Owyhee River, often called Oregon’s Grand Canyon, is stunningly beautiful. This remote desert sanctuary features dramatic, colorful gorges, abundant wildlife—including birds of prey—and endless hiking opportunities. Ancient petroglyphs along the riverbanks add a sense of mystery to the region’s history. And riverside hot springs (when accessible) provide a touch of comfort during the unpredictable early-season weather.
The Owyhee River rafting season typically runs from March through May, with trips dependent on winter snow accumulation and spring precipitation. Low water levels occasionally lead to cancellations, but when conditions align, the Owyhee offers one of the most unique and unforgettable Oregon river rafting trips.
For those seeking southern Oregon adventures, the Owyhee is a bucket-list destination, combining remote wilderness with an incredible sense of discovery.
Trip Length: 5 and 6 Day Trips
Rafting Season: April and May
Difficulty: Class III
Minimum Age: 10
5 Day Trip
once-in-a lifetime Adventure
$1,839.00 (Adult/Youth)
Minimum Age 10
The 5-Day trip runs 55 miles from Rome to Birch Creek. 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 scenery and endless opportunities for hiking.
5 Day Geology Trip
Amazing Geologic Interpretation
$1,959.00 (Adult/Youth)
Minimum Age 10
The 5-Day trip runs 55 miles from Rome to Birch Creek. Spend 5 days exploring this remote and spectacular canyon with Owyhee geology experts Dr. Kyle House or Dr. Gordon Grant. Each provides in-depth and entertaining interpretation of the varied geology of the canyon. This trip follows a similar pace to our standard 5-Day trip.
5 Day ONDA Trip
Make an impact
$1,839.00 (Adult/Youth)
Minimum Age 10
The 5-Day trip runs 55 miles from Rome to Birch Creek. This trip is run in partnership with The Oregon Natural Desert Association. ONDA works tirelessly to protect, defend and restore Oregon's high desert treasures. This trip features a representative from ONDA who will provide insight and education on conservation efforts in the region.
The Owyhee River is only floatable in the spring. During this time weather conditions can vary drastically. We provide plenty of cold-weather gear, but more than any other river, it is important to be adequately equipped with the appropriate clothing.
Airport
If flying, the closest airport is Boise (BOI). You will need to rent a car as shuttle services in the area are scarce or often unavailable. Call our office if you have questions about transportation in the area.
Transportation & Shuttles
We provide return transportation by van or 4WD vehicle from our take-out at Birch Creek to Rome. For those wishing to depart immediately for Boise or points north, having your vehicle shuttled to the take-out will save you some driving time. You will need to arrange this through our office. If you choose this option, we recommend filling up in Burn’s Junction if coming from the West or Jordan Valley if coming from the East. From Birch Creek, you will need a high-clearance vehicle. Please bring an extra set of keys. Call our office for current rates.
Rome Launch Site Map
Rome (Our Meeting Location)
Very basic cabins, campground, RV hookups and airstrip. (541) 586-2295
Unimproved campsites with pit toilets. No dependable water source.
Burns (1 hour, 45 minutes west of Rome)
Comfortable lodging in a slightly larger town with grocery stores and dining options. (541) 573-1700
Rustic cabins and tent/RV sites available. Private and public hot pools. (541) 493-2312
Jordan Valley (30 minutes east of Rome)
Basque
Station Motel
Basic but the only motel in Jordan Valley.
(541) 586-2244
An RV Park with a few newer partially stocked trailers to rent and an EV charging station. As far as we know this is the only EV charging station in the area.
Isolated and unique this mountain oasis offers sub-alpine meadows, forests, deeply glaciated valleys, and stands of aspen. Activities in the area include hiking, resort lodges, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, photography and a variety of winter activities. Located 60 miles south of Burns, OR.
"Moonscape-like" area of basalt lava flows with well preserved vents and striking features. Located 60 miles northeast of Rome.
Paradise Birding
Birding trips in the nearby Malheur Wildlife Refuge and river-based birding trips on the Owyhee.
Jordan Valley "Big Loop" Rodeo
Third weekend in May. This is one of the truly “original” rodeos left. Rough, wild and in the tradition of the old west this rodeo draws cowboys from all over.
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
187,000 acreas of habitat including wetlands, riparian area, meadows and uplands offer prime wildlife viewing. With more than 320 species of birds, and 58 species of mammals, the refuge offers prime wildlife viewing. In the spring waterfowl using the Pacific Flyway stop at the refuge and on the Silvies River flood plain around Burns to refuel for their journey northward. Large flocks of lesser and greater sandhill cranes and flocks of snow and ross' geese provide spectacular viewing opportunities.
Silver City, Idaho
Authentic old west ghost town. One of the better-preserved ghost towns. May be difficult to get to in the spring. 60 “slow” miles east of Rome.
Wild & Scenic River Designation - October 19, 1984
Learn about the outstanding remarkable values that makes the Owyhee River such a special place and helped it to achieve protected status under the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act.
The Owyhee watershed would have provided the major source of water, fuel, food and protected campsites in the harsh environment of southern Oregon. Approximately 100 prehistoric campsites have been recorded on the lower segment of the Owyhee River between the Rome Launch Site and Burnt Creek Ranch. The "Hole in the Ground" petroglyph site is one of the most outstanding sites of its kind in eastern Oregon.
Rocks exposed along and adjacent to the Owyhee River range in age from the late Miocene to recent. From oldest to youngest, these groups consist of rhyolitic flows, basalt flows, sedimentary rocks, young lava and alluvial deposits. Benchlands were formed during a period of intensive volcanic activity. Lava flows filled the stream valleys, damming them and impounding large lakes. Thousands of feet of sediment were deposited in the lakes which were subsequently drained as streams eroded through the basalt dams.
Outstanding recreation abounds in the canyon, including rafting, drift boating, kayaking, hiking, photography, nature study, fishing, hunting and camping. The Owyhee is recognized nationally as a prime early-season whitewater destination, popular for commercial and non-commercial river runners.
The canyons of the Owyhee River are dramatic, awe-inspiring landforms. Reddish-brown canyon walls, sharply contrasted by the colorful, eroded chalky cliffs, reach up to 1,000 feet above the pristine sagebrush and grass-covered and talus slopes that form the river's edge. Cliffs occasionally drop hundreds of feet directly into the river. The canyon rims are often eroded into a multitude of towering spires, while in other areas the canyon walls reach to the sky as fractured, blocky monoliths tinted with brilliant green, yellow and orange microflora.
The Owyhee River Canyon provides diverse habitat for over 200 species of wildlife. Birds are especially abundant, both in number of species and number of individuals. Swainson's, ferruginous and red-tailed hawks, as well as American kestrels and northern harriers are common, and prairie falcon and sharp-shinned hawks have been observed frequently. Golden eagles are abundant year-round, and bald eagles winter in the canyons.