At the confluence, you enter the Wild & Scenic River corridor of the Grande Ronde. This area was part of the historic Oregon Trail and still has a historic train line running up until the confluence of the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers. Here the gradient of the river tapers, but with rapids like Sheep Creek and Martin’s Misery there is still plenty of fun. The lower section offers the best campsites on the river’s edge lined with towering ponderosa pines.
The Grande Ronde is a nationally renowned sport fishery. Great fishing opportunities are present throughout the river rafting season with Spring Chinook, Fall Chinook, summer steelhead, and rainbow trout. The river corridor provides a critical wintering habitat for bald eagles, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, and whitetail deer. There are also impressive viewing opportunities for black bears, bobcats, cougars, and bighorn sheep. River trips here can become more of a wildlife spotting tour with abundant opportunities.
This is one of the most continuous gradient rivers in the state and makes for a very relaxing yet fun whitewater rafting trip. The lower portion of the 5-day trip offers a bit more excitement in rapids like the Narrows and The Bridge while getting to experience the famous Hells Canyon. The scenery transitions to the high desert and the skyline opens up to wonderful stargazing at nighttime.
Either trip offers enough excitement for experienced boaters, but is also a great introduction for new multi-day rafters.
Embark on a thrilling 3-day adventure on the Wild & Scenic Grande Ronde, beginning on the swift Wallowa River and encountering exciting rapids like Minam Roller and House Rock Rapids. Delight in stunning scenery, wildlife sightings, and riverside campsites, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family.
UPCOMING PUBLIC DATES:
OTHER DATES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST WITH GROUPS OF 5 OR MORE
Opt for the extended 5-day journey for a deeper exploration of the Grande Ronde, experiencing thrilling rapids like Sheep Creek and Martin’s Misery amidst the historic Oregon Trail corridor. Transitioning to the high desert, enjoy scenic views of Hells Canyon and spectacular stargazing opportunities at night. With abundant wildlife and continuous gradient rivers, both trips offer excitement for experienced boaters and newcomers alike.
UPCOMING PUBLIC DATES:
OTHER DATES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST WITH GROUPS OF 5 OR MORE
For over 35 years we’ve run whitewater rafting trips on ten of the best rivers Oregon and Idaho have to offer. Our safety record is excellent. Our guides are friendly, skilled professionals. We use only the best, professional quality rafting equipment. And we offer an unsurpassed variety of boats from which to choose: oar rafts, paddle rafts, inflatable kayaks, and our unique, custom designed Row-Your-Own catarafts.
For more about who we are please click or touch more about O.R.E.
Almost anyone can go. No prior rafting experience is necessary, and no prior camping experience is needed for our multi-day trips. We welcome children ages 7 and up on most of our rivers (some options can be 5 years old), and adults of all ages. While we recommend that our guests know how to swim, non-swimmers are free to join us on most trips (with the exception of certain high-water spring trips).
No, even if it’s your first time we have a trip that can work for you.
O.R.E.’s safety record is excellent. That’s because your safety is our number one priority. Running rivers, like other outdoor activities, involves an element of risk. But we work hard to protect your safety and well being. Our guides are trained in river safety and first aid skills. Each trip begins with a thorough safety orientation. Coast Guard Approved life jackets are worn at all times while on the river, and complete first aid and emergency kits are carried on each trip.
Yes, we operate trips even if it is raining. After all, it is whitewater rafting and we enjoy the water. On the rare occasion that conditions warrant it because of safety concerns, O.R.E. will cancel a trip.
Yes, we are unable to accommodate walk-up businesses/customers due to trip planning etc. Day trips can fully book up for the weekends during the summer, so it is best to reserve early. Mid-week trips and spring/fall trips are not as busy.
We provide top-quality professional rafting equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard Approved lifejackets, helmets, and other safety gear.
Your trip fare covers all expenses from the time we meet until the time we say goodbye. Tents, sleeping bags, pads, waterproof river bags and boxes for your personal gear, and transportation to and from the river from a designated meeting place is included.
We also provide outstanding, freshly prepared meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last. Juice, coffee, and tea are provided. Complimentary wine is provided with dinners.
Our meals vary depending on trip length, river, time of year, and the needs and preferences of our guests. But all are high quality, healthful, delicious, and freshly prepared by our guides.
Perishable fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products are packed on ice. After each meal, dishes, utensils, and cookware are cleaned using an approved four-step dishwashing system, including a sterilizing rinse.
Sample Menu – a Day on the River
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Our menus are designed to enable us to accommodate a variety of medical dietary restrictions as well as personal dietary preferences. Our meals are prepared on the river rather than pre-made, so it is typically easy for us to prepare portions on the side that lack (for instance) onions you may be allergic to, or meat for those who are vegetarian or vegan.
If you have specific dietary needs or preferences then please let us know. And feel free to call or email us if you have any questions about meals.
Vegans and Vegetarians: All of our menus include ample fresh fruits and vegetables. When our guests let us know that they are vegetarian or vegan we can add hummus, tofu, and other protein sources to our meals. Also, meals that normally include animal or dairy products will be prepared so that separate portions are available without these ingredients.
Food allergies (including nut, gluten, and dairy): Meals will be prepared so that side dishes are available that avoid these items. As appropriate we will also provide substitutes such as soy milk or gluten-free bread, snacks, and pasta.
Youthful preferences: Children can be picky eaters. So we are happy to provide kid-friendly meal options upon request such as hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches. In addition, peanut butter and jelly is always available.
Beverages: Water is always available, and juice is available in camp and at lunch each day. Coffee as well as hot water for tea and hot chocolate is available in camp, and fruit juices are served in the mornings with breakfast. We are happy to serve wine complementary with dinner. This wine comes from our friends and partners at Goose Ridge Winery. We feature their Cascadian Outfitters label on our trips.
You are welcome to bring soda, beer, additional wine, spirits, or other drinks, and we will endeavor to keep these on ice for you as needed. Please avoid glass containers when possible.
Please note that our policies vary for day trips and multi-day trips. See below.
O.R.E. rarely cancels a trip, but we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule due to water level fluctuations, insufficient reservations, or other factors beyond our control. If we cancel, we’ll refund your fees in full, but we cannot reimburse you for other travel expenses you may have incurred.
A deposit, payable by check, or credit or debit card, confirms your reservation. Deposit amounts are $200 per person for all overnight/multi-day trips. Lodge trips may require an additional deposit. (Exception: Full payment is required at the time of reservation if less than 30 days remain before the trip begins.)
FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE 60 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR MULTI-DAY TRIP.
Cancellations, Transfers, and Refunds:
Please notify us as soon as possible if you find it necessary to cancel your reservation. Because we lose the ability to sell reserved spaces to other individuals or groups, we strictly adhere to the following policies:
(Rogue lodge and camp/lodge trips may incur additional cancellation fees if they are levied by one or more of the lodges.)
Yes! We partner with a local guide and offer this as an option for those looking to fish along their trip. Click here for more details, and be sure to read below for information regarding fishing license requirements.
You will need to check the local fishing regulations as we operate in many different river locations. You will need a fishing license for the state that you are in. Both Idaho and Oregon offer daily passes and annual for in-state and out-of-state residents. Youth ages 12 and under in Oregon and 14 in Idaho do not require a license.
You will be able to fish from campsites and at lunchtime, but we cannot guarantee that you will be able to fish from the rafts while we are moving downriver. If you’re interested in having a fishing guide and an assigned raft for fishing let us know, we may be able to arrange on request.
Plan a perfect river excursion with all the right information at your fingertips. Learn about our stunning locales, explore our detailed gear book, or reach out with any other questions so we can make your trip as smooth as possible.
With mellow white water and stunning desert canyons, the Wild & Scenic John Day River trip is our most relaxing multi-day trip. The easy days on the water, wide open beaches for camping, excellent fishing, and room to explore make this perfect for your family's first rafting trip and those wanting to try a new watercraft on a row-your-own cataraft.
The Wild & Scenic Rogue River canyon is an enchanting blend of lush forests, fern grottos, beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waterfalls, lovely side streams, and cool clear swimming holes. The river boasts 35+ mainly Level III white water rafting rapids over 42 miles, in addition to historical sights, hikes, and peaceful riverside greens. This idyllic white water canyon provides our longest river rafting season from May through September.
The Lower Salmon River is the quintessential Pacific Northwest river rafting adventure that is perfect for families with kids. Known as the famous "River of No Return," it is the biggest river O.R.E. runs and many of our clients have said it's our most exciting trip. The river is in the second deepest canyon in North America, is the longest completely free-flowing, undammed river in the lower 48 states, and holds a wealth of history along its storied banks.
Our office is open 7 days a week during the months of April–October from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are available for reservations and customer support during these hours. During the months of November-March are open Monday through Friday.
Oregon River Experiences offers trips launching from various points across Oregon. Detailed departure information for each river trip can be found on our individual trip pages.
1978-2024 Copyright © Oregon River Experiences. – All Rights Reserved. O.R.E. is an equal opportunity recreation service provider. O.R.E. operates under special-use permits granted by the U.S.F.S., B.L.M, O.S.M.B & I.O.G.L.B