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Our journey into this region introduces us to a bizarre landscape of lava flows, and cliffs of both sandstone and granite found side by side. Our Lower Owyhee River trip offers spectacular scenery, good whitewater, and the chance to visit a rarely seen part of the United States. The Owyhee boasts a multitude of wildflowers and exotic birds living among the numerous hot springs and awe-inspiring cliffs rising more than 1,500 feet above the river.
Whitewater rafting in the lower Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness is an exciting river trip that keeps a fun pace throughout, great for the adventurous spirit and even families with kids 12 years or older.
Spectacular Views of this high dessert landscape that will remind you of the old west. This sedimentary canyon will amaze you with it’s unique beauty and rugged terrain. It is rare to encounter more than one or two other parties on these spring trips. Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, and other wild flowers abound. Prairie falcons, eagles, and other raptors soar overhead. Bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope may be seen scrambling over the rocky talus slopes.
Hiking opportunities abound everywhere you look, with great overlooks and side canyons full of high dessert flora and fauna.
Hot Springs – During the trip we visit several wonderful hot springs where we try to spend a night. Camps are set on sand beaches where you will gaze at dramatic geologic formations, 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 take-out at Birch Creek or Leslie Gulch depending on river conditions.
After an orientation and good night sleep in Boise. We will have a shuttle van transport you to the put-in near the town of Rome, Oregon. Here you will meet the guides followed by a safety talk at the river’s edge while your personal gear is loaded on the boats. At about 4:30pm “river time” camp will be waiting after you have had several miles of river fun. Your tent will be ready, and your sleeping pad inflated when you arrive. Enjoy Hors d’oeuvres about an hour before the main dinner course is served. A campfire after dinner and an astronomy lesson are the perfect bedtime rituals.
Our morning spread will be out at 7:00am that will include coffee, tea, coco and all your favorite fixins, breakfast is served around 8:00am. Pack up your personal gear while the guides make the kitchen disappear back into the boat. Enjoy a leisurely morning at camp, playing with the kids, going fishing or soaking up a book from our river library. At about 9:30am, the boats depart for a day of fun on the river. Learn about more historical sites, the geography of the river. Enjoy another gourmet lunch, go hiking or play a game of frisbee or just relax. The afternoon whitewater is full of excitement with class III to IV rapids around every bend.
During the trip we visit several wonderful hot springs where we try to spend a night. Camps are set on sand beaches where you will gaze at dramatic geologic formations, 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 take out at Birch Creek or Leslie Gulch depending on river conditions. Then on a shuttle van back to Boise.
All Owyhee River rafting trips with Mountain River Outfitters receive:
Every day after your journey down the Owyhee River you will arrive at a new camp where our guides will immediately provide sunshade and have dining area ready for riverside lounging, playing games or relaxing. Shortly after your tent will be set up, sleeping pad inflated. Our kitchen and dining area will be serving your favorite hot or cold drinks – What a way to experience the Canyonlands.
A nights lodging before your trip is included at one of the fine Boise Airport motels. You will meet your guides and receive your personal dry bag and large camp bag with sleeping bag and pillow at the pre-trip orientation at the motel at 8:00pm. You will be transported to the launch site at Rome early the next morning and back to Boise at the conclusion around 6:00pm.
Pre-Trip Travel: There are many travel options to consider in planning your Idaho rafting vacation. Simply give us a call and we’ll discuss your options and help arrange everything for you.
Multi-Sport Packages available with many of our other adventure activities and wilderness lodging. Choose from Jet Boat tours on the Salmon or Snake River, Fishing or Wilderness Escapes at the Ram House or China Bar Lodge. If you would like our staff to help with additional lodgings with us or local motels we will be glad to assist you.
No other outfitter offers our quality, professionalism and methods for ensuring exceptional service and attention to detail. We know what makes the perfect river vacation, and we are committed to providing this for every trip. We have the lowest guide to guest ratio to ensure personalized attention and uncrowded boats.
Idaho’s Premier Wilderness Outfitter – Escape …the Ordinary!
Jess and Brenda Baugh owners/operators of Mountain River Outfitters dba S & S River Outfitters operates under a special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest for Main Salmon River (SA-6) float boating. Salmon River Tours dba S & S River Outfitters operates under a special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest for Main Salmon River (SA-6 and SA-5) jet boating and associated activities. Mountain River Outfitters LLc., Dba S&S River Outfitters operates under several USFS and BLM special use permits for Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Nez Perce National Forest, BLM Lower Salmon River Cottonwood Field Office (SN12, SN14, SA7A, SA7B, SA7C, SA8). Mountain River Outfitters, LLc. and Salmon River Tours Co. are insured, licensed and bonded outfitters by the State of Idaho’s IOGLB and are equal opportunity recreation service providers and employers.