Grande Ronde River 

3-Day, 2-Night

Rafting & Camping Trip

Highlights & Details

  • Forested Canyon
  • Wide Canyon
  • Towering Rock Outcroppings
  • Incredible Scenery
  • Many Mellow Rapids
  • Wildlife


Trip Pricing

Adults: $1059.00

Youth: $1009.00 (12 and Under)

Minimum Age: 7+ years & 50+ lbs

Price Includes: All camping gear (tents, sleeping bags and pads), meals from lunch on first day through lunch on the last day, splash jackets and pants (for cooler days on the river), personal vehicle shuttled during trip, and complimentary t-shirt and Nalgene-style water bottle, no additional taxes or hidden fees.

Check Availability & Book Your Trip! Printable Trip Planner (PDF)

If you haven't embarked down Eastern Oregon’s hidden gem, the Grande Ronde River, then you have been missing out.


Days blend together as you navigate the steep basalt and rolling hillsides of ponderosa forests. The clear free-flowing river travels quickly from the second tallest peaks in Oregon – the Wallowa mountains.


Days floating on the river are filled with navigating boulder gardens, super fun splashy class 2-3 rapids, and the occasional gravel bar. Your biggest problem on the Grande Ronde River will be deciding where to set your tent up on the sprawling benches under the cover of towering Ponderosas. The views around each corner seem to just get better and better. Guides spend their days with you appreciating the incredible geology around every bend, hiking up beautiful creek drainages, and appreciating this wild river.


Best of all — you can spot a bull elk guarding his herd, bears scrambling up trees, a coyote quietly admiring you from shore, river otters watching you splash through each rapid, mountain goats and bighorn sheep scampering in the rugged cliffs,  bald and golden eagles hunting all afternoon and the biggest rainbow trout you’ve ever seen in your life — all in one day. This remote Eastern Oregon river is not one to miss out on. 


What is it like?

Each day the guides will have coffee on between 6:30 am and 7:00 am and breakfast is served at 8:00 am. We start packing up at 9:00 am and try to be on the river by 10:00 am. Each day on the river is different and actual activities are chosen according to the general interests of the group. There are a wide variety of short hikes, swimming holes on side creeks, historic sites and places of interest to linger. You’ll also have the opportunity to move from raft to raft, relaxing in the oar raft, joining a crew in a paddle raft or going solo in an inflatable kayak.

This is a trip planner icon for Grande Ronde River.

Grande Ronde River Trip Planning

Type of Rafts

We use a variety of raft-types and raft configurations on our trips. Guest comfort, safety considerations and trip efficiency combine to help us decide which rafts are appropriate for which trips. While half and one-day trips use only paddle rafts, you are likely to see a variety of rafts and configurations on most multi-day trips. On a typical multi-day trip we let guests decide which type of raft they want to be in (we don't assign seats). We switch around a lot during the day, so everyone has the chance to try them all. We do, however, give preference for the oar raft to folks who have difficulty paddling or may have physical limitations.

Meeting Details

When: 9:00 am (Pacific Time)


Where: Minam Boat Ramp

PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE. Orientation and packing takes about an hour. If we have not heard from you the trip will depart on schedule. There are no services or reliable cell service at the boat ramp, please plan accordingly. Being late affects the entire group and the first day’s itinerary. If you will be late please let us know by calling us at 541-385-5947


To reach the Minam  from I-84, take exit 261. Follow OR-82 for  La Grande/Elgin. The  Road leaves La Grande and goes through Imbler and then Elgin before heading down the grade and arriving in Minam. The turn off to the boat ramp is on the left hand side just before the road crosses the Wallow River. Watch out for deer and cross traffic.


Drive Times to Minam:

Portland - 5 Hrs

Seattle – 6 Hrs

Eugene - 8 Hrs

Bend - 6 Hrs

La Grande - 45 Min

What to Pack

On the River:

  • Hat for sun protection
  • Sunglasses (w/strap)
  • Shorts or swimsuit (most women prefer wearing shorts over bikini bottoms) 
  • Rafting Shoes: Sandals w/heel strap or sneakers (No flip flops, crocs or bare feet)
  • Lip Balm (with SPF protection) & Sunscreen (spray sunscreen runs out quickly)
  • If you are sensitive to the sun, you might consider wearing pants and a long-sleeve shirt made from a lightweight, quick-drying material.

On Cooler Days Add a Second Layer Being prepared with light to mid weight layers of synthetic clothing takes the chill out of cooler days on the river.

Considerations for Kids:

  • A pair of river shoes or river sandals (designed for water sports) that wrap around the toes and provide extra protection for the feet. Avoid slip-on water socks and crocs.
  • Hat & sunglasses with a strap. Kids can tire easily in the sun and protecting the eyes and face helps avoid over-exposure.
  • Games. While there are plenty of activities for kids on our trips, we recommend bringing diversions that your kids or family enjoy. Card games, compact board games, books, paints and other activities can provide occasional evening entertainment. We highly discourage electronic games and gadgets as they can be easily damaged and run counter to the wilderness experience.
  • Bring plenty of sunscreen for kids and encourage them to drink lots of water.
  • On colder trips make sure that the kids have neoprene footwear, a warm and waterproof hat and plenty of polyester/fleece tops and bottoms for layering. 

In Camp:

  • T-Shirts and shorts
  • Long sleeve shirts (cotton okay)
  • Long pants (cotton okay)
  • Sweatshirt or fleece top (for colder days)
  • Socks and underwear (Long Underwear too)
  • Warm hat (for chilly mornings/evenings)
  • Sneakers or light hikers (light boots are fine)
  • Small towel & toiletries 
  • Insect repellent
  • Flashlight or headlamp

It is a tradition on our trips to have some fun on our last evening. Ties, cummerbunds, costumer jewelry, crazy hats – think Halloween. Be as creative and crazy as you want.

Optional Items:

  • Waterproof camera 
  • Extra batteries (for flashlight, camera, etc.)
  • Soda, beer, wine or your favorite spirits—we’ll keep your drinks on ice if desired. (Please avoid glass containers if possible). 
  • Small pillow (travel or backpack kind)
  • Personal amenities such as a journal, book, deck of cards, Frisbee, football, etc...
  • Binoculars
  • Sarong 
  • Kayaking gloves. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the inflatable kayak.
  • Small first aid kit with Band-Aids, ibuprofen, etc... All trips carry major and minor kits and each guide has their own supplies, but it can be handy to have your own “ouch pouch”.

How the trip starts

  • Orientation & Packing

    Our day begins at 9:00 am at the Minam Boat Ramp. You should have eaten breakfast before this time. Look for your trip leader near the ranger building. Each guest will be given two dry bags. The larger "overnight" bag is for the majority of your personal and camping gear and will be sent ahead to camp.  The smaller bag is for items you would like to keep accessible during the day.  Your trip leader will provide instructions on how to pack and properly seal your bags and you will have a limited amount of time to pack your belongings.

  • Packing Your Dry Bag

    The “overnight” dry bag provides 3.8 cu. ft. of storage. When closed the bag is 16 inches in diameter and 33 inches tall. If we are providing you with a sleeping bag, it will already be packed in the bag. Most guests find it useful to separate clothes and belongings into smaller bags for easier packing and better organization. Small, collapsible duffels, laundry bags and even pillowcases work well. Large or rigid duffel bags are difficult to work into and out of your dry bag. Pack toiletries and liquid items in a Ziploc or waterproof container in case they leak inside your bag.


    Your overnight dry bag will not be accessible until you reach camp. Use the smaller dry bag for items such as sunscreen, cameras and extra clothing that you’ll want accessible during the day. If you have special photography equipment or unusual items please call our office for packing suggestions. 


  • Getting Ready to Launch

    Once your overnight bag is packed we will collect it along with any other items that do not get packed in your overnight bag – this includes personal beverages, tent (if bringing your own) fishing gear, trekking poles, etc. Make sure to keep a set of car keys handy. After packing is complete you will move your vehicle to a designated parking area and the trip leader will collect your keys.


    Overnight bags will be loaded on to our equipment rafts and those rafts will depart.  The orientation continues with discussions about the environment, safety and what to expect on the trip. There is quite a bit of talking on this first morning. Our goal is to make sure everyone is well-informed and prepared for the trip ahead.


What Ouzel Will Provide

  • Meals & Dietary Restrictions

    All meals beginning with lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day are included. Snacks are always available. Nobody goes hungry on an Ouzel Trip! 


    Our menus are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Most dishes are made largely from scratch, making it is easier to prepare portions on the side.  You will list your dietary restrictions on the trip registration form prior to the trip, and we will use this information to shop accordingly. However, it is ESSENTIAL that you remind the guides of your restrictions PRIOR to meal preparation. When necessary, dishes and utensils will not be used to prepare or serve more than one dish. For more information on specific dietary restrictions, go to frequently asked questions.


    Snacks are important to keep guests (especially kids) fueled and happy. The snacks we carry are limited in variety, so for “picky eaters” we recommend bringing snacks that will be welcomed.


  • Beverages

    Beverages include:  Water, Lemonade, Iced Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Tea, Juices and an assortment of wines served with dinner (we plan for 2 glasses of wine per adult per evening).  We do NOT supply beer, sodas or other beverages, but you are welcome to bring your own. We’ll have coolers with ice set aside for guest drinks. Except for special bottles of wine or scotch, please do not bring glass. 


    Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the river during the day and we asked that guests drink responsibly in camp.


  • Camping Gear

    We supply all the group camping gear for the trip. This includes dining tables, chairs, shelter tarps (for rain and sun), toilets, hand-wash stations, campfire set-up (when allowed), solar showers, a small library and games (like bocce, horseshoes, etc.). 


    Our tents sleep two comfortably and larger family-sized tents are available and will accommodate a family of four. Single travelers are not required to share a tent.


    Sleeping bags are rectangular, flannel-lined 45° bags and are 34” x 84”. Sleeping bags are professionally laundered between trips.


    Sleeping pads are heavy duty “Paco” pads and are 72” x 28” x 1.5”.


  • Cold or Rainy Trips

    We do not cancel trips due to inclement weather. The detailed trip planner for your trip will include suggestions on the type of clothing to pack. Ouzel will provide splash jackets and splash pants, as well wetsuits and wetsuit booties if conditions warrant. 


    Despite the gear we provide, it is important for our guests to be prepared.  This means checking the weather and packing appropriately. Dressing in layers and AVOIDING COTTON will provide a good base layer that can be combined with our extra gear.  


    Lastly, it is wise to assume that every article of clothing you wear on the river will be soaked by the time you reach camp. You should be prepared to change into a completely dry set of clothes each afternoon (including socks & shoes).




“This trip was absolutely amazing, in large part due to the friendly and knowledgeable guides. They gave us space to explore and push our own boundaries, while maintaining a safe environment.”               -Brittany H.