Owyhee,

2. Rome to Birch Creek or Leslie Gulch (Lower Owyhee)

Usual Difficulty	I-III+ (may vary with level)
Length	65 Miles
Avg. Gradient	18 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
OWYHEE RIVER NR ROME OR
usgs-13181000	750 - 10000 cfs	I-III+	01h07m	154 cfs (rc= -0.1 )

River Description

Description
The Owyhee's headwaters start in Northern Nevada and flows North through South Eastern Oregon. At the Rome launch site the Owyhee is still a free flowing river therefor its water source is from snowmelt and spring rains. Most parties run the Owyhee as a 5 day trip however shorter and longer trips are possible. As one travels down into this remote canyon the adventures from the river trip and hiking the canyon will bring lessons of Archeology, Geology, American history, and survival in the Eastern Oregon Desert.

DAY ONE

The launch site in Rome is run by the BLM. The ranger has been giving all groups an enviromental and welcome talk prior to parties launching on their trips. He will go over the best ways to accomplish camp tasks along with explaining areas of concern. These talks have been very infomative in the past 5 years and have significanty reduced the impacts in the canyon. Please support this program so we dont loose it in budget cuts.

The first part of the river trip is on a flat meandering Owyhee river through ranch land. The Cliffs of Rome, Jordan Creek, and an old stage coach are the major sites until the river flows into Crooked Canyon.

Archeology
Hiking
Wildlife
Geology

SEASON: The river is typically paddled between March and June with peak flows in March or April. Weather can fluctuate and even dip below freezing. The last two weeks of May are typically the most popular time to paddle this river. Heavy rains can make passage on shuttle road problematic and bring flows up to high levels rather quickly.

DESCRIPTION:

The Vale District of the BLM maintains an Owyhee website with excellent information including a river guide in pdf format, maps, and local contacts for shuttle services. This is a 4 to 6 day trip and the most popular of the runs on the Owyhee. There are numerous class II and III rapids. The first take-out option comes at mile 48 at Birch Creek Ranch--you'll likely want 4WD to reach this point and it may be impassable during periods of heavy rain. If you take-out on the reservoir you'll have 10-12 miles of slackwater before you reach the Leslie Gulch access.

You will need to register your trip at the Rome launch site. They can be reached at 541-586-2612.

For those who want a longer and more challenging trip you can add the Three Forks to Rome and Crutcher's Crossing to Three Forks sections to your trip.