Owyhee River Rafting

Trip Highlights

MEETING PLACE: Boise, Idaho (For guests that drive we meet in Jordan Valley, ID)

MEETING TIME: 7:30 PM MST

RIVER RATING: Class II-IV
TRIP DURATION: 5-7 Days
RETURN TIME: 5:00 PM PST Boise, Idaho

AGE LIMIT: 8-16 depending on section
BOAT TYPE: Paddle Raft, Oar Raft, Inflatable Kayaks

TRIP INCLUDES: Services of our talented adventure consultants and professional guides,” all meals/beverages as indicated in the itinerary, all rafting/camping gear, transportation to/from river.

DOES NOT INCLUDE: 6% Land and water access fee, Airfare/transportation beginning and ending points, gratuities, travel protection plan, pre-& post-trip hotel, items of a personal nature

Sample Itinerary

The Lower Owyhee River Rafting Trips
5 days. 50 miles.

This is the most approachable section of the Owyhee as the rapids are easy to moderate in nature and we are able to use our larger 16' rafts and run more of a "normal" rafting trip with the usual amenities that make for very comfortable and cushy camping. Our put-in is near the town of Rome with our take-out being at Birch Creek. During the trip we visit several wonderful hot springs where we try to spend a night or two. Camps are set on sand beaches. We see some dramatic geologic formations along the way, some of which are similar to the Dakota badlands. There are plenty of hiking possibilities and plenty of camp time for relaxing, photography, and bird watching. The best choice for those who don't want the tough whitewater of the Middle Section, or the expedition-quality of the Upper sections. Trips are limited to 16 guests and four guides.

The Middle Owyhee River Rafting Trip

4 days. 38 miles.

Best-suited for very experienced rafters due to the remoteness and severity of the whitewater, we use extra caution and conservative judgement in running the rapids. Our put-in is at the Three Forks launch site with our take-out near Rome. During the trip we stop to scout several of the rapids, and line our rafts at the Widow Maker - a process requiring 3-5 hours, depending on how many rafts we have. This section ﬂows through red-rock canyons with huge monolithic pillars of rock. There are a number of graceful, twisted juniper trees along the river and many interesting hikes.

The Upper Owyhee River Rafting Trips - East Fork

Details: 7 days; 120+ miles
The put-in is around 5000' elevation near the Duck Valley Indian Reservation and will vary with our take-out usually at the Three Forks launch site. Due to the numerous rapids and narrow, rocky courses, we use a small 13' raft to carry the community camp equipment, and each person or couple paddles their own inﬂatable kayak. There are at least two portages on this section and we travel light in order to minimize the delay and hard work these present. Due to the extreme remoteness and inaccessibility of the area, wildlife sightings are best on this part of the river. This canyon is as remote as anyplace on the North American continent.

The Upper Owyhee River Rafting Trips - South Fork Details

7 days; 120 miles

We put-in at a local ranch in Nevada, miles from nowhere and may vary with our take-out being at the Three Forks launch site. The ﬁrst three days of this trip does not have the tight, rocky, nearly impassable rapids that are found on the East Fork. The South Fork meets the East Fork on the fourth day, so the last three days of this trip are the same as the last three of the East Fork trip. There is at least one portage below the conﬂuence of the two forks. (A portage requires that we carry all gear around the rapids. Sometimes we can let the rafts through on ropes (called "lining,") but this depends on water levels. If we can't line the rafts, we have to carry them as well. Hence the beauty of using lighter inﬂatable kayaks.)

Travel Arrangements

GETTING THERE

Meeting Time: All trips meet the evening before the launch date. For trips on the Upper Owyhee we meet in Boise, Idaho. Trips on the Middle or Lower Owyhee meet in Boise for those who ﬂy and Jordan Valley, Oregon for those driving.

For Lower and Middle Owyhee River Trips your ROW team leader will meet you the evening before your trip either at the Boise airport at 5:00 PM Mountain Time (if you ﬂy) or at 7:30 PM Mountain Time at Jim’s Shell Motel in Jordan Valley, Idaho (if you drive). At the motel in Jordan Valley, we’ll have a brief meeting to answer your questions and give you your waterproof bags to pack. This is an important meeting, so please be on time. Early the next morning (usually about 7:30am) we leave in our van for the 30 minute drive to our put-in at Rome for Lower Owyhee trips, or for a one-hour drive to Three Forks for Middle Owyhee trips. At the end of the trips, we’ll drop off those who have cars in Jordan Valley at the motel around 4pm. You may want to spend the night or begin driving home. Then, those who met us in Boise will continue in our bus, arriving at the Red Lion Inn Boise Downtowner by about 6pm.

For Upper Owyhee trips, we meet everyone in Boise at 7:30pm Mountain Time the evening before the trip at the Red Lion Inn Boise Downtowner. The next morning, we depart from Boise for our 5-hour drive to the put-in. At the end of the trip, we return to Boise by 6pm. For all Owyhee river trips, if you ﬂy to Boise, it’s best not to plan to ﬂy home that night, as we don’t know our exact arrival time (muddy roads can slow down our take-out) and you’ll be ready for rest and a hot shower. For Lower and Middle Owyhee trips, be sure you arrive in Boise no later than 4:45pm the day before the trip for our 5pm airport pickup. If you are driving, then drive to Jordan Valley where you can leave your car at the motel parking lot during the course of the trip. Some travel distances and directions: From the San Francisco area, head to Reno and Winnemucca and turn north on Highway 95. Allow 10 hours. From Portland and Seattle, ﬁrst go to Bend, Oregon, then head east on Highway 20 to Burns. Then Highway 78 for 90 miles to Rome, turn north on Highway 95 for 46 miles to Jordan Valley.

Motel Accommodations: Middle and Lower Owyhee Trips - The night before your trip, we suggest you stay at Jim’s Shell Motel in Jordan Valley, Oregon. To make reservations just call them at 541-586-2244. Please Note the Jordan Valley Rodeo is always held the third weekend in May and typically ﬁlls all the hotels. For trips during this time we will meet in Boise, ID instead.

For the night after the trip if you are driving, you may want to start your drive home, or stay in Jordan Valley again. For those that ﬂy to Boise, we'll take you back to Boise this evening and suggest you stay at the Red Lion Boise Downtowner, phone number 208-344-7691. Be sure to ask for the ROW Adventures rate.

Upper Owyhee river trips - The night before and the night after the trip, stay at the Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner phone 208-344-7691. Be sure to ask for the ROW Adventures rate. They offer free airport pickup and are about 10 minutes from the airport. (Just call them using your cell phone as they do not have a courtesy phone in the airport.) You can also store extra luggage there during the trip or leave your car in their parking lot.

Don't be surprised if the people at the front desk don't know anything about ROW, although our corporate rate is coded in their computer system. Their staff turns over regularly and we are very small part of their total business.
Extra Luggage: If you have luggage that you won't be needing on the trip you can leave it at any of the motels or in your car

Weather

Our Owyhee River Whitewater Rafting Trips generally run from April to late May, with the best water levels and weather in May. Since spring is a time when weather systems tend to be less stable than in the summer, temperature ranges can be extreme, with the possibility of snow flurries and a 95-degree sun in the same day.

Our detailed packing list will tell you what you need to bring to be properly prepared. Because of the unpredictable weather and water levels, we ask that everyone who signs up for these trips be flexible and come prepared for all kinds of weather. Both high and low water can happen. In low water, we can usually run, but it might require running lighter rafts with fewer amenities. In May, on Owyhee River trips, we ask that you be willing to transfer to the Snake River in Hells Canyon should the need arise.

Our goal is always to raft the Owyhee River and you can bet we'll do everything in our power to run the trip as scheduled. If we do have to change, it won't change your logistics any, since we will still meet and end in Boise.

Jordan Valley weather

Getting Ready

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Here at ROW Adventures, our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose.

All of our multi-day rafting trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. ROW Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities, and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip. We ask that you consult your Doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:

Wear all protective and safety equipment that is required by ROW Adventures and recommended/required by industry-wide standards.

Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for ROW Adventures activities.

Reach the river access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.

Enter and exit the raft, or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.

Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.

Perform all on water activities, including following instructions that like paddling commands from the guide in class I and higher whitewater on their own or with the assistance of a qualified companion.

Float on their back when entering moving and still water. The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while underwater.

Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a whitewater swim.

Get out from under a raft, whether the raft is up-right or capsized, in moving water.

Climb into the raft, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the river.

Make progress toward the shoreline or a raft by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the river and ascend the shoreline once reached.

Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip.

Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Packing List

Packing properly for a river trip is CRITICAL to your enjoyment while on the river. We recommend that you prepare yourself for three basic scenarios:

A cool day on the river.
A warm day on the river.
Time spent lounging in camp.

Take care of these, and you are free to let the river and the canyon work their magic.

Weather in the northwest is unpredictable. You must come prepared for the cold/wet weather and hot/sunny weather – sometimes even on the same day! The following information will help you be prepared for the expected as well as the unexpected events of your trip. You may not use all of the gear listed below, but we recommend bringing it all!

DRYBAGS THAT ROW PROVIDES

One large waterproof bag (16” in diameter x 33” tall) per person. This will contain your sleeping bag as well as your personal clothing and items. This bag is NOT accessible during the day as it goes ahead of the group with our cargo raft.
Note: This bag will also contain additional gear provided by ROW: Sleeping bag, flannel liner & pillow
A small daypack (9” in diameter x 20” tall) for items you want to access during the day such as rain gear, sunscreen, camera, medications, etc.

WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK:

All of your personal items should be packed into a soft-sided duffle bag approximately 12” x 13” x 24” in size. Due to weight allowances and raft space, please limit your gear to 20-25 pounds. This bag will then go inside of your large waterproof bag provided by ROW.

ITEMS FOR ON THE RIVER

Two T-Shirts (1 quick dry and 1 cotton for a hot day)
One light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection and cool evenings. Popular options are a rash guard or sunscreen shirts.
Two pairs of shorts (nylon quick drying always better than cotton).
Light pants are great for sun protection or on a windy day. Lightweight zip off pants works great.
Swimsuit – two-piece suits are easier for women - tankinis and river shorts are a great option.
One pair of river sandals (must have a secure ankle strap, no flipflops or crocs!) Velcro is okay if in good condition. Popular name brands include Chaco, Teva, Keen, or Merrells. Tennis shoes with polypro socks are a good option if your feet tend to get cold.
One Cap, Sun Hat or Visor (ROW hats are available when you arrive).

ITEMS GOOD TO HAVE IN YOUR DRY BAG ON THE RIVER

One rain suit, jacket & pants (windbreaker without cotton liner works well, but no cheap ponchos)
Mid-weight to light-weight long underwear tops and bottoms. Best worn over a swimsuit and undershorts.
One synthetic or wool mid-weight sweaters for layering on the river on cool days.
Sunglasses with retaining cord/device
Bee Sting kit for those allergic to bees
Biodegrable sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea as an all natural option)
Lip balm with SPF 20-50
Water bottle with carabiner
Extra Cap, Sun Hat or Visor

ITEMS FOR TIME AT CAMP

Two Short sleeve shirts (Enjoy clean and comfortable)
One pair of pants (lightweight nylon, cotton or fleece)
Pair of shorts
One synthetic mid-weight sweaters for cool evenings
Underwear and socks
Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries
Skin lotion, lip balm, waterproof sunscreen, etc.
Toilet kit - toothbrush and paste, soap ( biodegradable is best, no soaps can be used in the river), camp towel, washcloth, comb, handkerchief, a small pack of tissues, small mirror, moist towelettes, shaving stuff, feminine sanitary supplies, etc.
Extra eyeglasses and/or contact lenses strongly suggested. ALL glasses need a head strap!
One pair of tennis shoes or walking shoes for cooler weather and hiking. (We don’t recommend you bring large hiking boots as they take up too much space and aren’t necessary.) Flip-flops/ crocs are also comfortable for easy walking on sandy beaches!
Stocking Cap/ Beanie for cool nights

ADDITIONAL CLOTHES FOR COOL WEATHER (Early and late season – June & September)

Two pair wool or polypro socks to wear on the river
One additional synthetic pile or wool shirt
Wool or poly gloves & wool or poly cap (like a skiing hat)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Camera – waterproof digital with extra batteries & memory card recommended. Many guests use smartphones (there is NOT cell service on the river). A waterproof case is also highly recommended for protection and ease of use.
Paddling Gloves
Sarong
Sundress for camp
One female urinary device (allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing). Silicon or hard plastic ones work great. Popular name brands include Gogirl and Shewee.
2-3 Carabiners for clipping items to the boat
Binoculars
Plastic garbage bags (2-3 for separating dirty/wet clothes in your waterproof bag)
Cards, games, books, musical instruments, journals
Fishing gear and Oregon fishing license if you plan to fish - must be in a protective case & disassembled. Only catch and release fishing with single barbless hooks is allowed!!

LAYERING FOR OUTDOOR COMFORT
Clothing layers are the thermostat of the wilderness. As you get ready for your river trip, think about dressing in layers. By adding and subtracting layers you can keep yourself perfectly comfortable. If you were to look into the dry bags of a well-prepared river guide you would see packing for three weather scenarios -- cold, wet days; hot, summer days; and cool evenings and mornings in camp. All of your on-river clothing should be made from synthetic fabrics with names like fleece, pile, polypropylene, Capilene™ or polyester. A cotton T-shirt is used occasionally on hot, sunny days, but cotton clothing is best saved for on-shore camp use.

LAYER #1: The layer next to your skin should be close-fitting and thin. Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and synthetic or wool shirt as a base layer. You do not want to wear cotton on the river on cool rainy days. The evaporation of water from a wet cotton layer will actually make you colder! Synthetic fibers maintain insulative properties when wet and "wick" moisture away from your skin.
LAYER #2: The next layer should also be made of a synthetic fiber, but should be a bit heavier in weight. If you get too warm you can always peel this layer off.
LAYER #3: The outer layer is what is known as the "barrier" layer. This layer should be waterproof and loose-fitting enough to give you a good range of motion. The idea of this layer is to seal out water, and seal in the warmth generated by you and insulated by layers # 1 and # 2. A good rain suit can do the job, or a good paddling jacket and pants. Not only will this protect you from rainstorms, but chilly water temperatures when running rapids as well!

WETSUITS
ROW provides Farmer John style wetsuits for our cold weather trips in May/June (long legs, but no sleeves). These are often worn with your polypro long underwear underneath for extra warmth. You will still need your fleece sweater and rain jacket for warmth on your upper body. Wool or fleece socks can also be worn with the booties if your feet tend to get cold.

IMPORTANT! It is important to keep your gear to no more than 25lbs! This is especially critical on the Middle Owyhee where linings or portages are possible and on the Upper Owyhee where everyone carries their own gear in their inflatable kayak.

FISHING

If you plan to fish, please bring your own fishing gear (with a protective case), as we do not have any to loan. A fishing license is required to fish. You can pre-purchase an Oregon license by visiting the https://odfw.huntfishoregon.com/login website.

LIQUOR AND PREFERED BEVERAGES

ROW packs moderate quantity of soft drinks as well as wine and beer for legal age guests. If you bring liquor, please give it to your guide in a labeled plastic container. Beer should be in cans - No glass beer bottles please. Bottled wine is fine. All liquors in Idaho and Oregon are sold in State Liquor Stores with limited hours. Please be aware we have limited space on our rafts therefore moderate quantities, please. If you are arriving after 7 pm BE SURE TO PURCHASE your liquor at home and bring it with you.

GRATUITIES:

Like anyone in the service business, river and outdoor adventure guides appreciate gratuities. Our guides are some of the best and most highly trained in the business. They not only guide your raft down the river, but set up camp, cook and serve gourmet meals, provide interpretation on the natural and cultural history of the area and strive to provide the highest level of hospitality. Tipping is ultimately a personal decision, however if you appreciate the service your guides provided, then as a guideline we suggest a gratuity of 10-20% of the trip price.

Tips can be given to the ROW Team Leader at the end of the trip in the form of cash or personal check. The Team Leader distributes them equally among the guides and gives a portion to ROW’s behind-the-scenes, unsung heroes like our drivers and food shoppers.

Reading List

Some of our favorite books about the Owyhee River

Cadillac Desert: The American West and its Disappearing Water, by Marc Reisner (Penguin Books).
This is an enlightening and easy to read book about water politics in the West. It does not contain much about Idaho – but is still a must read – especially with the current debate over removing the four lower Snake River dams. Highly recommended.
Children of Grace, by Bruce Hampton, Henry, Holt Publishers, 1994
(out of print as of 3/98 – but in ROW founder, Peter Grubb’s opinion, one of the best! Look for it at used bookstores or try www.bibliofind.com. If you're only going to read book about the Nez Perce and the war of 1879, this is the one. Highly recommended. (Out of print, available on Amazon.com)
Idaho Chinese Lore, by Sister M. Alfreda Elsensoln (Idaho Corporation of Benedictine Sisters and printed by The Caxton Printers, Ltd. In Caldwell, 1970).
Out of print. Try your local library or Amazon.com.
Idaho for the Curious: A Guide, by Cort Conley (Backeddy Books).
This thick book is a great resource for the curious. Conley follows the roads and relates the natural and human history of the areas. It’s worth the money and the perfect companion in your car for your dog to read to you as you drive.
Idaho Loners, by Cort Conley (Backeddy Books, 1994).
An in-depth look into the lives of the hermits, solitaries and individualists that shaped Idaho’s history. Fun, intriguing, biographical reading. Highly recommended.
Indians of Idaho, by Deward E. Walker Jr. (University Press of Idaho).
Myths of the Idaho Indians, by Deward E. Walker Jr. (University Press of Idaho, 1982). (Out of print, available online)
Nez Perce Coyote Tales, by D. Walker (University of Oklahoma Press, 1994). (Out of print, available online)
Owyhee Trails, by Mike Hanley (The Caxton Printers, Ltd.).
A book on the history in the “West’s Forgotten Corner.” Out of print. Try your local library.
Rivers of the West - A Guide to the Geology & History, by Elizabeth L. Orr & William N. Orr.
Roadside Geology of Idaho, by David D. Alt and Donald W. Hyndman (Mountain Press Publishing Company, 1989).
Few states pack so many different rocks into such a small area as Idaho, the book covers this unique occurrence in an exciting geologic story.
Roadside History of Idaho, by Betty Derig (Mountain Press Publishing Co., 1996).
“The best way to enjoy Idaho’s rich heritage is to visit the sites where history happened”. This book transports you to those places through well-researched, well-told text and vivid historical photographs.
Sources of the River, by Jack Nisbet (Sasquatch Books, 1994)
Jack re-creates the life and times of David Thompson – fur trader, explorer, surveyor, and mapmaker who blazed the way West before Lewis and Clark. As a result of adding his own observations Jack has created a fascinating story of two men discovering the Northwest Territory almost two hundred years apart. (Author Jack Nisbet lives in Spokane and has traveled on the Missouri River as a ROW interpretive guest.) Highly recommended.
The Biography of a Grizzly, by Ernest Thompson Seton (University of Nebraska Press, 1987).
Seton wrote over 60 books around the turn of the century and was the main person to bring to Western consciousness the idea of wild animals having personalities and character, sharing life struggles similar to humans. This book is the story of the life of a grizzly cub who grows up alone in the mountains of northwestern Wyoming. Highly recommended.
The Education of Little Tree, by Forrest Carter (University of New Mexico Press, 1976).
The true story of a Cherokee boy’s unique education in the 1930’s. A wonderful book that shows the stark contrast between the values, awareness and relationship with nature of the Indians versus those of white people. Highly recommended.
The River Reader, by John A. Murray (The Lyons Press, 1998).
A collection of writings that is composed of both classic selections and contemporary writings from twenty-two diverse writers that are devoted to a single environmental subject.
The Weiser Indians: Shoshoni Peacemakers, by Hank Corless (The Caxton Printers, Ltd., 1996).
“This book documents Indian-white relations in the southwestern Idaho during the time of initial white encroachment onto Indian lands. It also offers a perspective on all native peoples of the northern Great Basin”. Besides that it illustrates the daily life and culture of an Idaho Indian tribe around the time of the first settlement of Idaho by white people. Highly recommended.
Undaunted Courage, by Stephen Ambrose (Simon & Schuster, 1996).
A must read! A poignant human drama of Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the opening of the American West. This book is one of the main reasons so many people are intrigued by the Lewis and Clark story. Highly recommended.