Owyhee 5 Day Geology

5-Day Owyhee River Rafting & Camping Trip Geology Focused

Highlights & Details

  • Great hiking
  • Great photographs
  • Natural hot springs
  • Isolated river canyon
  • Expert geology interpretation
  • Petroglyphs

Trip Pricing

Adults/Youth: $1,959.00

Recommended minimum age is 10.

Price Includes: All camping gear (0-degree sleeping bags), meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last, return transportation to Rome, paddle jackets and pants and/or wetsuits on cooler days, and complimentary          t-shirt and Nalgene-style water bottle.

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

Explore the wonders of "Oregon's Grand Canyon" with in-depth interpretation from an expert geologist.


The Owyhee River is a dramatic desert sanctuary tucked away in the sparsely-populated southeastern corner of Oregon. Our 5-day Owyhee river rafting trip begins in the tiny town of Rome, Oregon. We’ll explore 55 miles of the lower canyon at a leisurely pace, passing through the deepest and most scenic section of the Owyhee River canyon. Our take-out is at Birch Creek  where transportation is provided back to Rome. 


Along the way, Owyhee experts (Dr. Kyle House or Dr. Gordon Grant) will provide in-depth and entertaining interpretation of the varied geology of the canyon. The Owyhee River has inviting sandy beaches surrounded by quiet, uncrowded desert solitude creating a premier camping experience. With a little luck, we’ll enjoy one of several camps with access to nearby natural hot springs – a perfect way to take the chill out of the often fickle weather in April and May. There’s plenty of time to explore side canyons, take photographs and attempt to decipher ancient Native American petroglyphs – many more than 8,000 years old!


Rapids like “Bullseye,” “Nuisance” and “Montgomery” entertain and thrill us with a bit of whitewater each day. A short and early season insures few visitors.

What's 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, opportunities to soak in natural hot springs, 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.

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Owyhee River Trip Planning

Meeting Details

When: 9:00 am (Pacific Time) Our meeting location in Rome, OR is located just within the Mountain Time Zone but all of our trips run on Pacific Time.


Where: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Launch Site in Rome, OR. Look for the gravel access road to the launch site just east of the HWY 95 Bridge over the Owyhee River. If you arrive early, you may find our staff having breakfast at the Rome Café.


PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE. Service at the Rome Café can be slow; this is the most common reason guests are late. Being late affects the entire group and the first day’s itinerary and may require us to skip popular stops or activities. If you are lost or will be late please use the following phone numbers to let us know. Please leave messages at each number.


Ouzel Office: 541-385-5947

Rome Ranger Station: 541-586-2612

Rome Café: 541-586-2295


Drive Time to Rome, OR: 

Boise—2 Hrs

Bend—4.5 Hrs

Portland—7.5 Hrs

Ontario—2.5 Hrs

Jordan Valley—30 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.

Special Considerations for the Owyhee: 

  • It is not uncommon to experience wet & dry conditions and temperature fluctuations of up to 40 degrees within a given day on the Owyhee River. Being prepared on the Owyhee means being able to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Common outdoor wisdom tells us that layering is the key. You should have several layers of NON-COTTON tops and bottoms made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene or fleece which maintain warmth even when wet.
  • Protecting your head, hands and feet are extremely important and often overlooked. You should have an insulated and water-shedding hat for wearing on the river. We also recommend a pair of neoprene gloves. 
  • Finally, keep in mind that any of the items you choose to wear on the river (with the exception of your waterproof/windproof shell) are likely be wet when you reach camp. A complete change of clothes should be waiting in your large dry bag (including hats, gloves, socks and shoes). 

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
  • Trekking pole or walking stick (only if needed for stability)
  • 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”.

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.

How the trip starts

  • Orientation & Packing

    Our day begins at 9:00 am (Pacific Time) at the Rome Ranger Station and Boat Ramp. You should have eaten breakfast and made any last minute purchase before arriving at the boat ramp.  The Rome Café is minutes away and offers a restaurant, fuel and small store.  The next closest services are in Jordan Valley (30 minutes east).  At the boat ramp, 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. You will have a reasonable but 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.  Before packing your keys, make sure your vehicle is parked in an area designated by your trip leader.  Overnight bags will be loaded on to our equipment rafts and those rafts will depart for camp.   The orientation continues with discussions about the environment, safety and what to expect over the next few days. There is quite a bit of talking on this first morning. Our goal is to makes 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).




"Your guides are incredible people and representatives of the Owyhee. You could see how much the river meant to them personally. An excellent combination of professionalism and personal attention. "                   —Chris H. (Owyhee River)

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