Trip Details

For the Owyhee River

Meeting Place: Rome Cafe in Rome, OR
Meeting Time: 9:00 AM on your trip start date

ECHO provides the following as part of your trip:

Transportation from the river back to Rome
5 days of rafting on the Owyhee River
All on-river meals
Camp chair
Tent (by request)
Freshly laundered sleeping bag and pad (by request)
Waterproof bags for your personal gear
ECHO cup, utensils and plate

You are responsible for:

Meals and lodging before and after your trip
Personal clothing and other miscellaneous items
Guide gratuities (see below)

How to Get There

If You Fly The nearest airport is in Boise, ID (115 miles from Rome). Owyhee River Shuttle Service can drive you from Boise to Rome for $200 for up to 8 people. Their phone number is (541) 586-2352. You may also rent a car at the airport.

If You Drive We meet at the Rome Cafe and RV Park in Rome, Oregon. Rome is tiny outpost located on Hwy 95 in the remote southeast corner of the state between Burns Junction and Jordan Valley. We will bring you back to Rome at the end of the trip. If you prefer, you may arrange to have your vehicle shuttled to take-out.

Where to Stay and Eat

Make reservations well in advance. ECHO does not make reservations or cover the cost of your room. Prices are based on double occupancy.

There are plenty of places to camp in Rome. If you would like to stay in a motel and eat at a restaurant the night before your trip you’ll want to stay in Jordan Valley and drive 32 miles to Rome the morning of your trip and meet us at 9:00 AM.

In Rome

Rome Café & RV Park: (541) 586-2294. Very basic cabins, campground, RV hookups and airstrip.
BLM Launch site has unimproved campsites with pit toilets.

In Jordan Valley (32 miles East of Rome):

Basque Station Motel: (541) 586-2244
Sahara Motel: (541) 586-2501
Basque Inn: (541) 586-2800
J.V. Café: (541) 586-2922

Burns, Oregon is 105 miles west of Rome and has a number of hotels to choose from (not to be confused with Burns Junction).

Boise, Idaho is the closest city, and airport.

Trip Outline

We cover 48-65 miles with time for hiking and exploring. Most Owyhee River trips usually have a layover day.

The Morning of your Trip At 9 AM your head guide will meet you in front of the Rome Cafe. Look for him or her (wearing an ECHO hat or T shirt) in the parking lot or inside the store. Come to the meeting point dressed in your river clothes. Final preparations (loading your waterproof bags onto boats and a safety talk) will take about an hour. Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast before your trip.

On the River The pace of your river trip is very dependent on the water level! You will usually spend four to five hours a day on the river. Breakfast is served about 8 AM and you are on the water by about 10 AM. There will be a stop mid-day for lunch and maybe some short hikes. We set up camp in the late afternoon, allowing time to hike and relax before we serve dinner. If you are new to camping the guides will be happy to help you.

After the Trip The trip ends in the early afternoon of the last day. At this time you say good-bye to your guides (except your head guide) and board a van, which will return you and your gear to Rome. The van trip takes about two to three hours, arriving back in Rome by late afternoon (around 4 to 5 PM). It's a beautiful but windy drive: those prone to carsickness may want to be prepared with Dramamine.

Your Personal Responsibility

We handle trip logistics, provide the food and rafting equipment, and make sure that you have knowledgeable and well-trained guides. We see to it that you are comfortable and that you see the Owyhee's special places. However, we do have some expectations of you:

1. We expect that you will bring adequate clothing, based on the information we have provided (What to Bring), and that your sleeping bag, pad, and personal gear will fit the size requirements of our waterproof bags (17' diameter by 32' tall).

2. We ask that you approach your trip with an open mind for adventure and discovery.

Additional Information

Fishing The Owyhee is a popular fishing destination for those willing
to make the trek. The upper stretches in Idaho are known as a blue ribbon trout stream, and anglers may find rainbows, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. However, be warned that fishing can be challenging when the river is high. If you do wish to try your luck, be sure to obtain a valid license. Oregon fishing licenses may be purchased at Oregon sporting good stores. We recommend collapsible poles for ease in packing.

Guides Our guides have a deep appreciation for the rivers we run and want you to enjoy your trip with them. They are happy to help you if you are an inexperienced camper or have questions about the river. ECHO guides are accomplished in outdoor skills, and extensively trained in first aid and CPR. In addition, the guides are mature, interesting people we think you'll enjoy. The Oregon State Marine Board licenses all guides in Idaho. In addition, the guides are mature, interesting people we think you’ll enjoy.

Gratuities We are often asked if tipping is appropriate. Tips are certainly appreciated by our guides. Tips normally range from 5% to 10% of the trip cost. Whether and how much you tip should depend on your satisfaction with the trip, your feelings about tipping, and your financial means. At the end of the trip guests usually give their tip to the head guide, who will split it equally among the crew.

Equipment ECHO provides boats, life jackets, waterproof bags, and a limited number of waterproof boxes (7' x 11' x 5.5') for cameras and binoculars. We recommend you bring a ziplock plastic bag as a liner for your camera and purchase camera insurance, or better yet, a disposable waterproof camera. ECHO also provides cups, plates, eating utensils, and camp chairs.

Meals and Alcohol ECHO provides all meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. We specialize in creative and delicious meals, and excellent Dutch oven cookery. Guides will prepare your meals using a variety of fresh foods. Vegetarian and medically restricted diets will gladly be accommodated with advance notice. Fruit juice and water are available with every meal, wine is often served with dinner, and coffee, tea, and cocoa are available at breakfast and dinner.

In camp, beer and sodas are provided (up to two cans per person per day). Additional beverages may be brought but must be in unbreakable containers. For your safety, drinking of alcoholic beverages on the river during the day is not allowed.

Environmental Concerns Depending on where the group camps, we will be using port-a-potties or outhouses. While not like the comforts of home, when setting up toilet facilities, we are conscious of privacy needs as well as environmental impact. To protect the river, we carry out all trash and use no soap in the river. The guides will instruct you in simple procedures that minimize the impact of our group on the canyon, and we ask for your cooperation.

Cancellations and Travel Insurance We strictly adhere to our cancellation policies as explained on your (or your group organizer's) invoice.

Trip capacity is strictly regulated by law and your reservation may mean we cannot sell space to others. Because of this, Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. It will reimburse you if you make a late cancellation because of illness or an illness in the family. Otherwise you are welcome to find a friend to replace you. Call if you did not receive a Travel Insurance form or a copy of ECHO's cancellation policy and would like one.

Registration Form & Health Information Rafting trips are not strenuous, but you should be in good health. If there are any medical considerations (such as allergies, heart conditions, etc.) or dietary restrictions we should know about, please put them on the registration form or call us. We ask that you return the form to our office well in advance of your trip.

Area Attractions While you're here, why not explore what the region has to offer. The area has many points of historical, cultural, and environmental interest. Visit SouthernOregon.com for more information about the area.

Anything Else? Please contact our office if you have any questions about your trip. Once you are on the river, our guides will be happy to answer questions or assist you. We welcome any suggestions you have and want you to enjoy your river trip.