CURRENT CONDITIONS
52° F
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
Wallowa & Grande Ronde Rivers
ACTIVITIES
With a cluster of Wild & Scenic Rivers in neighboring northeast Oregon, a trip down the river is a truly magical experience. The Wallowa River is designated as a Wild & Scenic River from the confluence of the Minam River and Wallowa River near Minam Store all the way to its meeting with the Grand Ronde River, which also boasts that designation. This 40 mile stretch of river heaven offers up countless beautiful and relaxing sites, from wildlife to geology to the sweet smells of blooming vegetation. One thing is for sure–you won’t see a road or think about a thing beyond the canyon walls.
Overview
- Distance:
- Within 1.5 Hours
- ADA:
- No
- Elevation:
- 3,504 feet
- Multi Use:
- N/A
- Seasons:
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Pets:
- No
- Motorized Vehicles:
- N/A
- Fees:
- There are no fees to park and launch a personal raft; however, if interested in a guided trip, please reach out directly to the outfitter.
- Land Manager:
- Wild & Scenic River, State Scenic Waterways, Oregon State Parks, Umatilla National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service
- Permits:
- Valid Oregon fishing license (if fishing). Fishing licenses are available online via the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife or can be purchased at Minam Store. To use the river, a self-issue boating permit is required for every boating party. These permits are free of charge and available at all major access points.
- Amenities:
- There is a vault toilet at Minam Station Day-Use Area.
- Distance:
- Within 1.5 Hours
- Seasons:
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Elevation:
- 3,504 feet
- Pets:
- No
- Fees:
- There are no fees to park and launch a personal raft; however, if interested in a guided trip, please reach out directly to the outfitter.
- Land Manager:
- Wild & Scenic River, State Scenic Waterways, Oregon State Parks, Umatilla National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service
- ADA:
- No
- Multi Use:
- N/A
- Motorized Vehicles:
- N/A
- Permits:
- Valid Oregon fishing license (if fishing). Fishing licenses are available online via the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife or can be purchased at Minam Store. To use the river, a self-issue boating permit is required for every boating party. These permits are free of charge and available at all major access points.
WHAT TO DO
Fishing
A nationally renowned sport fishery, the Wallowa and Grande Ronde rivers enjoy wild and hatchery stock runs of spring Chinook, fall Chinook, summer steelhead and rainbow trout. Whether wading into the gentle, slower flows of fall or braving the faster, snow-fed waters of spring, this area is sure to challenge even seasoned fishermen. Guided tours are available from various outfitters in the area, including Minam Store and Joining Waters, if you like to fish but perhaps don’t feel as comfortable in a raft.
Remember, fishing regulations are highly specific and based on location and species. Please always consult the latest information available from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Kayaking/ Rafting
Depending on your skill and comfort level, these rivers boast class II and, at times, class III rapids, so guided trips are not mandatory. Put in at the Minam Station Day-Use Area near Minam Store. There are five named rapids: Minam Roller (II), House Rock Drop or Red Rock (II), Vincent Falls (II+), Sheep Creek Rapids (II+), and Martin’s Misery (II+).
From the day-use area, the Wallowa River meets the Grand Ronde River roughly 10 miles downstream. The first take out opportunity is 38 miles from the day-use area on the Grand Ronde River at Wildcat Bridge also known as Powwatka Bridge (2-3 day float trip). Paddle another 7.5 miles to the town of Troy and the confluence of the Grand Ronde River and Wenaha River.
If you still aren’t ready to leave the river, continue another 19 miles on the Grand Ronde River to Boggan’s Oasis in Washington. It is possible to float all the way to the Snake River if you are up for the challenge (all 91 miles). Note that the Narrows is a class IV or class V rapid a few bends upstream near the confluence with the Snake River and take out at Heller Bar.
This float can last two or three days based on how much you want to play along the way. If you aren’t familiar with the river, the guided option is the way to go. We’ve worked with Minam Store guides to gain familiarity with the area and learn more about rafting.
It is a great river to really relax and enjoy with the family, look for wildlife, and learn a lot about navigating the river for future trips.
Consult the Bureau of Land Management website for agency information.
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHEN TO GO
HOW TO GET THERE
map
TRAILHEADS
LOWER TRAILHEAD
UPPER TRAILHEAD
DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF
DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF
ADDTIONAL INFORMATION
Wallowa & Grande Ronde Rivers Gallery
CHECKOUT MORE OF THE SITE
Activity
ACTIVITY
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