The Owyhee River and surrounding canyon lands may be the West's best-kept secret and recent efforts are pushing to permanently protect the area. Why all the hype to protect the Owyhee River? The Owyhee River is an extremely remote and uninhabited area of magnificent and dramatic canyons filled with unique geology and wildlife. Since 1979, Idaho Adventures has been privileged to guide groups through the Owyhee River Canyon lands. Our favorite section of the Owyhee River is the 63-mile section from Rome Bridge, elevation 3,360 feet to Leslie Gulch, elevation 2,670 feet. You raft through vast canyon lands and witness first hand the Owyhee River's 30-million years of exuberance in shaping an unsurpassed and unique geological marvel. Owyhee ~ relive the history By the early 19th century, trading posts were well established on the Pacific Coast, but the Snake River country, home of the Shoshoni and Bannock Native American tribes, were difficult to penetrate. During the winter of 1819, North West Trading Company representative Donald McKenzie sent three Owyhee natives (Owyhee is the original spelling used by early British and American traders referring to Hawaiian Island natives) along with other trappers for beaver pelts. His hope and intention was to improve trading with the local tribes. The three Owyhee natives left the main party to explore the unknown terrain. They never returned and were believed killed. After their disappearance, area fur trappers called the region and river Owyhee after these lost men. Owyhee ~ explore the terrain Immerse Yourself. Spring is the time to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Owyhee River Canyon. Native wildflowers are in full bloom and the riverbanks and cliffs are alive with an array of nesting birds. This is a rare wilderness experience enjoyed by few but perfect for most outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights include rapids, raptors and the remains of ancient civilizations. Hoodoos - Hoodoos are tall spires or pinnacles composed of soft sedimentary rock and capped by a piece of harder stone that protects the column from the elements. Commonly, the differences between hoodoos and pinnacles/spires are hoodoos variable thickness throughout the column with a cap or stone topper wider than the supporting column. ~ Owyhee River Trip Itinerary ~ Pre-Trip - Our Trip originates in Boise, Idaho. We meet the evening before, providing an orientation and discussion about your upcoming Owyhee River adventure. Day 1 - Your journey begins at 7:30 a.m. with a drive to the Owyhee River Canyon, Rome Bridge. We pass lush farm lands, a historic stage stop and an entrance into the Owyhee canyon with a view of the "Roman Columns" huge stone pinnacles carved by historic river currents, wind and rain. We'll float through few rapids this first day, but see enormous geological changes and a marvelous canyon entrance. We camp along the river's edge on one of many natural beaches. Day 2- Enjoy a pot of coffee, made with freshly ground beans, a hearty breakfast and lets get going! With a wonderful Owyhee Canyon to explore we begin our day early. The currents speed up throughout the day and you will enjoy rapids like, Bulls Eye, Jay's Rapid and Artillery, while the canyon walls fascinate us with its "Weeping Wall", spring flora and resident wildlife. Day 3 - What would you like to do today? Choose to sit and soak in natural hot springs or maybe explore "Rustlers Roost" & Chalk Basin. View the wondrous spires, hoodoos, and columns from the river or hike and explore as much or as little as you wish. Day 4 - Just when you thought you have seen it all, the canyon walls narrows yet again and the walls protrude even higher as you enter Iron Creek Gorge, a truly breathtaking wilderness canyon. Still more rapids await us, with Montgomery Rapids getting the bulk of our rowing attention. Explore natural caverns and multiple Native American Petroglyphs sites and float by protruding rock walls rising 1900 feet above the river will fill a tremendous day. Day 5 - For our final day the canyon opens slightly as we raft by old homesteads inhabited by hearty souls of Basque origin. The Owyhee River bends around the old "Pinnacle Ranch" where historic buildings and water wheels still stand. Further downstream our take-out awaits, either Leslie Gulch or Birch Creek, depending on weather and road conditions. We end our trip with a 2-hour shuttle back to Boise, Idaho.

Steelhead Fishing the Main Salmon River Wilderness! Steelheads are an ocean-run rainbow trout with a reputation as a world-class freshwater sport fish. These fish are elusive and the most dedicated anglers spend countless hours trying to catch them. Our seasoned guides have set the standard for local knowledge and experience and feed their passion for fishing both on and off the clock. For our guests and guides, the true allure of Steelheading is the journey. Yet, nothing quite matches the thrill of a Steelheads hard tug then watching it leap and fight your line.

Paddle Raft, Oar Boat or Kayak! Looking for more? Extend your journey beyond the day tour and savor the ride for 28 to 49 river miles. From gentle ripples to roaring rapids, you get it all with this option. Camping gear and fantastic Dutch oven cuisine included. Use that extra day to reconnect with your family, relax and get in touch with the simpler, but more important things in life. There's more opportunity to learn and practice kayaking, spot endangered wildlife or enjoy the nightlife you create around the campfire. Trip Highlights • Surge through MORE rapids • Contemplate nature and the night sky • Examine Indian pictographs • Quiet nights and comfortable riverside camping • Refresh your spirit

Paddle Raft, Oar Boat or Kayak! How would you like to run the river? No experience necessary to run the "River of No Return" and feel a rush of excitement on this popular 13-mile tour. These family fun rapids guided by our highly experienced and darn friendly guides accommodate all skill levels and ages 8 to 80. Included is a full day of fun whitewater excitement, stops along the way to enjoy our Idaho wilderness, a scrumptious riverside lunch and shuttle to/from our office. Plunge through the same daunting rapids in the Salmon River Canyon that turned back the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery in 1805. Seize this perfect opportunity to get wet in the "whitewater capitol of the world". Trip Highlights Encounter exciting rapids Explore a historic gold mine Enjoy a delicious riverside lunch Learn about regional and natural history Discover the rugged beauty of wild Idaho