OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Wallowa & Grande Ronde Rivers

Rafting the Grande Ronde River (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)

ACTIVITIES

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(Fishing, Rivers & Streams, Water Sports, Kayaking, Rafting)

Overview

Summary

With a cluster of Wild & Scenic Rivers in neighboring northeast Oregon, a trip down the river is a truly magical experience. The Wallowa River is designated as a Wild & Scenic River from the confluence of the Minam River and Wallowa River near Minam Store all the way to its meeting with the Grand Ronde River, which also boasts that designation. This 40 mile stretch of river heaven offers up countless beautiful and relaxing sites, from wildlife to geology to the sweet smells of blooming vegetation. One thing is for sure–you won’t see a road or think about a thing beyond the canyon walls.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Plan on at least a two day trip if beginning your float prior to the Wallowa and Grande Ronde confluence. There are primitive campsites along the river that are first-come...

Plan on at least a two day trip if beginning your float prior to the Wallowa and Grande Ronde confluence. There are primitive campsites along the river that are first-come first-serve. Regulations require fire pan usage to prevent wildfires and portable toilet use. With approximately 50,000 visitors to the Minam Station Day-Use Area per year, everyone must do their part to minimize our collective impact.

Whatever your expectation for the journey–communal/ solitary, planned/ wild–there is a trip for you. The Minam Store partners with wineries and restaurateurs in the valley for a more catered and elevated experience.

Amenities
There is a vault toilet at Minam Station Day-Use Area.

Regulations
Every boating party is required to carry and use a portable toilet suitable for the size of the group. All open fires much be contained in a fire pan, and ash and charcoal must be packed out with other garbage. See the bulletin boards for updated information at all major access points.

Wildlife Awareness
We are all so fortunate to recreate in the Blue Mountains and Walla Walla Valley. So many opportunities exist to play outside, whether in a national forest, wilderness area, or on a Wild and Scenic River. With these opportunities comes great responsibility to appreciate that we are mere visitors and should all take pride in being good stewards of the wild.

Many animals call these protected places home, including moose, elk, bear, cougar, bobcat, and snakes to name a few. Take precautions to respect their home and understand the appropriate response should an encounter occur.

Additionally, many plant species thrive in the Blue Mountains, so staying on trail is always good practice.

Carry First Aid supplies to better respond to accidents or encounters, and always let others know where the day’s adventure is taking you.

Field Notes
Pets: In general, pets are allowed on a leash and under control throughout jurisdictions. The only restrictions we have encountered are around swimming areas. As a best practice, be mindful of riparian habitat in general. You never know where a precious spawning area might be located. Pack it in and pack it out applies to your furry friend as well.

Disclaimer: While the Outside Walla Walla team has enjoyed all the adventures listed on this site, we cannot provide real-time conditions & maintenance reports. Extreme weather can change access overnight. Volunteer groups might lose capacity to manage trail systems. We do our best to report that information and update our site accordingly, but please read our Disclaimer (footer) and proceed with any adventure as your comfort level allows.

WHAT TO DO

Fishing

A nationally renowned sport fishery, the Wallowa and Grande Ronde rivers enjoy wild and hatchery stock runs of spring Chinook, fall Chinook, summer steelhead and rainbow trout. Whether wading into the gentle, slower flows of fall or braving the faster, snow-fed waters of spring, this area is sure to challenge even seasoned fishermen. Guided tours are available from various outfitters in the area, including Minam Store and Joining Waters, if you like to fish but perhaps don’t feel as comfortable in a raft.

Remember, fishing regulations are highly specific and based on location and species. Please always consult the latest information available from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Kayaking/ Rafting

Depending on your skill and comfort level, these rivers boast class II and, at times, class III rapids, so guided trips are not mandatory. Put in at the Minam Station Day-Use Area near Minam Store. There are five named rapids: Minam Roller (II), House Rock Drop or Red Rock (II), Vincent Falls (II+), Sheep Creek Rapids (II+), and Martin’s Misery (II+).

From the day-use area, the Wallowa River meets the Grand Ronde River roughly 10 miles downstream. The first take out opportunity is 38 miles from the day-use area on the Grand Ronde River at Wildcat Bridge also known as Powwatka Bridge (2-3 day float trip). Paddle another 7.5 miles to the town of Troy and the confluence of the Grand Ronde River and Wenaha River.

If you still aren’t ready to leave the river, continue another 19 miles on the Grand Ronde River to Boggan’s Oasis in Washington. It is possible to float all the way to the Snake River if you are up for the challenge (all 91 miles). Note that the Narrows is a class IV or class V rapid a few bends upstream near the confluence with the Snake River and take out at Heller Bar.

This float can last two or three days based on how much you want to play along the way. If you aren’t familiar with the river, the guided option is the way to go. We’ve worked with Minam Store guides to gain familiarity with the area and learn more about rafting.

It is a great river to really relax and enjoy with the family, look for wildlife, and learn a lot about navigating the river for future trips.

Consult the Bureau of Land Management website for agency information.

Wallowa & Grande Ronde Rivers Gallery

WHEN TO GO

According to the National Wild & Scenic River Systems website, the river is ready to float from ice breakup in the spring to its freezing up in the fall. That sounds like grounds for a dry-suit. Typically, float trips start...

HOW TO GET THERE

From Walla Walla, take HWY 11 south through Milton-Freewater, OR. Travel another five miles and turn left on Winn Road. Follow this little back road for two miles and then turn left to connect with HWY 204. Continue on HWY...