Oregon Rafting and Kayaking
With 58 Wild and Scenic Rivers, the number of high quality whitewater rafting and kayaking runs in Oregon is staggering. There are numerous eye-popping day-trips to raft and kayak particularly in the Columbia River Gorge. In addition there are some classic multi-day trips in pristine Wilderness Areas throughout the state.
While Rogue River claims the award for most iconic trip in Oregon, the most prized and inaccessible multi-day run goes through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area on the Illinois River. Then there are the eastern Oregon desert rivers like the Owyhee, John Day, and Grand Rhonde.
Surprisingly, the longest and most remote wilderness river trip that can be had in the lower 48 lies in Eastern Oregon. It entails starting high up on one of the tributaries of the Owyhee River and proceeding all the way to the reservoir 250+ miles downstream.
Packrafts have opened a world options in Oregon by making access and portaging much less burdensome.
It’s helpful to keep an eye on the snowpack and forecasted flows.
Classic Multi-day Rafting in Oregon:
Owyheee