Taste of Wallowa County: Food, Floats, Place and People

The Day Before Your Trip

The evening before your trip meet at our boathouse in scenic Joseph, OR at 6 pm. You will meet your trip leader as well as the other rafters on your trip. This is a great opportunity to ask any last minute questions and check out our Boathouse Shop. After a trip overview, your trip leader  will pass out dry bags (waterproof river bags) for you to pack your belongings into that evening.

Day 1

Meet at 7 AM for a quick breakfast then, head to the river—the drive takes approximately 3 hours with a bathroom stop.  Once at the river, you will meet the rest of the guides and hand off your large "overnight" dry bag to the gear-team. After a safety talk we will load up into to the rafts, and river time begins!

You will have the opportunity to choose which raft suits your fancy throughout the trip and we encourage trying out all the options! Work as a team in the paddle raft, or sit back and take in the views in one of our oar-boats affectionately nicknamed "relaxy-taxis."  

Our first day on the river sets the pattern of the trip.  We float downriver together while the guides share stories about the canyon, teach you about reading water, or engage in the occasional water fight—everyone willing of course!  Sometimes we pull over for an interpretive stop, a short hike, or swimming opportunity. There is always time for a snack, refilling water bottles or a bathroom break.

After a short float we pull over for lunch, let the gastro-delights begin! While Chef Ben Bettinger makes magic happen you can play in the river, get to know your fellow river runners, and take in the views. After lunch we will get back on the rafts to travel deeper into the canyon together.

Sometime between mid and late afternoon, we will round a bend to discover camp and the gear-team. When we arrive there is short period of unloading things from the rafts before an orientation and walk-through of camp.  In every camp there will be: a "living room," kitchen,  sleeping area, and "groover" or bathroom. In the "living room" you will find shade wings, tables, camp chairs, a beverage station complete with ice cold water, and even a library! The gear-team strives to have your tents set up prior to your arrival. Nearby you will find your personal overnight dry bags, cots, and sleeping pads.  Weather dependent, we encourage you to sleep outside under the stars at least one night of the trip! Groover location requires two things: a good view and privacy—don't worry, we pack a groover tent, in the event nature doesn't supply the latter.  

While you settle into camp the Ben and the guides will created a fabulous feast!  Evenings and nights in camp are largely a choose your own adventure experience. Circle together for stories, songs, or lessons about the stars. Settle in somewhere to read a book or listen to the quiet wisdom of the water and rest well with the knowledge you will wake with the canyon in the morning.

Day 2

Each morning tea, hot chocolate, and our very own Winding Waters' coffee blend will be waiting for you. Relax into the early morning while the guides make breakfast.  After eating, pack up your bags and get ready for the day. If you're willing, assist with taking down your tent and bringing things to the rafts. Once everything is packed, load up into your desired raft and downriver we go!

Hells Canyon is well known for being the deepest canyon in the lower 48 states. Together we will float through towering walls, and the splashy rapids of Whitewater alley.  Many people have lived in this canyon of deep shade dating as far back as 15,000 years. While we travel downriver you will learn about the Indigenous peoples, Chinese miners, ranchers, herders and  rafters whom have called Hells Canyon home. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as eagles, otters,  mountain goats, deer, osprey, big horn sheep, black bears or the rare sturgeon breaching the river's surface. If you're quick you may even spot coyote slinking over the rim.

After another mouthwatering lunch several inflatable kayaks will be available for those seeking a personal paddling experience. Paddle hard because you know Chef Ben will whip up some seriously finger-licking good dinner fare!

Day 3

Although today we will say farewell, there is still much to do! An optional 20 minute hike up to Suicide point provides stunning views up canyon.  Wiggle your toes into the green grass of Historic Kirkwood Ranch and museum, and if the time is right snack on seasonal fruit!

After yet another fantastic lunch bid farewell to the guides. They will continue down canyon to take out the rafts. Load up onto the jet boat with Ben for an exciting ride up river! Then relax for the car ride back to the boathouse and your vehicles.