyhee is famous for its geothermal activity, and we often camp near natural hot springs for a soak under the stars. With zero light pollution, the night sky here is among the darkest and clearest in the Pacific Northwest.
Remote Solitude: Once the sun dips below the rim, camp becomes a quiet sanctuary. It’s a time to enjoy a great meal and the profound silence of one of the most remote places in the lower 48.
River Camp on the Owyhee River
Flora & Fauna
Sagebrush, Western juniper, hackberry, balsamroot, Indian paintbrush, and globemallow line this high desert canyon. Keep your eyes peeled high on the cliffs for golden eagle nests, along with osprey, red-tailed hawks, canyon wrens, magpies, Western tanagers, and the unmistakable chukar.
On the river, swallows often swoop overhead, and there’s a chance to spot river otters, pronghorn antelope, or bighorn sheep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Owyhee River trips only offered in April?
The Owyhee is a free-flowing desert river that depends entirely on snowmelt and spring runoff. April is when water levels are most reliable for rafting, before flows drop later in the season. This short window is what makes an Owyhee trip feel special and a little bit rare.
How do you pronounce “Owyhee”?
Owyhee is pronounced “oh-why-hee.” The river is named after three Native Hawaiian fur trappers who disappeared in the area around 1819. At the time, English speakers often spelled “Hawaii” as “Owyhee,” and the river became known as the place where the Owyhee men were lost.
How do I get to the Owyhee River trip?
Most guests drive to the meeting place at Rome, Oregon, and camp there or nearby the night before the trip. If you’re not within driving distance, you can fly into Boise, rent a car, and drive about two hours to the trip start location. We provide return transportation at the end of the trip, so you can leave your vehicle in Rome.
Have more questions? Find everything you need to know on our Owyhee FAQ page.
We operate under special use permit with the Vale District of the Bureau of Land Management.
Five of the best days I’ve ever spent on the river! The scenery was stunning, the guides were absolute pros—hardworking, fun-loving, and incredibly skilled on the water. Their teamwork made everything run smoothly, and they were just as fantastic off the river—terrific cooks, super helpful, and genuinely lovely people. I made new friends and unforgettable memories.
★★★★★
5
5
1
“Five of the best days I’ve ever spent on the river! The scenery was stunning, the guides were absolute pros—hardworking, fun-loving, and incredibly skilled on the water. Their teamwork made everything run smoothly, and they were just as fantastic off the river—terrific cooks, super helpful, and genuinely lovely people. I made new friends and unforgettable memories.”
Our trip exceeded all expectations! The guides were simultaneously professional and fun, the rest of the group was a blast, and the scenery was stunning. Oh, and the food was fantastic!
★★★★★
5
5
1
“Our trip exceeded all expectations! The guides were simultaneously professional and fun, the rest of the group was a blast, and the scenery was stunning. Oh, and the food was fantastic!”
This was my first guided river rafting trip and I couldn't even imagine going with a different company. Everyone was so incredibly knowledgeable and great to be around. If I could book this exact trip with these guides and this group of people again for next year, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
★★★★★
5
5
1
“This was my first guided river rafting trip and I couldn't even imagine going with a different company. Everyone was so incredibly knowledgeable and great to be around. If I could book this exact trip with these guides and this group of people again for next year, I'd do it in a heartbeat.”
The Owyhee trip was exceptional in every way, excellent food, fantastic scenery and outstanding guides that took care of every detail. The actual river rafting experience exceeded all expectations.
★★★★★
5
5
1
“The Owyhee trip was exceptional in every way, excellent food, fantastic scenery and outstanding guides that took care of every detail. The actual river rafting experience exceeded all expectations.”
