5 Day Owyhee River Rafting Adventure in Oregon

The 5-Day trip runs 55 miles from Rome to Birch Creek or Leslies Gulch. Set in a remote and seldom-traveled desert canyon with exceptional scenery and isolated wilderness. This trip has just enough moderate rapids to deliver a good dose of fun and excitement without taking away from the breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for hiking, bird watching and hot springs.

Trip Length: 5 days & 4 nights 2025 launch days: Saturdays Rafting Season: April and May Difficulty: Class II & Class III Minimum Age: 8

Owyhee River Overview

The Owyhee River is a 280-mile tributary of the Snake River, known for its dramatic canyon landscape. Uniquely, the river flows south to north, originating in Nevada, coursing through Idaho, and extending into southeastern Oregon before winding back toward the Snake River. On October 19, 1984, 120 miles of the Owyhee River were designated for protection under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. Our rafting excursions take place on the Lower Owyhee, covering a scenic 65-mile stretch between Rome, Oregon, and the historic Birch Creek Ranch. This journey features tranquil stretches perfect for enjoying the breathtaking scenery, as well as thrilling Class III-IV rapids that promise excitement.

The Origin of the Name "Owyhee"

The name "Owyhee" is believed to be an early spelling of Hawaii, named in honor of the Owyhee natives who traveled to the region as part of Donald McKenzie’s fur-trapping expedition in 1819. While the expedition members were sent out for trapping, they did not return. Upon investigation, McKenzie discovered one man murdered in camp, presumed to be by Native Americans, with no sign of the others.

Owyhee River Rapids

Among the standout rapids on this stretch of the river are Whistling Bird and Montgomery. Whistling Bird features a cobble bar on the left side, directing water to the right, requiring expert raft guides to navigate carefully and avoid the rock slab. Montgomery is the most challenging rapid on the Owyhee trip, characterized by a constriction that leads into a lengthy boulder garden, compelling guides to skillfully maneuver between rocks to navigate through. The best way to fully appreciate the beauty of the Owyhee River is to embark on a 5-day guided rafting adventure with us.

Geological Features of the Owyhee River

The stunning Owyhee River Canyon reveals an impressive geological history spanning 14 million years. The towering 1,000-foot walls that surround you as you float down the river were shaped by significant volcanic activity that occurred between 17 and 15 million years ago. These explosive eruptions, combined with glacial rivers, have slowly sculpted the canyon over the past two million years. The geology of the Owyhee River showcases some of the most breathtaking sights found in the western United States.

Wildlife in the Owyhee River Canyon

The Owyhee Canyon-lands are home to over 200 species of wildlife. Golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, Swainson’s hawks, prairie falcons, and swallows nest along the cliff faces. Antelope, the largest herd of California bighorn sheep in the country, and mule deer roam the sagebrush plateaus. One of the highlights of exploring these desert canyons is the melodic song of the canyon wren echoing off the canyon walls, accompanied by the warm morning sun.