Owyhee River Rafting & Inflatable 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. River rafting or inflatable kayaking down the Owyhee River is a true wilderness experience.

• Small Multi-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
• This is an epic adventure!

Scenic, Remote, and Wild

The Lower Owyhee River is designated as a Wild and Scenic stretch of 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 rafting 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 rafting 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. Raft 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. This river trip is one not to be missed.

Small Trips For Any Experience Level

Our Lower Owyhee Rafting trips range from 4-7 day trips. They are family friendly rafting 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. Raft 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.

Inflatable Kayaking Expeditions

A 7 day inflatable kayaking trip in the Lower Owyhee River canyon is a true wilderness river expedition. This is the perfect summertime trip for experienced kayakers as well as the ambitious beginner. Since this is a lower water summertime 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 needed camp equipment. This trip is suitable for kids 14 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. Experience paddling your own IK down the Owyhee River, hike, enjoy riverside hotsprings, and soak in the scenic beauty of this incredible river.

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Lower Owyhee: (5 day trip)

• $949/adult
• $799/ages 8-12

2008 Lower Owyhee Trip Dates:

April 14-18, April 21-25, April 28-May 2, May 5-9, May 12-16

The Middle Owyhee: (4 days)

May 1-4

Wild, scenic, remote, an amazing whitewater experience. This is what describes the Middle Owyhee River. Journey with us down this challenging section of river with Class 4 & 5 rapids with one mandatory portage and experience a river adventure like no other.

$949/ages 14 and up

Lower Owyhee/Middle Owyhee Combo: (9 days)

$1695/ages 14 and up for the Middle Owyhee section
May 1-9

Inflatable Kayaking Expeditions:(6 days)

Trip dates: June 12-17

• $1199/ages 14 and up
• This trip is for experienced kayakers or ambitious beginners

See the Overnight Trips Pack List.

Out of our control: A 5% BLM or USFS fee will be added to the cost of all rafting trips and inflatable kayaking 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.