Hells Canyon Paddles and Saddles
(The ride and raft combination)

Paddles and Saddles: Whitewater Rafting and Horse Packing Combo Adventure
Where: Snake River in Hells Canyon and Eagle Cap Wilderness Area in the Wallowa Mountains
How Long: 4 days 3 nights on river, 3 days 2 nights in Mountains, 2 nights in B&B Joseph, OR
Launch Dates: June 8th, 16th July 10th, 26th August 3rd, 19th September 4th (These dates are somewhat flexible depending on whether you choose to raft or ride first.)
Who: Great for anyone (ages 7 and up) with the spirit of adventure. No previous experience needed.
Cost: $2000 Adult/ $1600 Youth.

Explore Hells Canyon and the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, the deepest canyon in North America, on this unique expedition. Winding Waters is teaming up with Del Sol Wilderness Adventures to offer this opportunity to combine whitewater rafting and horse packing in one incredible 7 day adventure. This expedition is suitable for all ability levels. You don't need any prior rafting or horse riding experience to enjoy this once in a lifetime expedition. This is an all inclusive expedition, beginning and ending in Joseph, OR. After 4 days of rafting through Hells Canyon, you will be picked up at Dug Bar a remote airstrip by the areas finest bush pilot, Joe Spence of Spence Aviation. Your short flight will take you back to Joseph, Oregon where the Winding Waters van will be waiting to transport you back to the B & B for an evening in town, before heading out for the your horse packing adventure the next day.

Trip Itinerary:

Day 0 Arrival Day: Arrive in beautiful Joseph, Oregon and check into the Chandlers Inn B&B where lodging is included in your trip cost. 6:00pm Pre-trip meeting at the Chandlers Inn. Meet your river guides and make final preparations for the next day's journey.

Day 1 Launch Day: Breakfast will be served at 6:45am by Syd and Lisa at the Chandlers Inn B&B. The WWRE van will pick you up for a 7:30am departure. On the drive over to Hells Canyon Dam we will stop at Scotty's market giving you an opportunity to purchase an Oregon Fishing License if you need one. Upon arrival at the boat launch we will have a brief safety discussion, launching the rafts around 11:00am. Lunch will be served riverside. We will arrive in camp by 4pm, after running some of the canyons biggest rapids Wild Sheep and Granite, visiting a pictograph site and catching a fish or two. There is always time in camp to relax, swim, paint, take a hike, play Bocce ball and to just soak up the inspiring scene.

Day 2 River Day: The Morning routine: Coffee, tea and juice will be served by 7:00am and breakfast by 8:00am. After Breakfast we will break camp and be back on the river by 10:00am. Today we will have many great rapids to run including Bernard Creek, Waterspout, Bills, and Rush Creek. There will also be opportunities to take a hike to Suicide point and to the Historic Bernard Creek Cabin and Pictograph site. Lunch will again be river side with our arrival in camp by 4:00pm. Another wonderful evening around the campfire.

Day 3 River Day: Morning routine. Get ready for another beautiful day on the river. Today we will visit the Historic Kirkwood Ranch. We will notice a change in the canyon today as we pass in to the narrowest and steepest section. The canyon seems to crowd in upon us with cliffs rising as far up as the eye can see. Lunch will be served riverside with our arrival at Tryon creek camp by 4:00pm. Enjoy our last evening on the river.

Day 4 Fly to Joseph, stay at B&B : Morning Routine will remain the same today. Continue rafting, and fishing our way down to Dug Bar, the historic site of the Nez Pierce River Crossing. After Lunch at Dug Bar you will meet Joe Spence for your flight back to Joseph, OR and the B&B. You will have the opportunity to take a shower, explore the quaint town of Joseph have a meal in town and sleep in a bed before departing on your Eagle Cap Wilderness Horseback adventure in the Morning.

Day 5 Begin Horse Pack: Breakfast at Chandlers B&B. Meet Horse packers in the AM after breakfast. Today you will become acquainted with your new mode of Transportation. The Del Sol Crew will make you feel right at home on one of their well trained horses. You will begin your ride up the Lostine River Canyon with your destination being The Beautiful Lakes Basin Lunch will be served upon arrival in the deluxe wilderness horse camp. Once in Camp, you will become well acquainted with Bob "The Cook". You will love his Dutch oven mastery.

Day 6 Full day ride/hike: : Morning Routine. Today you will have some flexibility. You will have many options on how to spend your day in the Wilderness. You could choose to ride the horses up to Mirror Lake and begin a hike up to the summit of Eagle Cap Mountain, go fishing, relax by the calm waters of one of the many beautiful mountain lakes of the Lakes Basin or some combination of all of these things.

Day 7 Morning Ride: Morning Routine. Take time for a morning ride or hike and depart camp by 11am. Ride to trailhead. Arrival at Chandlers B&B by 3 or 4pm. We recommend spending at least one extra day in Joseph as there are many beautiful sites and adventures you can enjoy from town. If you do plan on spending an extra day be sure to make arrangements with Syd and Lisa at Chandlers so they have a room reserved for you.

Contact Us to start your adventure today.

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