Grande Ronde River Trips
3 or 4 Days • Class II - III • March—June
"Eastern Oregon's Hidden Gem"
The Grande Ronde River is located in northeast Oregon and flows through lands that are privately owned and others administered by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. At 43.8 miles in length, the federally protected section begins at the confluence with the Wallowa River near Rondowa, and ends near the Oregon-Washington border. The entire river corridor is a complex ecosystem rich in unique natural features, history, spectacular scenery and a variety of plant and animal life. All Ouzel trips run on the 'upper river' which consists of steep basalt canyons and ascending ridges within dense evergreen forest, portions of which are only accessible by boat.
Grande Ronde River Travel & Area Information
Weather Conditions
While most trips have good weather overall, it is imperative that you be prepared for any conditions. Temperatures in the spring can go from chilly in the morning and evenings to 70 degrees in the middle of the day with sunshine. While we provide tarps and additional rafting gear to make you comfortable on and off the river, being adequately equipped with the appropriate clothing will insure that your trip is both comfortable and enjoyable.
Getting There
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
Outstandingly Remarkable Values
Original Wild & Scenic Designation - October 28, 1988
Learn about what makes the Grande Ronde River so special.
Fisheries
The Grande Ronde River is a nationally renowned sport fishery, one of the top three in the region. The mainstem and its major tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for wild and hatchery stock of spring Chinook, fall Chinook, summer steelhead and rainbow trout. Fishing is excellent even late in the season after the water levels have receded.
Scenic
The Grande Ronde River corridor contains a diversity of landforms and vegetation that progress from largely forested vistas to forested stringers—patches of residual pre- fire forest, separated by native bunchgrass slopes. River users see a largely untouched viewshed in the upper river reach, while the lower portion flows through open, grass covered hills with forested pockets and tributary canyons.
Wildlife
The area hosts an exceptional diversity of species, in part because the river corridor provides critical wintering habitat for bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer and whitetail deer. Others contributing to the impressive viewing opportunities include black bears, cougars and mountain goats. The river corridor also serves as a sensitive wintering area for bald eagles.
Where to Stay
Minam State Park (Our Meeting Location)
First-come, first-served camping located two miles north of Hwy 82 bridge.
Walla Walla (1 hour, 35 minutes north of Minam)
Best Western Plus Walla Walla Suites Inn
(509) 525-4700
La Grande (40 minutes south of Minam)
Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites
(541) 963- 3100
Super 8 by Wyndham LaGrande
(541) 963- 8080
Enterprise (40 minutes southeast of Minam)
(541) 426-2700
Joseph (40 minutes southeast of Minam)
A unique boutique hotel in downtown Joseph, OR. On the second story of the historical Jennings building, recently renovated and as much as an art gallery as a place to stay.
Area Activities
Hot Lake Hot Springs
Newly renovated and open for day guests as well as overnight lodging. One of the largest Hot Springs in the Northwest! Over 2000 gallons per minute of 186 degree water comes out of the ground 24/7. The water heats the lodge building and is used for soaking.
Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort
Join us at 7,100 feet! The Summer at the Starbottle is your Elkhorn Byway stop for delicious wood fired pizzas, juicy Baker Valley Beef Burgers, local green salads, yummy beverages, and views! Located in the lower level of the Anthony Lakes lodge, the Summer at the Starbottle is a great escape for a bite to eat this summer. Enjoy a delicious meal post-hike or bike in the Elkhorns.
“I totally enjoyed every part of this trip. The excellent guides, very scenic river, delicious meals, fun hikes, and overall experience was perfect. My favorite times were hikes to explore the hills and plateaus above camp. I wouldn't change anything. Thank you for a very memorable and worthwhile river trip. I will tell my friends how great Ouzel Outfitters is!” -Georgette T.
