River Rafting in Rome, Oregon

Named for towering rhyolite cliffs which reminded early settlers of the ruined temples of Rome, Italy, the town of Rome in Oregon is a frequented site for outdoor enthusiasts who come to hike or bike the scenic multicolored desert. A favorite place for rafters to begin or end multi-day journeys on the Owyhee River, Rome's whitewater action draws visitors from around the globe each spring and summer.

  1. History

    • Home to Native Americans for thousands of years before European settlers arrived in the area, petryglyphs and granaries dot the canyonlands of the high desert surrounding the river. The river is named to commemorate three Hawaiians who lost their lives exploring the waters' fishing and trapping potential in the early 1800's, with "Owyhee" reflecting an early American spelling of "Hawaii."

    Season

    • Although the river may be run throughout the year when water levels permit, the primary season is from March to April when spring runoff swell rapids for recreational use. Days may be scorching even this early in the year, or drop to near-freezing levels with the occasional snowflurry possible. Heavy rainfall during late April and May can make driving your vehicle to dropoff or pickup sites nearly impassable.

    Features

    • Desolate, roadless canyons necessitate rafters to provide their own food, water and first aid for the length of the trip. Yet the remoteness provides opportunity to hike side canyons filled with petroglyphs and granaries that have remained untouched for thousands of years. Hot springs proximate to the river are a soothing way to relax tired muscles from navigating the challenging rapids that punctuate the majestic riparian scenery. River otters, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles are but three species of abundant wildlife to be seen along the way.

    Lower Owyhee: Rome to Leslie Gulch

    • The most-traveled section of the Owyhee River, permits are required and may be obtained at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office in Rome. The gentle waters of the journey's first five miles gives opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty before serving up solid Class III rapids such as the aptly named Bulls-eye and Upset. Pristine springs, multicolored pinnacles and canyons, bubbling hot springs and petroglyphs along the way are great reasons to allow plenty of time in your itinerary.

    Upper Owyhee: Three Forks to Rome

    • Challenging pool-drop rapids of the Class III to V variety will delight the experienced whitewater enthusiast. The dirt road to the put-in can become sloppy during rainy or snowy weather, making a full-day trip by itself. However, once afloat on the river, a class IV ledge-drop in the first mile followed by a long rock garden quickly makes it worth the effort. Pools of hot springs, riverside petroglyphs, and a dramatic cave suitable for camping are but a few of the riverside delights interspersing the class IV and V hydraulics of the Upper Owyhee. Permits are available at the BLM office in Rome or at the Three Forks put-in.