4 Day Wilderness River Raft Trip
Raft, Camp & Soak in Hot Springs

Choose Your River

A group of people on a green rafting boat float down a river in a beautiful rock canyon.
More Owyhee River Trips

TRIP OVERVIEW

Remote White Water Rafting + Hot Springs

Often dubbed the “Grand Canyon of Oregon,” the Owyhee River presents a captivating scenery with towering cliffs and a 3,000-foot relief. Encompassing a vast two million acres, the Owyhee Canyonlands offer an extensive and pristine wilderness for exploration. The river rafting expedition unveils remarkable views of red-rock spires in Honeycombs, Chalk Basin, and Leslie Gulch, complemented by historic petroglyphs providing insights into the area’s cultural history.

This white water rafting trip features four days and three nights of a very unique part of Oregon, check out our Owyhee River rafting map below for on the river details. The arid landscape, devoid of inhabitants and vegetation, adds to the mystique. The steep cliffs and narrow canyon create a captivating experience for those exploring the region.

This is a fantastic off-the-grid multi-day white water rafting trip. Class III rapids are perfect for first-timers and non-swimmers. With the option to stop at hot springs along the way this Owyhee River rafting trip is a favorite for groups, friends and family get togethers. Marvel at clear starry nights in one of the clearest air spaces in the lower 48, experience unique land formations in the basin and much more. Disconnect from it all and reconnect with the wild.

Hot Springs

There are several hot springs along the river to soak in during the trip including Echo Rock Hot Springs, Snively Rock Hot Springs, Greely Hot Springs and Three Forks Hot Springs. Many of them are primitive with mud bottoms and varying in size. A few are located right on the banks of the river while most we will need to hike a bit to get to – we try to explore as many hot springs as possible during the trip depending on timing, weather, and river conditions.

All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

TRIP ITINERARY

Rome Put-In to Crooked Creek/Upper Canyon

Meet at Put-In at 9:00am: Rome, OR

After rigging and launching at Rome, you’ll float through open country before the canyon slowly begins to form.

Rafting Crooked Creek: this officially marks the start of the canyon, mostly flatware and splashy riffles

Camp: set up camp near Crooked Creek or a few miles downstream. Enjoy the evening canyon light, the big sky, and quiet desert to end a relaxing first day.

 

Crooked Creek to Rustlers Cabin/Lambert Rocks

This is where the trip really starts to feel like the Owyhee.

Rapids: expect Class II-III rapids including: Upset Rapids (Class III), Bullseye (Class II-III), and Artillery Rapids (Class III).

Stops & Sights: Rustlers Cabin (river right, ~1 mile below Artillery) offers a fascinating historic site with remnants of walls, corrals, and old farm equipment. Lambart Rocks rise dramatically on river left about 2 miles below the cabin.

Possible hot springs: conditions vary

Camp: set up camp near Lambert Rocks or just downstream. Excellent photography and views of stunning cliffs.

Lambert Rocks to Weeping Wall/Ryegrass or Greely Bar

A full, exciting day with big scenery and bigger rapids.

Rapids & Features: Bogus Creek Falls, Dogleg Rapids (Class III), Whistling Bird Rapids (Class IV-), Montgomery Rapids, Rinehart Creek, and Morcum Dam Rapids

Water & Soaks:  Pure spring water flows straight out of the canyon wall at Weeping Wall. Hot springs at Ryegrass or Greely Bar are a perfect reward after a big day.

Camp: set up at Ryegrass Bar or Greely Bar, one of the best camping zones of the trip.

Soak & Stargaze: Enjoy the deep canyon silence while soaking and stargazing.

Ryegrass/Greely Bar to Birch Creek Take-Out

A relaxed final float with meaningful cultural and historic stops.

Stops & Sights: Native petroglyphs paint the rock slabs on river left (photos only, please respect the site). About 2 miles below the petroglyphs, you’ll find hot springs in a grassy area.

Take-Out at 4:00pm after an easy float reflecting on the trip, arrive at take-out at Birch Creek Historical Ranch.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Known as the “Grand Canyon of Oregon” with breathtaking towering cliffs and 3,000 ft relief from the water
  • Option to stop and soak in multiple hot springs along the river
  • Experience the Owyhee Canyonlands via river rafting, which stretch across more than two million acres
  • White water raft the Wild & Scenic River section
  • Very remote, wild and untouched
  • View red-rock spires Honeycombs, Chalk Basin, and Leslie Gulch
  • Historic petroglyphs
  • Noted as one of the least tainted by light pollution in the lower 48, this region is a hallmark for stargazing.
  • Explore the Birch Creek Historic Ranch post-trip at our takeout point.

PRICING

Pricing is per person
April: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
$1,400
May: 6, 13, 20
$1,400
* Price does not include the fee for your vehicle to be shuttled to take out. For more details click here.

Meeting Time & Place

Where to Meet

Owyhee River Put In in Rome, OR

Where To Stay

Rome Oregon is very remote and there are no hotel lodging accommodations in the area. Tent camping is available at the Owyhee River Put In (our meeting location).

What Should I Bring

For Rafting

  • Required Items
    • Shoes (no flip flops)
  • Suggested Items
    • Water and reusable water bottle
    • Sunglasses (with a strap)
    • Baseball hat
  • Do Not Bring
    • Cell Phones
    • Wallets
    • Expensive jewelry

For Camping

  • Linens
    • Blankets
    • Pillow
    • Sleeping bag
  • Flashlight/Headlamp
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel

 

Click here for a full detailed list of what to wear and what to bring.

Rafting shuttle coordination included. Additional fees may apply. For more information on trip shuttles click here.

Included with Rafting

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Paddle
  • Helmet
  • Professional raft guide for each raft

Included with this Overnight River Rafting Trip

  • Tent
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Cot
  • Camping chair
  • Dry Bag for your gear
  • 3 nights camping
  • 10 meals
    • Day 1 – lunch & dinner
    • Day 2 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
    • Day 3 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
    • Day 4 – breakfast & lunch

Camping & Meals