Trip Description

The Owyhee River is an uncrowded and isolated desert jewel. Set in a seldom-traveled desert canyon with exceptional scenery and isolated wilderness, its dramatic colorful gorges team with many species of birds and other wildlife. The Owyhee River 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.

Special Features:
Our trip begins and ends in the tiny town of Rome. We’ll explore 63 miles of the lower canyon at a leisurely pace, passing through the deepest and most dramatic part of the Owyhee canyon. Our take-out is at Leslie Gulch on Lake Owyhee where transportation is provided back to Rome. The Owyhee 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. Did we mention this is a birder’s paradise? Migratory waterfowl and a wide variety of raptors are encountered around every corner. A truly special trip that shouldn’t be missed.