Trip Report: Father-Son Lower Owyhee Adventure
By Justin Boyle
Mike Ward and I took this trip with two of our teenage sons in IKs, starting on Father's Day (6/16/24).
Father-son Owyhee crew
A 5-day kayaking journey on the Lower Owyhee River
Embarking on a five-day kayaking journey along the Lower Owyhee River in southeastern Oregon is a truly unforgettable adventure, blending breathtaking scenery, thrilling rapids, and moments of tranquil beauty. This trip report details the incredible 68-mile expedition, segmented into daily highlights and experiences from the Rome boat launch to Leslie Gulch. This journey also underscores the vital work of a broad coalition advocating for permanent protections for the Owyhee Canyonlands, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy this pristine wilderness.
Day 1: Rome Boat Launch to Ryegrass
Our adventure began at the Rome boat launch, where we eagerly set off on the first leg of our journey. This initial 24-mile stretch to Ryegrass began to reveal the untamed beauty of the Lower Owyhee River. The river meandered through rangeland and eventually a vast, dramatic canyon landscape, showcasing towering rock formations and vibrant wildflowers. We encountered a mix of thrilling rapids, such as Class IV Bulls Eye, that was the first challenge to our paddling skills, and calm waters perfect for soaking in the surroundings. Wildlife sightings were frequent, with mule deer and a golden eagle making appearances.
Day 2: Ryegrass Hot Springs to Upper Whistling Bird
On the second day, after a morning soak in Ryegrass Hot Springs and a quick hike to where we could get good views of Pruitt’s Castle and Lambert Dome, which we would paddle past at the start of our day on the river, we embarked on a short day. This 7-mile paddle from Ryegrass to the exquisite Upper Whistling Bird campsite, just past the Class IV Whistling Bird rapid, offered a captivating blend of adventure and tranquility. The rugged canyon walls deepened and diverse wildlife added to the day’s allure. This stretch of the river was fairly peaceful, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty without another human in sight. Arriving at Upper Whistling Bird campsite, nestled among scenic cliffs, provided a serene spot to swim, rest and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Day 3: Upper Whistling Bird campsite to Devil’s Tower
Day three took us on an exhilarating 13-mile journey from Upper Whistling Bird campsite to the iconic Devil’s Tower. The river’s character shifted between challenging rapids, such as Class IV Montgomery, and tranquil waters, flanked by towering canyon walls and unique geological formations. This section was a haven for wildlife sightings, with Osprey soaring overhead and plenty of fish swimming by. We explored hidden alcoves and lush riparian zones, deepening our connection with this wild landscape. The day’s highlight was reaching Devil’s Tower, a striking basalt spire standing as a testament to the ancient volcanic activity that shaped this rugged and beautiful river corridor. A quick hike around back and up to the top of this tower revealed breathtaking views as the sun set over our campsite below.
Day 4: Devil’s Tower to Griffith Homestead
On the fourth day, we paddled 10 miles from Devil’s Tower to Griffith Homestead, with a delightful stop at Greeley Hot Springs. Starting beneath Devil’s Tower, we navigated through both gentle stretches and exciting rapids. A quick stop at Greeley Hot Springs just a mile into the day, allowed us to relax in the natural, warm waters surrounded by stunning canyon scenery. Continuing downstream, we were captivated by dramatic rock formations and abundant wildlife, including a pair of bighorn sheep on the rocky shore. Arriving at Griffith Homestead, a historic site, offered a glimpse into the region’s pioneer past and a perfect end to our day on the river.
Day 5: Griffith Homestead to Leslie Gulch
Our final day combined kayaking and a motorboat ride, providing a unique perspective on the river. We started with a relaxed paddle from Griffith Homestead just before river mile 54, enjoying calm waters and gentle rapids. As the canyon walls opened, the diverse wildlife including several lizards, a large gopher snake and even a few pelicans, made this section a serene and reflective part of the journey. Upon reaching the end of our kayaking portion around river mile 59, we were picked up by a motorboat for the remainder of the way on Lake Owyhee to the Leslie Gulch boat ramp. This ride allowed us to fully appreciate the rugged landscape, culminating in the striking rock formations of Leslie Gulch, including a nice jumping rock to add excitement to our swim at the end of the journey — a perfect finale to our Lower Owyhee River adventure.
The five-day journey along the Lower Owyhee River in southeastern Oregon was an extraordinary adventure, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, wildlife sightings, thrilling rapids, and serene moments. From the Rome boat launch to Leslie Gulch, each day brought new experiences and unforgettable sights, making this expedition a truly remarkable exploration of one of Oregon’s most remote landscapes.
To ensure that more of this Oregon treasure gets the protections it deserves, Environment Oregon along with a broad coalition is continuing work to secure permanent protections for the Owyhee Canyonlands. Join this vital effort by signing a petition to our senators and the president, calling for the designation of the Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument before the end of 2024. Together, we can preserve this incredible natural treasure before it suffers irreparable damage and degradation.