PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. The moderate climb to its summit is one of the best hikes on the Lower Owyhee. At its heart, the river forms a sinuous 346 mile long oasis stretching north from the edge of the Great Basin to the Snake River. Its headwaters are in northern Nevada and the river is 280 miles long. Great hiking. Natural riverside hot Springs. - 10% off for youth 16 or under, and for groups of 10+ people | Any Specialty trip prices are noted below . This section is known for its big rainbows and browns. CLOTHING • One pair of quick-drying shorts and two t-shirts (wool or synthetic are best, but cotton is OK for camp). At lower flows, you can easily scramble over rocks on the right to get a good view of the rapid. Whitewater rafting is a popular recreational activity in this wilderness area. The river flows northwest, converges with the South Fork of the Owyhee, and eventually reaches Three Forks, Oregon. When the snowpack at South Mountain goes to zero, the river flow typically drops below 900 cfs. There is a reason this tributary of the Bruneau has so often been likened to the Grand Canyon. The river winds through a land of stark contrasts, with hot springs and hoodoos, towering bluffs and windswept plateaus. Just past here, the river enters Iron Point Canyon. In 1984, Congress designated 120 miles (193 km) of the Owyhee, beginning at the Idaho-Oregon border downstream to the Owyhee R… Mile 21: Read-it-and-Weep (III) and Artillery Rapid (III) occur in quick succession here. Highway 95 lies 5 miles south of the WSA. Not being maintained, the pools are often muddy and do not have room for much more than one soaker at a time. While inflatable kayaks can make the run down to base flows of only a couple hundred cfs, rafts will want to think twice, before putting on below 500 cfs. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. reCAPTCHA helps prevent automated form spam. Though it is typically not much trouble for experienced rafters, provided there are no swimmers, inflatable kayaks and hardshells may want to scout the best route. The Owyhee River is a tail water fishery and home to one of the most incredible brown trout fisheries in North America. • Swimsuit. © 2021 Oregon's Owyhee Canyonlands Campaign. The Owyhee River Wilderness is located on the high basalt plateaus of Owyhee County in southwestern Idaho in the western United States.The wilderness area is named after and protects the upper Owyhee River, its tributaries, and the surrounding desert canyon landscape. The Owyhee is a major tributary to the lower Snake River , and before the construction of Owyhee Dam, 30-lb chinook salmon swam up the Owyhee to spawn in tiny tributaries winding through the sagebrush, including the river’s south fork. Snowpack information for the Owyhee River Basin in Idaho can be found on the USDA NRCS web site. Our Lower Owyhee river trip offers spectacular scenery, good whitewater, and the chance to visit a rarely seen part of the United States. An Oregon Treasure Carved by desert rivers winding toward the Pacific, Oregon’s Owyhee Canyonlands is the last great unprotected expanse of the American West. LOWER OWYHEE RIVER: 4-DAY ITINERARY R O W S (800) 972-0430 . The Owyhee River lies in the southeastern corner of Oregon. Hidden within this vast high desert plateau are deep canyons carved by the Owyhee, Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers. April 2016. Mile 26.5: Lambert Dome comes into view on the left. Stays here are limited to one night. Wild and rarely seen, it is bizarrely beautiful and sometimes haunting. Running the Owyhee River from Rome to Birch Creek Oregon. Mile 17.75: Weeping Wall Springs are easily identifiable on the left and provide a welcome opportunity to refill water supplies. It’s filled with class II, III and IV rapids including Montgomery and Whistling Bird. Our Lower Owyhee river trips are done with Momentums signature style, attention to detail, and handcrafted quality. It is a place as beautiful as it is inhospitable. There are several opportunities to camp within the towering walls of this scenic stretch of river. River Drifters offers three, four, five, seven and ten-day adventures on the Owyhee. 50 miles. For a more difficult and scenic section of the Owyhee River consider the Middle Owyhee above Rome. Mile 49.5: Birch Creek Take Out is on the right. Despite the dry surroundings, numerous springs along the way like this one give plenty of chances to stock up on water. The lower Owyhee is nearly to the Idaho border. The Lower Owyhee River. The Owyhee Canyonlands is a huge and remote area of eastern Oregon, southwestern Idaho and northern Nevada. It is a great stopping point for day one and has an easy hike to the canyon rim for a spectacular view. The Owyhee boasts a multitude of wildflowers and exotic birds living among the numerous hot springs and awe-inspiring cliffs rising more than 1,500 feet above the river. Mile 43.5: Hot springs … Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text Station operated in cooperation with Bonneville Power Administration. On busy weekends it can be incredibly crowded - please be patient, kind, and respectful. Peak rafting season is in the spring and early summer months, when the water levels are highest. Mile 14: Hike-out Camp is located on the left, just as the canyon begins to open up. The … Notable among the many stunning vistas are Lambert Dome in the Chalk Basin—composed of layers of reddish rhyolite and basalt—and Iron Point Canyon with its towering sheer walls. Mile 55: When the Owyhee Reservoir is full it begins here at mile 55. At lower flows, you can easily scramble over rocks on the right to get a good view of the rapid. At lower flows it is a Class IV, with a rock at the bottom that can create problems for heavier boats. The weather is unpredictable. Many have said they have entirely new view of Oregon and the treasures the state has to offer. The river winds through a land of hot springs and hoodoos, of towering bluffs, and windswept plateaus, of jaw dropping beauty and awe-inspiring loneliness. The WSA contains 72,250 acres of BLM land and 3,385 acres of split-estate land in nine parcels. On an Owyhee trip one may encounter a band of California bighorn sheep, a dozen kinds of wildflowers, an unexpected waterfall or one of … LOWER OWYHEE RIVER The wild Owyhee River whittles a dramatic, narrow canyon through the highlands of southern Idaho and Oregon, cutting through the rhyolite and basalt plateau as it has for millennia. Fishing the Owyhee offers remarkable chances to catch large trout on 4-6 weight fly rods on dry flies. Also, due to the extreme remoteness of the region, do not count on any outside help in emergency situations. Approximately 100 prehistoric campsites have been recorded on the lower segment of the Owyhee River between the … Level: 800 – 5,000 cfs Agency: BLM Permits: Self Registration Put-in: Rome Take-out: Birch Creek or Leslie Gulch. Across the horizon, canyon walls swell to ridge lines that roll across one of the largest undeveloped tracts of public land left in the lower forty-eight states. • Long-sleeved synthetic shirt and hat for sun protection. Although the Owyhee holds plenty of big water opportunities, there are also plenty of calm stretches providing … Date. The most popular section is the Lower Owyhee, which runs 48 miles from the put in at Rome to Birch Creek Historic Ranch. It is Oregon’s hidden gem. We run the lower part of the Owyhee River, 48 miles of Class III rapids from the town of Rome to Birch Creek. For up to six days, you will dip into hot springs at Ryegrass or Greely Bar, admire raptors soaring overhead and hear the red-tail hawks cry. The Owyhee River is a rarely visited but mesmerizing river in its bizarre beauty, an unplucked jewel in itself. The Lower Owyhee River Rafting Trips 5 days. The high desert of Owyhee River Canyon offers an attractive set of outdoor adventures including hiking, kayaking, rafting, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. Pure spring water flows right out of the side of the canyon at Weeping Wall. Individuals, families and outfitters alike have come here to run the 67-mile stretch of river from Rome to Leslie Gulch. Raft the Lower Section of the Owyhee Wild and Scenic River To anyone who knows rafting, the Owyhee River is definitely on their bucket list. Scouting Whistling Bird Rapid on the Owyhee River. Unless the road is washed out or closed, it is best to end your trip here. Northwest Rafting Company (541) 450-9855 is an award-winning group of professional, well-trained guides that lead people down the most beautiful rivers in the world. The extremely remote Lower Owyhee defies direct comaprisons. These are the last major obstacles boaters will encounter on the Lower Owyhee River. The lower Ohyhee is another great multi-day wilderness run. In Owyhee country, the wilderness is a sagebrush sea. Although the Owyhee holds plenty of big water opportunities, there are also plenty of calm stretches providing time for peace and solitude. The Owyhee River’s brown trout fishing is so good this stream made our list of Best Fly Fishing Rivers in Oregon. The river's drainage basin is 11,049 square miles (28,620 km 2) in area, one of the largest subbasins of the Columbia Basin. please call for this amazing trip option. Gleaming basalt bluffs cascade down to desolate, soft beaches speckled with the lure of undiscovered gemstones. Flow from 1600-1400 cfs. Other wildlife like beaver, otter, coyote, bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope might make an appearance, so keep your binoculars and waterproof case handy! Mile 23.75: Hot springs appear on the left. Eventually, you will gain a ridge and take that back to the left to reach the top of the dome. Even the largest brown trout, can be very active surface feeders. The lower Owyhee River below the Owyhee Reservoir is a beautiful trout stream located in the golden hills of Eastern Oregon. The most popular section is the Lower Owyhee, which runs 48 miles from the put in at Rome to Birch Creek Historic Ranch. Rowing wood dory. Rainbow trout here can grow to 6 pounds with the average trout running about 12 inches. Mile 0: Put-in at the Rome Launch Site. These are the last major obstacles boaters will encounter on the Lower Owyhee River. Mile 32.5: Montgomery Rapid (III/IV) is the longest and most technical rapid on the Lower Owyhee. Owyhee Irrigation District Manager Jay Chamberlin. The Owyhee River is a 346-mile-long tributary of the Snake River that begins in northern Nevada and flows through southwestern Idaho, before finishing its route in Oregon. Anyone planning a trip to the Lower Owyhee should be aware that temperatures can range from frigid to searing, and can be both in the same day. Its craggy red-rock canyons, blue-ribbon trout streams and rolling hills make up a diverse wild land nearly the size of … The Lower Owyhee Canyon Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (OR-3-110) is located in Malheur County approximately 4 miles northwest of Rome, Oregon. Lower Owyhee River Trip Details Rome to Birch Creek or Leslie Gulch Length: 48 or 65 miles When the snowpack at Jack Creek Upper goest the zero, the river flow typically drops below 300 cfs. Going further involves crossing many miles of current-less reservoir to get to the next take out, Leslie Gulch, which is just past mile 67. • All river equipment. Park your boats downstream at Greeley Bar Camp and hike back up to the hot springs instead of walking through the wetlands. Mile 38: Nuisance Rapid (III/IV) is a class IV at lower flows, and is followed quickly by Morcum Dam Rapid. Peak rafting season is in the spring and early summer months, when the water levels are highest. The river is a classic Momentum style adventure that highlights our guiding experience, expedition roots, and attention to detail and guest comfort. Mile 31: Whistling Bird Rapid (III/IV) contains an undercut hazard that becomes more pronounced at lower flows. The extremely remote Lower Owyhee defies direct comparisons. If for some reason you do have to pass Birch Creek, try to hire a boat to tow you across the slackwater. Number of Guests. Owyhee River Wilderness Area BLM manages more than 267,000 acres of public lands in the Owyhee River Wilderness. USGS 13181000 OWYHEE RIVER NR ROME OR. With comfortable and innovative wilderness camping, creative menus, personal service and hospitality, one of the most experienced (and friendly) guide staffs in the world, and with all the little details and touches we are known for. Follow a well worn trail up a slot canyon, passing through vivid layers of ancient lake sediment along your way. Fish average 17-21 inches, with larger fish not uncommon. Lower Owyhee River flow boost comes early. Just be sure to gather some information ahead of time and […] The springs are situated on BLM land 12 miles below the Owyhee Dam and come with a big parking area, pit toilet, and picnic table. The season is short on this section like the other Owyhee sections since this is a snow and spring fed river. The Owyhee flows north along the east side of the Independence Mountains before it proceeds through southwestern Idaho where it is joined by the South Fork of the Owyhee River before reaching the Oregon border. It is 280 miles (450 km) long. This is the most approachable section of the Owyhee as the rapids are easy to moderate in nature and we are able to use our larger 16' rafts and run more of a "normal" rafting trip with the usual amenities that … The desert snowpack that the river relies on for most of its flow varies from year to year, and the run is considerably more technical as flows drop below 1000 cfs. The Owyhee River is a tributary of the Snake River located in northern Nevada, southwestern Idaho and southeastern Oregon in the United States. Mile 43.5: Hot springs appear on the left. Anyone wishing to visit these hot springs will want to take special care to avoid disturbing the sensitive wetlands that provide crucial breeding habitat for both Woodhouse and Western Toads. The submit button will be disabled until you complete the CAPTCHA. Mile 32.5: Montgomery Rapid (III/IV) is the longest and most technical rapid on the Lower Owyhee. The Owyhee is one of our favorite spring rivers and between the Lower and Middle Owyhee we run more trips than any other company. This means a rather short and irregular season on the Owyee which simply heightens its appeal. You can take out at Birch Creek to avoid the flat water on the reservoir before getting to Leslie Gulch. Just around the corner, camps are located on either side of the river. The Owyhee River offers hundreds of miles of river trips on the East Fork, South Fork, Deep Creek, and other tributaries that could be combined for a trip over two weeks, but most people opt for a 3-5 day trip on the Owyhee River below Rome. Wild and rarely seen, it is a bizarrely magnificent place with jaw-dropping scenery. The Owyhee River in South Eastern Oregon is easily the most remote and arguably the most scenic, river trip in the state. ... We also can run a Middle Owyhee / Lower owyhee combo: (9 days). It’s filled with class II, III and IV rapids including Montgomery and Whistling Bird. Boat scouting Montgomery Rapid on the Owyhee River, Length: 48 or 65 miles Gradient: 15 fpm Difficulty: Class III Season: Spring Rec. Rafting the lower Owyhee River is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that introduces you to some of the most spectacular and untouched high desert landscapes found in eastern Oregon. The moderate snowpack often melts in a sudden burst, leaving it either too high or low during the majority of the year. USGS 13183000 OWYHEE RIVER BELOW OWYHEE DAM, OR. Mile 38: Nuisance Rapid (III/IV) is a class IV at lower flows, and is followed quickly by Morcum Dam Rapid. It’s a warm morning as we prepare the rafts and drift boats for our four-day journey through the Lower Owyhee Canyonlands. Mile 13: Bulls Eye (III/IV) is the first major rapid encountered on the Lower Owyhee. This trip takes you past geological wonders, hot springs, petroglyphs and more, all while providing a fun ride in the process. Owyhee River Rafting - Maps Book Now Click maps to enlarge Trip Highlights Spectacular desert scenery. The ten miles below the Owyhee Reservoir between the dam and Snively Hot Springs is a well known tailwater trout fishery. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text Station operated in cooperation with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The weather is … Float slowly past the vast spires of Chalk Basin and Pruett’s Castle, dry lakebed sediment baked in layers like a prehistoric cake. Upper Owyhee (East Fork) The Upper trip begins on the East Fork of the Owyhee, accessed by way of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Idaho. The Owyhee watershed would have provided the major source of water, fuel, food and protected campsites in the harsh environment of southern Oregon. 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