Oregon Lower Owyhee Private River Rafting Tour
High-Desert Landscapes & Awe-Inspiring Gorges
- Available: April, May
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Wilderness Camping
Highlights
- Raft fun whitewater on this multi-day wilderness run in the Owyhee Canyonlands
- Hike rugged trails to ancient petroglyphs and spot eagles, bighorn sheep, and wild mustangs
- Spend comfortable nights at remote and scenic sandy riverside camps -- with all meals included
Itinerary
Journey to Rome, Oregon & Raft the Lower Owyhee
Day 1
Meet your guide and crew in the Oregon's southeastern high desert for a safety orientation in Rome, where your adventure down the Lower Owyhee River begins. Enjoy 10 miles of calm water as you pass through open pastures - home to wild horses. As you enter the first set of splashy rapids at Sweetwater Canyon, you will experience the first dramatic landscape change with higher rock walls. Enjoy a welcome dinner on the riverside tonight.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Lower Owyhee River, Oregon
Activity: 6 hours/10 miles rafting Class III rapids
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Raft the Grand Canyon of Oregon
Day 2
Wake to breakfast in the canyon before pushing off for our first rapids of the day and an optional hike to Pruitt's Castle. The whitewater begins to get bigger and faster as we raft through the rugged badlands, with rapids such as Bulls Eye (Class III). You will spend the day in awe as the canyon narrows and walls rise famously giving the Owyhee the title Grand Canyon of Oregon. Stop for refreshing spring water at Weeping Wall Springs before settling into another vista-filled camp.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Lower Owyhee River, Oregon
Activity: 6 hours/10 miles rafting Class III rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Scenic Trails & Soak in Hot Springs
Day 3
Set off from camp this morning with more action packed whitewater, including Read-It-and-Weep (Class III) and Artillery Rapid (Class III). Stop for a quick hot spring soak river side before exploring Lambert Dome. The panoramic views of the Owyhee Canyonlands from the summit are breathtaking!
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Lower Owyhee River, Oregon
Activity: Riverside hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raft Thrilling Rapids & Spot Golden Eagles
Day 4
Today you'll enjoy fun rapids, unbelievable views, and an abundance of wildlife - keep an eye out for Golden Eagles among other birds of prey. As the canyon begins to narrow, you'll enjoy some fantastic Class III (possibly Class IV) whitewater. Rapids include Whistling Bird, Nuisance, and Montgomery, the longest and most technical rapid of Iron Point Canyon in the Lower Owyhee. Enjoy a final farewell evening around the campfire as you enjoy the endless stars.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Lower Owyhee River, Oregon
Activity: 6 hours/10 miles rafting Class III rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take Out at Leslie Gulch & Return to Rome, Oregon
Day 5
After breakfast, sit back for a leisurely float as the river exits the beautiful high-reaching canyon and opens into desert plains. At the lake, a motor boat will tow the rafts to Leslie Gulch (Mile 65), where your shuttle awaits for the return trip to Rome, Oregon. Depending on weather, water and road conditions the group may take out at Birch Creek (Mile 54).
Transportation: 2-hour transfer to Rome Campground
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Why Travel With Us?
Our highly skilled river guides are industry leaders with an average of 30 years' experience each.
MT Sobek is a permitted outfitter that follows Leave No Trace principles, and provides all food and camp accommodations along the way.
Exploring remote destinations, such as the Owyhee Canyonlands, has been the cornerstone of our river heritage since 1969.
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 15.
Private Trip Pricing:
2024 Pricing
2 guests from $8,595 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $5,895 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $4,595 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $3,795 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $3,295 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $2,795 per person double occupancy
8 guests from $2,595 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
Additional Costs:
Park Fees: $24
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
April, May
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Andy A.
Andy was born and raised in the great outdoors of Montana. At the young age of 15, he launched his first trip down the Salmon River in Idaho and has never looked back! He spends his summers guiding down the Salmon before heading over to the Colorado River in springtime and fall to guide through the Grand Canyon. Internationally, he has led trips in Nepal, Ethiopia's Blue Nile River, and Madagascar's Mania River. In the off season, Andy works as a ski patroller at Montana Snowbowl and skis with his dog Dani every chance he can get.
Kevin M.
Kevin —a.k.a. "Thirsty"—has been guiding since he was 17 years old and has been an integral part of MT Sobek's Arctic rivers program for decades. His laid-back manner puts everyone at ease, and he has a wealth of knowledge about Arctic rivers. Although he normally spends his winter months in Colorado's Telluride ski area, he has climbed Denali three times, reaching the summit in 2000. Thirsty is a legend in the MT Sobek circle and endears himself to travelers with his expertise, calm demeanor, and sense of humor.
Sage M.
Born in a small town in far northern California, Sage has spent much of his life exploring and working on rivers across the western United States. Sage grew up kayaking and rafting with his family, and his inherent passion for rivers and the interacting with people led him to pursue a life in guiding. He has finally landed on the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho and splits his year between Idaho, and Steamboat where he works ski patrol. Ever the adventurous spirit, Sage continues to search the world for exciting new rivers, gorgeous vistas, and wonderful people.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Easy to moderate whitewater rafting on Class I to Class III rapids up to 10 miles a day. Riverside hikes are easy to moderate with some steep and potentially slippery sections.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
6 hours/10 miles rafting Class III rapids
Day 2
6 hours/10 miles rafting Class III rapids
Day 3
Riverside hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
6 hours/10 miles rafting Class III rapids
Accommodations
Comfortable riverside camping accommodations with tents and sleeping bags provided.
MT Sobek Camp – Lower Owyhee River, Oregon
Your camping experience includes four nights on the banks of Oregon's Lower Owyhee River, with full porterage and set up. Our dome-style tents are large enough to stand in, and include sleeping pads and professionally laundered sleeping bags. All camping spots are on beautiful beaches or plateaus next to the river, with fantastic views every day.
Weather
Expect moderately cool days in April and May, with temperatures from the 50s to 70s. Later departures may reach the 80s.
Know Before You Book
Itinerary
The itinerary and dates may slightly vary, depending on river and weather conditions, group abilities and permit requirements.
FAQs
When will an MT Sobek representative meet me?
An MT Sobek representative will meet for a pre-trip orientation at the Rome Campground on Day 1. At this time, we will provide you a dry bag to pack for your trip and answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, guests have the option to book a shuttle from Boise, Idaho through us.
How many rafts will be on the trip?
This will vary depending on the number of people on each departure. Most trips will have: four oar boats to carry supplies, camp gear and guests; one paddle boat for more action; and one inflatable kayak for greater exploration.
What kind of camping gear is provided?
We provide comfortable dome tents, sleeping bags and camp chairs made by ALPS, and Paco sleeping pads. All on-river meals as well as snack throughout the day are also provided.
Is this a good trip for families?
Yes, this is an excellent trip for families with children aged 15 and over.
What is the toilet situation at the campsites?
We will provide a portable seated toilet set up in a private setting at each campsite, with toilet paper and hand soap.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
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Guest Reviews
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