The weather is unpredictable. You can take out at Birch Creek to avoid the flat water on the reservoir before getting to Leslie Gulch. 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. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text Station operated in cooperation with Bonneville Power Administration. Mile 32.5: Montgomery Rapid (III/IV) is the longest and most technical rapid on the Lower Owyhee. Whitewater rafting is a popular recreational activity in this wilderness area. Pure spring water flows right out of the side of the canyon at Weeping Wall. USGS 13183000 OWYHEE RIVER BELOW OWYHEE DAM, OR. 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. Date. On an Owyhee trip one may encounter a band of California bighorn sheep, a dozen kinds of wildflowers, an unexpected waterfall or one of … The headwaters of the Owyhee River are found in Elko County in northeastern Nevada. 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. We run the lower part of the Owyhee River, 48 miles of Class III rapids from the town of Rome to Birch Creek. Deep canyon walls, riverside camps, and hikes climbing to sweeping vistas are all highlights of this trip. The weather is … 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. It is a place as beautiful as it is inhospitable. 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. Fishing the Owyhee offers remarkable chances to catch large trout on 4-6 weight fly rods on dry flies. Mile 31: Whistling Bird Rapid (III/IV) contains an undercut hazard that becomes more pronounced at lower flows. Park your boats downstream at Greeley Bar Camp and hike back up to the hot springs instead of walking through the wetlands. 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. 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. At lower flows, you can easily scramble over rocks on the right to get a good view of the rapid. 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. It’s a warm morning as we prepare the rafts and drift boats for our four-day journey through the Lower Owyhee Canyonlands. 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. 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 lower Ohyhee is another great multi-day wilderness run. The most popular section is the Lower Owyhee, which runs 48 miles from the put in at Rome to Birch Creek Historic Ranch. Follow a well worn trail up a slot canyon, passing through vivid layers of ancient lake sediment along your way. reCAPTCHA helps prevent automated form spam. In Owyhee country, the wilderness is a sagebrush sea. The Owyhee River in South Eastern Oregon is easily the most remote and arguably the most scenic, river trip in the state. 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. Number of Guests. The ten miles below the Owyhee Reservoir between the dam and Snively Hot Springs is a well known tailwater trout fishery. Level: 800 – 5,000 cfs Agency: BLM Permits: Self Registration Put-in: Rome Take-out: Birch Creek or Leslie Gulch. 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. 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. 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. Other wildlife like beaver, otter, coyote, bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope might make an appearance, so keep your binoculars and waterproof case handy! Despite the dry surroundings, numerous springs along the way like this one give plenty of chances to stock up on water. Boat scouting Montgomery Rapid on the Owyhee River, Length: 48 or 65 miles Gradient: 15 fpm Difficulty: Class III Season: Spring Rec. The lower Owyhee River below the Owyhee Reservoir is a beautiful trout stream located in the golden hills of Eastern Oregon. Its craggy red-rock canyons, blue-ribbon trout streams and rolling hills make up a diverse wild land nearly the size of … Mile 23.75: Hot springs appear on the left. Mile 43.5: Hot springs appear on the left. Even the largest brown trout, can be very active surface feeders. Mile 43.5: Hot springs … Its headwaters are in northern Nevada and the river is 280 miles long. It is a great stopping point for day one and has an easy hike to the canyon rim for a spectacular view. Individuals, families and outfitters alike have come here to run the 67-mile stretch of river from Rome to Leslie Gulch. Irrigation managers have raised flows from the Owyhee Reservoir to … It is Oregon’s hidden gem. Great hiking. Unless the road is washed out or closed, it is best to end your trip here. Mile 65: Alternate take out at Leslie Gulch on river right. Highway 95 lies 5 miles south of the WSA. Gleaming basalt bluffs cascade down to desolate, soft beaches speckled with the lure of undiscovered gemstones. Mile 13: Bulls Eye (III/IV) is the first major rapid encountered on the Lower Owyhee. Rowing wood dory. There is a reason this tributary of the Bruneau has so often been likened to the Grand Canyon. Rainbow trout here can grow to 6 pounds with the average trout running about 12 inches. In 1984, Congress designated 120 miles (193 km) of the Owyhee, beginning at the Idaho-Oregon border downstream to the Owyhee R… Approximately 100 prehistoric campsites have been recorded on the lower segment of the Owyhee River between the … River Drifters offers three, four, five, seven and ten-day adventures on the Owyhee. The lower Owyhee is nearly to the Idaho border. Mile 26.5: Lambert Dome comes into view on the left. It is 280 miles (450 km) long. Just be sure to gather some information ahead of time and […] PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. LOWER OWYHEE RIVER: 4-DAY ITINERARY R O W S (800) 972-0430 . Eventually, you will gain a ridge and take that back to the left to reach the top of the dome. 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 comparisons. Natural riverside hot Springs. These are the last major obstacles boaters will encounter on the Lower Owyhee River. Although the Owyhee holds plenty of big water opportunities, there are also plenty of calm stretches providing … For a more difficult and scenic section of the Owyhee River consider the Middle Owyhee above Rome. Owyhee River Wilderness Area BLM manages more than 267,000 acres of public lands in the Owyhee River Wilderness. 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 River is a rarely visited but mesmerizing river in its bizarre beauty, an unplucked jewel in itself. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text Station operated in cooperation with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The Owyhee River is a tail water fishery and home to one of the most incredible brown trout fisheries in North America. Hidden within this vast high desert plateau are deep canyons carved by the Owyhee, Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers. The Owyhee River’s brown trout fishing is so good this stream made our list of Best Fly Fishing Rivers in Oregon. 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. These are the last major obstacles boaters will encounter on the Lower Owyhee River. When the snowpack at Jack Creek Upper goest the zero, the river flow typically drops below 300 cfs. 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. 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. This trip takes you past geological wonders, hot springs, petroglyphs and more, all while providing a fun ride in the process. Scouting Whistling Bird Rapid on the Owyhee River. The river is a classic Momentum style adventure that highlights our guiding experience, expedition roots, and attention to detail and guest comfort. The moderate climb to its summit is one of the best hikes on the Lower Owyhee. ... We also can run a Middle Owyhee / Lower owyhee combo: (9 days). Owyhee Irrigation District Manager Jay Chamberlin. please call for this amazing trip option. The river flows northwest, converges with the South Fork of the Owyhee, and eventually reaches Three Forks, Oregon. The moderate snowpack often melts in a sudden burst, leaving it either too high or low during the majority of the year. At lower flows it is a Class IV, with a rock at the bottom that can create problems for heavier boats. Mile 17.75: Weeping Wall Springs are easily identifiable on the left and provide a welcome opportunity to refill water supplies. Lower Owyhee River Trip Details Rome to Birch Creek or Leslie Gulch Length: 48 or 65 miles 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. 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. Flow from 1600-1400 cfs. Float slowly past the vast spires of Chalk Basin and Pruett’s Castle, dry lakebed sediment baked in layers like a prehistoric cake. Just past here, the river enters Iron Point Canyon. 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 … Mile 38: Nuisance Rapid (III/IV) is a class IV at lower flows, and is followed quickly by Morcum Dam Rapid. The WSA contains 72,250 acres of BLM land and 3,385 acres of split-estate land in nine parcels. The Lower Owyhee Canyon Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (OR-3-110) is located in Malheur County approximately 4 miles northwest of Rome, Oregon. Stays here are limited to one night. © 2021 Oregon's Owyhee Canyonlands Campaign. April 2016. Mile 38: Nuisance Rapid (III/IV) is a class IV at lower flows, and is followed quickly by Morcum Dam Rapid. River Drifters (800) 972-0430 offers half day, full day, and multi-day rafting trips throughout Oregon and Washington. The Lower Owyhee River Rafting Trips 5 days. 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. It’s filled with class II, III and IV rapids including Montgomery and Whistling Bird. The … Mile 32.5: Montgomery Rapid (III/IV) is the longest and most technical rapid on the Lower Owyhee. The Owyhee River is a tributary of the Snake River located in northern Nevada, southwestern Idaho and southeastern Oregon in the United States. Fish average 17-21 inches, with larger fish not uncommon. Mile 55: When the Owyhee Reservoir is full it begins here at mile 55. 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. Peak rafting season is in the spring and early summer months, when the water levels are highest. 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. Both customers and guides who float through the deep “Grand Canyon-esque” gorges of this river come away changed from the awe-inspiring landscape. Many have said they have entirely new view of Oregon and the treasures the state has to offer. The Owyhee Canyonlands is a huge and remote area of eastern Oregon, southwestern Idaho and northern Nevada. There are several opportunities to camp within the towering walls of this scenic stretch of river. The Owyhee River lies in the southeastern corner of Oregon. 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. Just around the corner, camps are located on either side of the river. - 10% off for youth 16 or under, and for groups of 10+ people | Any Specialty trip prices are noted below . The extremely remote Lower Owyhee defies direct comaprisons. 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. Running the Owyhee River from Rome to Birch Creek Oregon. • Swimsuit. CLOTHING • One pair of quick-drying shorts and two t-shirts (wool or synthetic are best, but cotton is OK for camp). When the snowpack at South Mountain goes to zero, the river flow typically drops below 900 cfs. This section is known for its big rainbows and browns. Our Lower Owyhee river trips are done with Momentums signature style, attention to detail, and handcrafted quality. USGS 13181000 OWYHEE RIVER NR ROME OR. Not being maintained, the pools are often muddy and do not have room for much more than one soaker at a time. 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. The submit button will be disabled until you complete the CAPTCHA. The Owyhee watershed would have provided the major source of water, fuel, food and protected campsites in the harsh environment of southern Oregon. 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. • Long-sleeved synthetic shirt and hat for sun protection. At lower flows, you can easily scramble over rocks on the right to get a good view of the rapid. Wild and rarely seen, it is bizarrely beautiful and sometimes haunting. Wild and rarely seen, it is a bizarrely magnificent place with jaw-dropping scenery. Snowpack information for the Owyhee River Basin in Idaho can be found on the USDA NRCS web site. The Lower Owyhee River. We break the Owyhee into three sections: the Upper Owyhee, Middle Owyhee, and Lower Owyhee. Although the Owyhee holds plenty of big water opportunities, there are also plenty of calm stretches providing time for peace and solitude. The most popular section is the Lower Owyhee, which runs 48 miles from the put in at Rome to Birch Creek Historic Ranch. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. Mile 21: Read-it-and-Weep (III) and Artillery Rapid (III) occur in quick succession here. The Owyhee is one of our favorite spring rivers and between the Lower and Middle Owyhee we run more trips than any other company. If for some reason you do have to pass Birch Creek, try to hire a boat to tow you across the slackwater. Mile 0: Put-in at the Rome Launch Site. Lower Owyhee River flow boost comes early. It’s filled with class II, III and IV rapids including Montgomery and Whistling Bird. Our Lower Owyhee river trip offers spectacular scenery, good whitewater, and the chance to visit a rarely seen part of the United States. On busy weekends it can be incredibly crowded - please be patient, kind, and respectful. 50 miles. Mile 49.5: Birch Creek Take Out is on the right. Owyhee River Rafting - Maps Book Now Click maps to enlarge Trip Highlights Spectacular desert scenery. • All river equipment. Also, due to the extreme remoteness of the region, do not count on any outside help in emergency situations. The river winds through a land of stark contrasts, with hot springs and hoodoos, towering bluffs and windswept plateaus. This means a rather short and irregular season on the Owyee which simply heightens its appeal. 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