Grande Ronde River

Wild & Scenic Rafting and Trout/Steelhead Fishing

Quick Trip Details

Float Northeast Oregon's Hidden Gem

Rafting Trip Length: 1 to 3 days
Class Rapids: II
Ability Levels: Perfect for beginners to experienced rafters
All Trips Include: Pre-Trip Lodging* and Round-Trip Transportation
(*multi-day trips only)
Whitewater Rafting Season: May through mid-July
Fishing Season: Steelhead (Spring & Fall), Rainbow Trout (Summer)
Pre-Trip Meeting Place: Joseph, Oregon
Ages: 5 and up
Closest Airports: Lewiston, ID (2 hrs from Joseph) or Boise, ID (4 hrs from Joseph)

Grande Ronde River Rafting and Fly Fishing Trips The Grande Ronde is a scenic river with class II rapids ideal for rafting vacations. Fed by the melting snows of the Elkhorn and Wallowa Mountain Ranges, the Grande Ronde River curves 185 miles through northeastern Oregon, then into Washington where it eventually flows into the Snake River. Its clear water flows through steep volcanic canyons composed of horizontal basalt ledges, which alternate with grassy and forested slopes of predominantly Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-fir. The majority of the 39 mile stretch of river we float on multi-day trips has been designated Wild and Scenic. This river corridor is home to a large variety of wildlife, including Moose, Bald Eagles, Common Mergansers, Mule Deer, elk, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, and a multitude of songbirds.

The Grande Ronde is a healthy fishery with abundant rainbow trout, Steelhead, and smallmouth bass. There are many opportunities to wet a line if you so choose. If you're interested, please inquire about our guided fly fishing experiences.

Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde is unique for many reasons. The first being the dry fly action that can be experienced in October and the second being the lack of crowds. In late October and early November the water gets so low that it can be a challenge to navigate a loaded gear boat through the shallow waters of the 38 miles of roadless wild and scenic river between Minam and Troy. This keeps the crowds away. Our guides have figured out how to get their heavy boats down there enabling us to access these amazing Grande Ronde River Steelhead runs and have them to ourselves. Join us for a fully guide trip or the unique Supported Steelhead Expedition!