Owyhee River Rafting & Kayaking
In Oregon's "Grand Canyon"
Raft or kayak down Oregon's "Grand Canyon" the Owyhee River. Spectacular is an understatement of the amazing beauty and solitude of the Owyhee River canyon. You will find exceptional whitewater rafting, inflatable kayaking, riverside hot springs, an abundance of wildlife and rarely seen birds, great side hikes, and towering canyon walls. Experience rafting or kayaking down the Lower Owyhee River and see why it's referred to as the Loneliest River in America and one of our favorites.
- 5-9 day rafting trips
- 7 day Inflatable Kayaking expeditions
- Family Friendly
- Spectacular Scenery
- Solitude & Wilderness
- Hot Springs to Soak in
- Excellent Side Hikes
- Native American History
- Experienced, friendly guides who love what they do
Scenic, Remote, and Wild
The Lower Owyhee River is designated as a Wild and Scenic river located in Eastern Oregon with the put-in just outside of the tiny town of Rome, Oregon. Rome is located in southeastern Oregon close to the Idaho border. It is located in an arid desert climate and is often compared to similar desert canyons such as Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon of the Colorodo River. Because the Owyhee River is located in a desert region it receives less snow and rainfall than other Oregon rivers making the Owyhee rafting season shorter than others and a special treat if you get to run it. The Owyhee typically runs between April and the end of May. Sometime the season can extend until mid-June due to a wet winter. The Lower Owyhee can also be run at lower water in June-August in inflatable kayaks. The Owyhee River is remote and isolated which makes it the perfect wilderness experience to get away from it all.
History and Geology
The Owyhee (Oh-Wye-Hee) is an old fashioned spelling of Hawaii coming from the Owyhans who were trappers and settlers in this area in the early 1800's. The Owyhee River begins with its headwaters in Northern Nevada and then makes its way downstream to its confluence with the Snake River on the Oregon-Idaho border. Float down the Lower Owyhee through deep volcanic gorges and soak in riverside hot springs. The hot springs are what remains of volacanic activity that produced eruptions in this area around 5000 years ago.
Small Trips For Any Experience Level
Our Lower Owyhee trips range in length from 4-6 days. They are family friendly trips that are suitable for families with kids ages 8 and up. We limit the number of guests that we take down the Lower Owyhee River canyon on each trip so that we can maximize the wilderness experience for each of our guests. Splash through Class 2-4 rapids or paddle an inflatable kayak for a more exciting ride. Enjoy delicious meals with more than enough food to satisfy the hungriest appetite. We love to eat really good food too! If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know upon booking the trip.
A 6 day inflatable kayaking trip in the Lower Owyhee River canyon is a true wilderness experience. This is the perfect summer trip for experienced kayakers as well as the ambitious beginner. Since this is a lower water trip, we will paddle whitewater inflatable kayaks and each kayak will haul their own gear. We will also bring along a 10' raft that will be rowing all of the camp equipment. This trip is suitable for kids 14 and up. Experience paddling your own IK down the Owyhee River, hike, enjoy riverside hotsprings, and soak in the scenic beauty of this incredible river.
Lower Owyhee: (5 day trip)
- $949/adult
- $799/ages 8-12
2012 Lower Owyhee Trip Dates:
Dates to be determined
~Minimum 6 participants
2012 Inflatable Kayaking Trip Dates:
Dates to be determined
~Minimum 6 participants
- $1199/ages 14 and up
- This trip is for experienced kayakers or ambitious beginners
Out of our control: A 5% BLM or USFS fee will be added to the cost of all of our trips.
*River trips are not without inherent risks. Kokopelli River Guides cannot assume responsibility for injury to rafting / kayaking / rental participants or loss of personal property. You will be required to read and sign a waiver and release prior to your trip.
*Due to the unpredictable nature of water flows on the Owyhee River these are potential trip dates. Please call or e-mail for more information on trip availability and water flows.
