McKenzie River

Flowing east to west through the heart of the Cascade Mountains, the McKenzie is a classic alpine river. Cascading down through a canyon blanketed in pine, this river is a crystal clear jewel with an abundance of dancing rapids. From its headwaters of the glaciers and snowfields over 10,000 feet above sea level to the confluence with the mighty Willamette River, the McKenzie is a river rich in history and scenery. Combined with world class fishing and classic whitewater, the McKenzie is a place of recreation and wilderness splendor.

NOTE: For a great vacation with family, friends, or classmates, or colleagues, consider spending time in Willamette National Forest at the Adventure River House, a charming vacation home that comes with rafting trips, mountain bikes, fishing gear, and so much more. Located next to the McKenzie river, approximately 45 east of Eugene, Oregon, the Adventure River House comfortably sleeps twelve. It is a great place for a fun adventure getaway. For more information please call 888-547-5565.

The McKenzie Trip
Destination Wilderness' McKenzie River Trip is offered from March to October. Our trip typically takes place on a 10-mile stretch of the upper McKenzie, where the rapids come in quick succession and the river winds through stretches of roadless canyon, or on the 12-mile section of the middle McKenzie, where fun class II and III rapids are mixed with scenic calms. On all of our full-day or longer trips we stop around mid-day for a gourmet deli-style lunch, which includes sandwiches with all the fixings, fruit, beverages, cookies, juice, and more. After the break we get back on the river for more whitewater. We reach our take-out between 3 and 4 p.m. Our half-day trips include a snack and beverages at the end of the run. These whitewater runs on the McKenzie are great trips for those looking for lots of fun but not overwhelming rapids and great mountain scenery. One-half to two-day trips are available. Two-day trips include portions of the middle and upper river.

On all of our one-day or longer trips we stop around mid-day for a gourmet deli-style style lunch, which includes sandwiches with all the fixings, fruit, beverages, cookies and more. After the break we get back on the river for more whitewater. We reach our take-out between 3 and 4 p.m. This whitewater run on the McKenzie is a great trip for those looking for lots of fun but not overwhelming whitewater and stunning mountain scenery.

Our trips feature skilled, experienced and licensed professional river guides (and they are real friendly too!); the best river gear available, including self-bailing rafts, safety equipment, and Coast Guard approved life jackets; gourmet meals (one day trips include a filling, deli-style lunch, and celebration snacks and beverages at the end of the trip, and two day trips include all meals beginning with lunch on the first day); transportation from the rendezvous to put in; and all other amenities listed below for the specific trips.

One-half, one and two day trips are available on this stretch. Two day trips include two lunches, happy hour beverages and snacks, an incredible multi-course riverside dinner, piping hot breakfast, camping, and two full days of rafting. Also, be sure to check out our incredible two day adventure on the McKenzie: Raft, Draft, and Cast! This trip includes one day of rafting, an evening of microbrew tasting, a day of fly fishing instruction or a guided hike, soaking in natural hot springs, showers, camping accommodations, and all of the delicious meals described above!

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What to Bring and Wear
Shorts, t-shirts and sport sandals or tennis shoes are usually suitable for summer McKenzie trips. The water is cold, however, and days can at times be cool, especially if the wind comes up. Please also bring a sweater and wind breaker or rain gear in case you get cold. Synthetic jackets (pile) or wool sweaters are recommended. All of this clothing will get wet. Therefore, be sure to bring an extra "dry" set of clothes for after the trip. In the Spring you will need all of the clothing listed above and as well as a wetsuit, which is available to rent from Destination Wilderness.

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The Rendezvous
Typically, two-day McKenzie trips meet at 10:00 a.m. at Camp Yale. One-half and one-day trips meet at the our store in Sisters at 8:30 a.m., or at the Finn Rock Store, or Paradise Campground Boat Launch at 10:00 a.m. Our store in Sisters is located at 161 N. Elm, in the heart of downtown, across from the Chamber of Commerce. The Finn Rock Store is located approximately 10 miles east of Vida and three miles west of Blue River on the south side of Highway 126. Paradise Campground is located approximately two miles east of the town of McKenzie Bridge, on the north side of Highway 126. Camp Yale is located approximately three miles east of McKenzie Bridge, on Highway 242, one-half mile east of the Hwy. 126 and 242 junction.

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Getting to the McKenzie Area
From the west and north, take I-5 South to the Highway 105/126 East exit. After passing through the town of Springfield you head up the McKenzie Canyon on Highway 126. Pass through the towns of Walterville and Vida and follow the rendezvous instructions above.

From the south, take I-5 North to Highway 126 east, and follow the directions above.

From the east, take Highway 126 or Highway 20 through Sisters and on to Santiam Pass. Head south on Highway 126 after going over Santiam Pass. You will pass Sahalie Falls and Olallie Campground before reaching the Hwy. 242 junction and McKenzie Bridge.

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What We Provide
Professional, skilled, experienced and licensed river guides (and they are real friendly too!).

The best river gear available, including self-bailing rafts, safety equipment, and Coast Guard approved life jackets. We also bring along inflatable kayaks on many trips!

Gourmet meals. All one-day trips include a filling, deli-style lunch and celebration snacks and beverages at the end of the trip. Two-day trips include two great lunches, happy-hour hors doevres and beverages, a gourmet, multi-course dinner, and a steaming hot breakfast.

Shuttle between the rendezvous and river.

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2001 McKenzie Trip Cost

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Clackamas River

The Clackamas River is located only one-half hour from the greater Portland area! Therefore, you might not expect it to be a whitewater and nature wonderland. But it is! In addition to being one of the most enjoyable rivers in all of Oregon, in terms of convenience, fun, and adventure, there is no better river for those living in or visiting the Portland area.

As the result of our history of exceptional trips that are operated with safety approaches regarded as the best in the business, Destination Wilderness was recently issued one of only a few permits for rafting on the Clackamas. Our Clackamas River Adventure is offered from March to September. It takes place in the pine-covered mountains just south of the town of Estacada, as the Clackamas flows down from headwaters that lie between Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson. Here, the river offers a mix of rollicking rapids, sections of roadless solitude, lush foliage, transparent sea-green water and tortured geologic features (such as the Narrows, a short stretch of river where bizarre lava rocks squeeze the river down to less than 20 feet wide). The tempo of the river is ideal as rapids are regularly encountered and calms allow time to reflect and prepare for the next rapid!

The Clackamas Trip
As mentioned above, the Clackamas is a roller coaster ride in the Spring and early Summer, when flows are at their highest. Carter Bridge Rapid, Hole-in-the-Wall, Toilet Bowl, Bob's Hole, and other famous rapids provide one chance after another to get your adrenaline flowing. Big waves, stopper hydraulics, and rock-dodge drops will quench the thirst of even the most discriminating whitewater enthusiasts. During the Spring we offer full-day trips on the Clackamas, and wetsuits are required.

In the summer months, as the Clackamas' flow drops to a slightly lower level, the river character changes. Enjoyable class III rapids emerge, rendering the river ideal for those seeking a fun but not overwhelming rafting trip. The scenery, solitude, warm mountain air, and energizing rapids combine to create a perfect adventure setting, one that is incredibly accessible to Oregon's major metropolitan areas but is a world away from the hustle and bustle! Families, mature travelers, first-timers, and others find the Clackamas to be a great river in the Summer. We offer both 1/2 and full-day trips on the Clackamas at this time, usually from late June until mid-September.

On all one-day trips we stop around mid-day for a gourmet deli-style style lunch, which includes sandwiches with all the fixings, fruit, beverages, cookies and more. After the break we get back on the river for more whitewater. We reach our take-out around 4 p.m., where we serve snacks and beverages. Our half-day trips include a snack and beverages at the end of the trip.

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What to Bring and Wear
Shorts, t-shirts and sport sandals or tennis shoes are usually suitable for summer Clackamas trips. The water is cold, however, and days can at times be cool, especially if the wind comes up. Please also bring a sweater and wind breaker or rain gear in case you get cold. Synthetic jackets (pile) or wool sweaters are recommended. All of this clothing will get wet. Therefore, be sure to bring an extra "dry" set of clothes for after the trip. In the Spring you will need all of the clothing listed above and as well as a wetsuit, which is available to rent from Destination Wilderness.

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What We Provide
Professional, skilled, experienced and licensed river guides (and they are real friendly too!).

The best river gear available, including self-bailing rafts, safety equipment, and Coast Guard approved life jackets.

Gourmet meals. All one-day trips include a filling, deli-style lunch and celebration snacks and beverages at the end of the trip. Half-day trips include snacks and beverages at the end of the trip.

Shuttle between the rendezvous and river.

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The Rendezvous
Our one-day Spring and Summer trips meet at theold Memaloose Weigh Station, approximately 15 minutes south of Estacada, Oregon. We typically meet here at 10:00. Our half-day summer trips meet at Memaloose as well, but at either 10:00 or 2:00, depending on schedules.

Note: In the spring, our minimum age on the Clackamas is 12 years old. In the summer, when flows decrease, our minimum age is six.

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Getting to the Clackamas
From Portland and the North: Take I-205 to the town of Clackamas. Take the Hwy. 224 exit to the east, towards Estacada. Follow the signs to Estacada and continue south on 224 approximately 10 miles beyond Estacada, and just past the top of North Fork Reservoir, until you reach to rather inconspicuous Memaloose Weigh Station. If you reach Big Eddy Picnic Area you have gone about 4 miles too far.

From the South: Take I-5 North then I-205 North, to the town of Clackamas. Take Hwy. 224 to the east. Follow the directions above.

From Central Oregon and the Bend Area: Take Hwy. 97 then Hwy. 197 North to Hwy. 26 West. Go past Mt. Hood. Upon entering the town of Sandy take Hwy. 211 South to Hwy. 224. Take Hwy. 224 to Estacada and follow the instructions above to Memaloose Weigh Station.

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2000 Clackamas Trip Cost

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Umpqua River

The North Fork of the Umpqua is a classic Cascade Mountains rafting and fishing river. Flowing from headwaters near Crater Lake, the Umpqua stairsteps its way west, reaching the Pacific Ocean some 250 miles from its origin. Along the way, it serves up some of the best whitewater, scenery and fishing found anywhere in the world. In fact, the Umpqua is considered so valuable as a wilderness area that it was added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1988.

The North Umpqua Trip
Destination Wilderness' North Umpqua River Trip is offered from May to late August. This trip, with fun and exciting class III and IV rapids, is perfect for adventurous first-timers and experienced rafters alike. We offer one, two, and three-day trips on the Umpqua. While each trip offers fantastic rapids and stunning scenery, we recommend the multi-day trips as the best way to experience this exceptional place.

Destination Wilderness' two and three-day trips feature dozens of rapids, comfortable riverside camping areas, ample time to enjoy the nature or try catching world-class steelhead, gourmet meals, and the chance to individually tackle the rapids in inflatable kayaks. This trip, approximately 30 miles long, includes such great rapids as Pinball, The Weir, Surprise Island, and many, many more class III and IV rapids. Our one-day trips are also a great way to enjoy the crystal clear rapids and dramatic scenery. Approximately 15 miles long, these trips include an expansive deli-style lunch and hours and hours of white-water and wilderness bliss.

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What To Bring and Wear
Shorts, t-shirts and sport sandals or tennis shoes are usually suitable for summer Umpqua trips. However, while typically very warm and sunny, some days can be cool, and the water is cold. Please bring a sweater and wind breaker or rain gear to keep you from getting cold. Synthetic (pile) or wool sweaters are recommended. All of this clothing will get wet. Therefore, be sure to bring an extra "dry" set of clothes for on land after the day of rafting. Trips in May and early June require wet suits, which can be rented from Destination Wilderness. Multi-day trips camp along the river. There is road access to our campsites, so personal gear need not be kept to a minimum. For multi-day trips, please contact our office for a packing list.

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What We Provide
Professional, skilled, experienced and licensed river guides (and they are real friendly too!).

The best river gear available, including self-bailing rafts, safety equipment, and Coast Guard approved life jackets. Multi-day trips also include inflatable kayaks for the more adventurous.

Gourmet meals. All one-day trips include a filling, deli-style lunch and celebration snacks and beverages at the end of the trip. Multi-day trips include lunches, happy-hour hors doevres and beverages, gourmet, multi-course dinners, and steaming hot breakfasts.

Transportation between the rendezvous and the river.

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The Rendezvous
Typical Umpqua trips meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Gravel Bin Boat Launch. Gravel Bin is located approximately 40 miles east of Roseburg, Oregon and 35 miles west of Crater Lake on Highway 138.

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Getting to the Umpqua Area
From the north and west, take I-5 south to the Hwy. 138 exit, in Roseburg. Head east on Hwy. 138 as it winds up-canyon and begins to parallel the Umpqua River. After passing through the hamlets of Glide and Idleyld, you will reach Steamboat Inn, which is approximately 40 miles from I-5. Just beyond Steamboat is Gravel Bin Boat Launch, our rendezvous. Turn right into the parking area.

From the south, take I-5 north to the Hwy. 138 exit. Follow the instructions above.

From the east, take Hwy. 97 to the Hwy. 138 junction. Head west on Hwy. 138, towards Diamond Lake and Roseburg. You will pass Diamond Lake and the Tokatee Falls area. Approximately 14 miles beyond Boulder Flat Campground you will reach Island Campground. Gravel Bin Boat Launch is just past Island Campground on the left. If you reach Steamboat Inn you've gone too far.

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2001 Umpqua Trip Cost

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California Salmon

The California Salmon has long been regarded as one of the west's best whitewater runs. Class IV and V rapids, requiring strong paddling, roar around every corner. Towering waves, long rock gardens, powerful truck-sized holes, and skinny chutes abound! Only when the occasional calm is encountered do you realize that the canyon is one of the most scenic in the world. In fact, this river is so special that it is listed as one of our National Wild and Scenic Rivers. For those people who are active and adventurous, and who seek to raft a truly challenging whitewater run, the Cal Salmon should be considered. Paddlers must have class IV paddling experience and be able to pass the Class V Paddler's Test. On three-day trips, at certain water levels, we may run some stretches of the river twice.

The Cal Salmon Trip
Destination Wilderness' California Salmon River Adventure is offered from April through June. This trip, with challenging, difficult, and exciting class IV and V rapids, is geared towards experienced rafters. These two and three-day trips feature dozens of rapids over approximately twenty river miles, incredibly experienced and caring guides, comfortable riverside camping areas, state-of-the-art equipment, and gourmet meals. This adventure includes such great rapids as Freight Train, Cascade, Last Chance, Marble and many, many more class III, IV, and V rapids. Those who have no paddling experience or wish to experience the Cal Salmon in a different craft can request oar boats. All participants should be healthy and fit.

Class V Paddlers Test
Due to the rigorous challenges of paddling class V rapids and the fitness levels required of all paddle boat participants, all paddlers must be able to do the following: 1) Swim at least 100 yards in a river with a strong stroke; 2) Run a mile without taking a break; 3) Balance on the ball of one foot for one minute; and 4) Hang from a bar or branch for one minute. How you handle this test and your frank appraisal of your prior paddling experience will help you analyze and determine your ability to paddle class V. These trips are strenuous and difficult, so be sensible. If you cannot pass this test and want to paddle, please select one of our many less difficult rivers. We may require paddlers to pass this test or a similar one at the put-in before each Cal Salmon trip. We reserve the right to turn away at the put-in those who we feel are not well suited to these dangerous and strenuous expeditions--in this case there is only a 50% credit applicable to another trip.

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What To Bring and Wear
All Cal Salmon trips require wet suits, which can be rented from Destination Wilderness. Multi-day trips camp along the river. There is road access to our campsites, so personal gear need not be kept to a minimum. For multi-day trips, please contact our office for a packing list.

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What We Provide
Professional, skilled, experienced and licensed river guides (and they are real friendly too!).

The best river gear available, including self-bailing rafts, safety equipment, and Coast Guard approved life jackets.

Gourmet meals. All meals, beginning with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the last day, are provided. This includes expansive deli-style lunches, happy-hour hors doevres and beverages, gourmet, multi-course dinners, and steaming hot breakfasts.

Transportation between the rendezvous and the river.

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The Rendezvous
Typical Salmon trips meet at 10:00 a.m. at the entrance to Nordheimer Campground. Nordheimer is located approximately 4 west (downriver) from the tiny townof Forks of the Salmon. Forks of the Salmon is located approximately 2 hours west of Yreka, California.

Getting to the Cal Salmon Area
From the north take I-5 south to the Hwy. 96 west exit, approximately 14 miles south of the Oregon border. Head west on Hwy. 96 as it winds down-canyon and parallel to the Klamath River. Approximately 40 miles after passing through the hamlet of Happy Camp you will reach the small town of Somes Bar. Here, turn east on the Salmon river road and head up-canyon until you reach Nordheimer campground, which is approximately 14 miles east of Somes Bar. We meet at the entrance to Nordheimer Campground. If you reach the tiny town of Forks of the Salmon you have gone approximately 4 miles too far.

From the south, take I-5 north to Redding, California. There, take Hwy. 299 west. Stay on Hwy. 299 until you reach the town of Willow Creek. Take Hwy 96 north to Somes Bar, and then follow the instructions above.

From the west, take Hwy. 299 from Eureka to Willow Creek and follow the directions above.

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2001 California Salmon Trip Cost

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Klamath

Northern California's Klamath river is a superb wilderness waterway. It offers endless vistas of spectacular scenery, warm water, excellent side hikes, and a wealth of wildlife. All of this and more await on the Klamath, a river forever preserved due to its exceptional value as a wilderness area! We invite you and your group to experience one of the best multi-day wilderness river trips in the west. Simply put, this trip is ideal for families! For more details please see the information at the bottom of this page.

Destination Wilderness' Lower Klamath River Journey is classic wilderness river adventure in a beautiful mountain setting. These trips, over 30 miles long and three or four days in length, include the most secluded and enjoyable portions of the Lower Klamath. This is an excellent river for first-time river runners, families, or any rafting enthusiasts looking for a fun and peaceful wilderness escape. Note: We are also happy to offer private charter trips for families, groups of friends, colleagues, etc. Please contact our office for details.

After our rendezvous, we transfer all personal gear into the waterproof bags, rig the rafts, participate in a safety presentation, and then head downstream! While running the Klamath, each day brings a taste of fun class II and III whitewater, relaxing warm calms, incredible scenery, and a variety of wildlife. All camping gear is carried with us on oar boats. We camp each night on a sandy beach under a canopy of sparkling stars. On these trips we offer three types of crafts: paddle boats, in which each person helps power the raft through the rapids as a guide directs the crew from the back; oar boats, which carry gear and passengers, providing endless opportunities to sit back, relax and watch the world float by; and inflatable kayaks for the intrepid paddlers wishing to tackle the whitewater on their own. In addition to running the river we have time to look out for wildlife, fish, and explore side canyons, including beautiful Ukonom Falls, where 20-foot high twin falls cascade into a creek. Meals for this trip are prepared by the Destination Wilderness guides (who some have labeled master chefs!), beginning with lunch on day one and ending with snacks and beverages at the end of the trip. These meals are best described as gourmet: tasty, filling, and healthy!

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Klamath River Journey Overview

Our Lower Klamath River Journeys rendezvous is in Happy Camp, California, a tiny hamlet in the northwest corner of the state. We launch near Happy Camp, and float in a generally southern direction towards Willow Creek, California. These three and four- day trips include great mountain scenery, fun and exciting class II-III rapids, and numerous wildlife viewing opportunities. The trips generally end in the mid-afternoon of the last day. Note: Charter trips are available on the Klamath! If your family or friends would prefer a private trip just for your group, we would be happy to provide it! We are also able to adjust the trip length and itinerary depending on each charter group's needs and desires.

Trip Outline

Destination Wilderness' Lower Klamath River Journey is classic wilderness river adventure in a beautiful mountain setting. These trips, over 30 miles long and three or four days in length, include the most secluded and enjoyable portions of the Lower Klamath. This is an excellent river for first-time river runners, families, or any rafting enthusiasts looking for a fun and peaceful wilderness escape. Note: We are also happy to offer private charter trips for families, groups of friends, colleagues, etc. Please contact our office for details.

On the River: After our rendezvous, we transfer all personal gear into the waterproof bags, rig the rafts, participate in a safety presentation, and then head downstream! While running the Klamath, each day brings a taste of fun class II and III whitewater, relaxing warm calms, incredible scenery, and a variety of wildlife. All camping gear is carried with us on oar boats. We camp each night on a sandy beach under a canopy of sparkling stars. On these trips we offer three types of crafts: paddle boats, in which each person helps power the raft through the rapids as a guide directs the crew from the back; oar boats, which carry gear and passengers, providing endless opportunities to sit back, relax and watch the world float by; and inflatable kayaks for the intrepid paddlers wishing to tackle the whitewater on their own. In addition to running the river we have time to look out for wildlife, fish, and explore side canyons, including beautiful Ukonom Falls, where 20-foot high twin falls cascade into a creek. Meals for this trip are prepared by the Destination Wilderness guides (who some have labeled master chefs!), beginning with lunch on day one and ending with snacks and beverages at the end of the trip. These meals are best described as gourmet: tasty, filling, and healthy!

Trip Conclusion: On the last day we take out around 3:00 p.m. Your cars are shuttled to the take-out point and are available immediately after the trip.

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Rendezvous
We meet in the town of Happy Camp, California, at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of the trip.

Getting To Happy Camp
Happy Camp is located on Hwy. 96 in northwest California.

From the south: Take I-5 north to the Montague exit, the third exit in Yreka. Go under the freeway and turn right at the stop sign on to Hwy 263. At the Hwy 96 (Klamath River Road) junction turn left towards Happy Camp. After passing through Happy Camp,turn into the Indian Creek river access. You can also reach Happy Camp by taking Hwy. 96 north and east from Hwy. 299 at Willow Creek. Hwy 299 connects Redding and Eureka, California.

From the north: Take the Hwy. 96 exit, approximately 14 miles south of the Oregon border. Follow Hwy. 96 to Happy Camp as described above.

Pre-and Post-Trip Transportation

Destination Wilderness can arrange pre- and post-trip air transportation and a shuttle between the airport to the river for you and your group. The town of Medford, Oregon, has regular commercial airline service, and is less than three hours by car from Happy Camp. For a small fee we are able to provide your group with transportation between Medford and Happy Camp.

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Additional Information

Weather: The summer weather of the Lower Klamath region is generally incredible. Warm to hot days with temperatures in the 80's and 90's and comfortable nights in the 60's are typical. However, as with any mountain river, rain and cold weather is possible, and participants should prepare accordingly.

Equipment: Destination Wilderness provides all rafts, safety gear, cooking equipment, and waterproof bags. A complete list of what you should bring is included in this packet, and basically centers on each person bringing personal camping gear, a set of clothes that can get wet and a set of clothes for camp that should stay dry.

Experience Required: No previous experience is necessary. A complete instruction and a safety briefing is provided by your guides before the trip. This is an excellent trip for families. Minimum age is five years old.

Camps: We camp in the wilderness along the river, usually on a sandy beach or in a forest glade. We proudly practice minimum-impact camping and carry out all trash. We always set up a portable toilet.

Fishing: California requires you to purchase a fishing license if you intend to fish during your trip. Be sure to get the appropriate license and tags if you intend to fish. You may be able to do that in Happy Camp prior to your launching on the trip.

Meals and Beverages: We serve tasty, wholesome, and filling meals prepared with fresh ingredients. We also provide coffee, tea, water, juices and other beverages with meals. Let us know if you have special dietary needs and we will plan accordingly.

Gratuities: Tipping is fairly common on wilderness river trips. It is never expected, but always appreciated by your guides. When you are particularly happy with any aspect of your trip, please let us and your guides know.

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2001 Klamath Trip Cost*

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Owyhee

The Wild and Scenic Owyhee river, tucked inconspicuously into Oregon's southeast corner, is a relatively undiscovered jewel. Towering high desert canyon walls, an abundance of rare birds, exceptional whitewater, and quiet isolation await adventurers seeking a wilderness river less traveled.

Owyhee River Trip Overview
Our Owyhee raft and solo-cat trips begin and end in Jordan Valley, Oregon. All raft trips run 5 days and 65 miles. We put in at the Rome boat launch and take out at Leslie Gulch. Solo-cat trips are five days and 47 miles. We put in at Rome and take out at Birch Creek. Transportation from Jordan Valley to Rome, and back to Jordan Valley from Leslie Gulch or Birch Creek is included. We also provide specialty river gear and gourmet meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day.

Trip Outline
Meeting Time: We meet in the parking lot of the Sahara Motel at 8:00 a.m. the morning of your trip. Your guides will answer questions and distribute waterproof bags.

Trip Departure: Once everyone is packed, we will board a charter van for the one- hour ride to our Rome launch site. You cars may be left in the Sahara parking lot during our trip. There will be a short orientation and safety talk at Rome before getting on the water.

On the River: We keep a leisurely pace on the river and time is usually gauged by meals alone. All gear is carried on oar powered gear rafts downriver each day. Paddle and oar rafts are available for guests to run the Owyhee. Each day is filled with fun rapids, solitude, and great scenery, included towering desert walls and diverse birdlife. You can expect breakfast near 8 a.m., lunch midday and about 4-5 hours of rafting each day. We reach camp by early afternoon with time for hikes and relaxation before dinner. The Owyhee campsites are stunning sand beaches and glades affording numerous opportunities to just relax and marvel in the peace of this stunning place.

Trip Conclusion: We will have lunch on the river on the last day of the trip and we usually take-out by early to late afternoon. The rafting take-out, Leslie Gulch, is located on the reservoir below our run, so a motor boat will tow us to the ramp. After the gear is loaded, we will board a van for the hour and a half drive back to Jordan Valley. Due to the unpredictability of wilderness travel, please remember to plan flights home for the day following your trip.

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Rendezvous
Owyhee trips meet in the hamlet of Jordan Valley, Oregon at 8:00 a.m. Jordan Valley is in the southeasternmost corner of Oregon. Keep in mind that this portion of Oregon lies in the Mountain Time Zone, which is one hour later than the Pacific Time Zone

Getting To Jordan Valley
By Air: Boise, Idaho, has the nearest commercial airport with services by major airlines. Please plan to arrive the day before your trip, and to leave the morning after your trip. Van shuttles from Boise to Jordan Valley may be available through our office.

By Car: Jordan Valley is located along Highway 95 near the southern Oregon/Idaho border. The town is about 70 miles southwest from Boise, Idaho. From all directions, follow 95 into town. Please plan to arrive in Jordan Valley the evening before your trip.

Off-River Transportation
Destination Wilderness provides all transportation from Jordan Valley to our launch site, and back to Jordan Valley from our take-out. Van shuttles from Boise can be arranged for an additional cost.

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Additional Information
Weather: The Owyhee River is in high desert territory and the weather can vary tremendously. Temperatures on any trip can range from 90s during the day to near 30 at night. Weather in any river canyon can be unpredictable and you will get splashed in rapids. Please follow the packing list closely and always bring rain gear and a tent.

Equipment: Destination Wilderness provides lifejackets, waterproof bags, camp chairs and eating utensils, all the specialized river gear you need. A complete list of what you should bring is included in your confirmation packet. Wetsuits are required. Sleeping pads, tents, sleeping bags, and wetsuits can be rented from Destination Wilderness. Be sure to let us know in advance if you need any rental gear.

Experience Required: The Owyhee is an intermediate river, ideal for most ages and abilities. Families are always welcome and no previous experience is necessary (our minimum age is 12 in the early spring and 8 in the late spring and early summer). Your guides will gladly help with any aspect of our trip that is new for you, whether that means setting up a new tent or learning to paddle.

Camps: We camp along the river in pristine wilderness, usually on a sandy beach or a canyon plateau. We proudly practice minimum-impact camping and carry out all trash. All our camps have portable toilet facilities.

Fishing: Oregon requires you to have a fishing license if you intend to fish during your visit. Your guide can help you obtain a license at the rendezvous.

Gratuities: Tipping is fairly common on wilderness river trips. It is never expected, but always appreciated by your guides. When you are particularly happy with any aspect of your trip, please let us and your guides know.

Meals and Beverages: We serve gourmet meals prepared with fresh ingredients. We also provide coffee, tea, water, juices, lemonade and wine with dinner. Let us know if you have special dietary needs and we will plan accordingly.

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2001 Trip Cost*

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