CURRENT CONDITIONS
52° F
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
Wallowa River
ACTIVITIES
The Wallowa River is an excellent first rafting or kayaking experience–you might say it is a great way to get your feet wet in the water sport world. Choose a five or ten mile trip and experience a steady flow with little rapids to navigate. Though not as remote as the Wild & Scenic River section of the Wallowa River, as the river hugs the road, it is still a great trip for families or folks just wanting to spend a little time on the river without a multi-day commitment. Don’t let the proximity of the road deter–it is one of Oregon’s Scenic Byways. The scenery is just as gorgeous. Wave at a fellow outdoor enthusiasts traveling down the road, and you just might inspire someone to give the river a try.
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 River enjoys wild and hatchery stock runs of spring Chinook, fall Chinook, summer steelhead and rainbow trout. The Wallowa River is open year-round for trout, which includes brook trout, brown trout, and hatchery rainbow trout. 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.
Consult the Bureau of Land Management page for agency information.
Kayaking/ Rafting
This is a lovely section of the Wallowa River for kayakers and rafters alike. Because of the steep gradient of the river, the water flows quite well, keeping boats moving at an enjoyable pace. There are no named rapids to speak of on this stretch, perhaps take advantage of that fact and accomplish a little bird watching or fishing.
There are two main put in spots: Lower Diamond Lane and Johnson Timber Wayside (Johnson Wayside). The Lower Diamond Lane location is about a ten mile float, while the Johnson Wayside is a roughly five mile float.
Take out at the Minam State Recreation Area (boat ramp) or Minam State Recreation Area (campground) further down river. Remember, once you pass the recreation area campground, it is a remote journey suitable for multi-day rafting trips (not kayaks without supplies).
Consult the Bureau of Land Management page for agency information.
Camping
Minam State Recreation Area is located on the Wallowa River. If seeking a multi-day trip, there are several dispersed campsites as you make your way down river past the Minam State Recreation Area.
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 River Gallery
CHECKOUT MORE OF THE SITE
Activity
ACTIVITY
DISTANCE
