Highlights
- Inflatable Kayaks on all trips
- 2000’ deep canyon
- Hiking, Caves, Petroglyphs
- Spring Wildflowers
- Hot Springs
Full Description
The Owyhee River - the “Grand Canyon” of southeastern Oregon.
From its origins in the snowcapped mountains of northern Nevada, the Owyhee River flows north, cutting across the southeastern corner of Oregon before joining the Snake River on the Idaho border.
Our journey begins amidst the lush farmlands of Oregon’s Rome Basin…an ancient lakebed. The open farmland soon gives way and the Owyhee descends into a kaleidoscope of unique geological formations and deep canyons.
Spring is the time for the Owyhee, as the snow melts in the distant mountains bringing the rapids to life and the canyonlands into full bloom. We’ll have time to search for petroglpyhs, explore caves and side canyons, and enjoy a soak in one of the natural hot springs.
If you desire a true wilderness vacation, the canyons, rapids, and wildlife of the Owyhee are not to be missed.
Includes:
Everything except your clothes and camping equipment is included in the trip price:
- Rafts, life jackets, camp chairs, dry storage bags
- Professional guides & instruction
- Meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day
- Water & snacks during the day
- Shuttles from the take-out point back to the departure point
Excludes:
- Transportation to or from the departure point
- Personal beverages (sodas or alcoholic drinks)
Day by Day Itinerary
Pre-Departure
Our meeting point for the Owyhee River is the BLM Ranger Station in Rome, Oregon. We’ll be camping there the night before your trip. You are welcome to join us and enjoy a continental breakfast the next morning. The total river mileage is the same for both schedules, but the eight-day trip allows you more time to explore the side-canyons, visit hot springs, and hike to the rim for the extraordinary views. The five-day trip usually has one layover day to do an extended hike. On the eight-day there are 3 or 4 days of exploring.
Our beach camps for the Owyhee are always chosen for their proximity to hiking, canyon views, or hot springs. Each evening we’ll arrive in camp around four o’clock to allow time for setting up your site and either relaxing or going exploring. Afternoon snacks and the drinks cooler are made available. The Owyhee doesn’t have a closed fire season, so after dinner we’ll prepare a campfire. You’re welcome to gather and enjoy the peacefulness of your desert surroundings or head off for a sweet nights sleep under the stars. On layover days, your guides will set up a selection from the lunch menu and you can create a pack lunch for the hike of the day.
Day One
Our first day on the river takes us through the open valley farmlands before entering the deeper canyon created by the white chalk-like cliffs and ancient lava flows. As we drop into this canyon we’ll encounter the first of many Class 3 rapids – Sweetwater, Upset, and Bulls Eye.
Day Two
Today will be the first of the hot springs – Rye Grass. You’ll be able to spend time soaking and even take a hot shower from the cliffs above. Camp for the evening is in Chalk Basin – named for the white & brown bands of sediment from an ancient lake.
Additional Information
On longer trips you’ll be able to climb to the top of Pruitt’s Castle – a dome carved by wind and water that rises behind our camp. From here the canyon enters the Lambert Rocks, reddish basalt lava flows from 4,000 to 100,000 years ago. Our destination for the evening is Whistling Bird camp at the foot of a wildflower-covered hillside. From our camp we can hike to Potters Cave or climb some 2000’ to Iron Point – the highest spot in the surrounding mountains.
Our next river day includes all of the larger rapids. Because it’s a blind entry around a sharp turn in the river, we’ll stop at “Montgomery” and hike around the corner; just to make sure nothings changed. Below this section the canyon will open for a while to farmlands and some incredible petroglyph sites. Tonight’s camp is at “Greeley Bar Hot Springs” – just what the named suggests. In addition to a nice long soak, you should have time for hiking; either to Devils Tower or the Petrified Wood canyon just up from our camp.
Taking out at Birch Springs Ranch, we’ll cross the high plateau of the Owyhee Breaks. On most trips we’ll stop in Jordan Valley for dinner together at the Old Basque restaurant. A chance to unwind and reminiscence – and plan another adventure together.
About The Operator:
Turtle River Rafting Co.
Headquarters:
Mount Shasta, CA
Turtle River Rafting Company is based in Mount Shasta, California just below the Oregon border. We have trips on six rivers in the mountains surrounding our home in addition to the Owyhee River in the high-desert of southern Oregon. The rivers running through the Siskiyou and Marble mountains offer some of the best whitewater rafting in the western United States. This rugged, mountainous country is also treasured for its solitude, exceptional wildlife, and fabulous scenery. We invite you to travel with us on a river rafting adventure and share our love of whitewater, wilderness, and friendship.
Safety is a top priority at Turtle River. Now in our fourth decade of operation, most of our guides have been running rivers for 8 to 29 years. All are certified in first-aid and CPR and many have Swiftwater Rescue training & EMT certification.
From April through September, we offer 1- to 6-day river rafting vacations: one- & two-day river trips where families can take children as young as four; more adventurous multi-day wilderness journeys; and some of the wildest Class 4 and Class 5 whitewater in California and Oregon.
