Wallowa/Grande Ronde River

The river corridor between Minam, Oregon, and Heller Bar, Washington includes the lower 10 miles of the Wallowa River and the lower 81 miles of the Grande Ronde river. Public lands in the river corridor are managed by the Umatilla National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and the States of Oregon and Washington.The “upper river” between Minam and Troy consists of dense evergreen forests and grasslands within a terrain of rugged basalt canyons and steep ridges. Sections of the upper rivers have been designated by Congress as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system in recognition of their unique natural character and outstanding resource values. The “middle river” parallels a country road through the remote community of Troy and surrounding ranches as the canyon gradually widens and forested lands yield to open, exposed ridges and rangelands. Below Boggan’s Oasis, the “lower river” is characterized by rocky, exposed, arid canyons containing the traces of ancient peoples and early homesteads amongst several active ranches. The entire river corridor contains unique natural features, spectacular scenery, and a variety of plant and animal life.A typical river trip often begins at Minam, on the Wallowa River, and lasts 2 to 3 days, although shorter or longer trips are possible with proper planning. Other river access points include Wildcat (or Powwatka) Bridge, Mud Creek, Troy, and Boggan’s Oasis.Because the rivers are free-flowing , water level and river character can change suddenly and dramatically. Typical river levels during the primary floating season range between 2,000 and 10,000 c.f.s. (Cubic Feet per Second). High, fast water conditions usually occur in the spring and early summer as warmer temperatures and rainfall melt mountain snow. Shallow, slower conditions typically occur by mid-July and remain through the fall and winter months, with less water and more exposed rocks being common. Boaters are strongly advised to obtain up-to-date river conditions and weather information when planning their trip. Visitors wishing to avoid crowds are advised to plan their trip to avoid all weekends and holidays between May and July.

**NOTE: Fire Restrictions are typically in Place late spring through the summer in the Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic Riverway. Click here to view current temporary Forest Orders and restrictions in place.