Grande Ronde

Location: Southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon (about 220 miles east of Portland).

Length of trips: 45 to 90 miles in three to five days.

Season: April through September, although the water is often too low for rafts and dories after late July. The water flow usually peaks in May and again in late September. Crowded on summer weekends and holidays.

Weather: April is usually wet and cold, although it can be sunny and warm. The weather is variable in May, with daytime temperatures ranging from 50° to 70°F, but there aren’t any crowds, and wildlife and wildflowers are plentiful. June brings occasional wet spells and temperatures up to 90°; the water warms up into the 50s or low 60s. August temperatures can soar above 100°, but it’s dry and the water is perfect for swimming. The crowds disappear in early August. Be ready for showers in September, when daytime temperatures range from 65° to 95°.

Lodging: Excellent wooded campsites on the upper part of the river; desert campsites on the lower.

Boats: Dories, kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Nothing higher than Class III, except for the Class III to IV Narrows. Cold, fairly clear water.

Special features:

  • One of the most scenic river trips in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Deep, forested canyon punctuated by bizarre basalt formations known as hoodoos on the upper portion; high desert scenery on the lower section.
  • Attracted by the abundant wildlife and relatively mild winters, Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indians wintered along here.
  • Bighorn sheep, elk, black bears, beavers, white-tailed deer, mule deer, river otters, rattlesnakes, bald eagles, ospreys, geese.
  • Trout fishing from dories (steelhead in March and April, rainbow in June and July).
  • Wide variety of early and late wildflowers.
  • Swimming from late June through September.
  • Wilderness solitude, except on holidays and summer weekends.
  • Suitable for seniors in good physical condition, families, and first-time rafters, except during high water.

Nearby excursions:

  • Wallowa Mountains (Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowa Lake).
  • Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
  • Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Area.

For a list of outfitters and river information:

  • USDA Forest Service, Walla Walla Ranger District, Umatilla National Forest, 1415 West Rose Street, Walla Walla, Washington 99362; +1 509 522 6277 or +1 509 522 6290, fax +1 509 522 6000. Try to book at least several weeks in advance. A river guide is available for a small fee.

For more information:

  • Bureau of Land Management, Baker Resource Area, P.O. Box 987, Baker City, Oregon 98714; +1 541 523 1256, fax +1 541 523 1285.
  • Oregon Tourism Commission, 775 Summer Street N.E., Salem, Oregon 97310; +1 503 986 0000 or 800 547 7842, fax +1 503 986 0001.
  • Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, 88401 Highway 82, Enterprise, Oregon 97828; +1 509 758 1957, fax +1 541 426 5522.
  • Hells Canyon story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, March/April 1993. To order a copy, please click here.

 
 
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