Whitewater Packraft - Grande Ronde River

Meet Wednesday evening, June 5, at the Minam Recreation Area Campground. Put in Thursday morning, June 6, at boat launch on the left bank of the Wallowa River in Minam. Take out on Sunday, June 9 at Boggan’s Oasis.

Overview

Starting at Minam, we’ll run the lower 10 miles of the Wallowa River and then 56 miles of the Grande Ronde River, taking out at Boggan’s Oasis. Between Minam and Troy, the river winds through a basalt canyon with a dense coniferous forest and abundant, pleasant campsites. Between Troy and Boggan’s Oasis the canyon walls become steeper and drier, and a rural road and ranches flank the river. We may see wildlife including bighorn sheep, elk, and deer.

Without traffic, the drive from Seattle to the take-out at Boggan’s Oasis is about 6:00 h or about 5:45 to Minam. The drive between Boggan's and Minam is about 1:30 h. At the currently projected flows, the river velocity would be about 4 – 5 mph.

On the River

The Grande Ronde has several class III rapids which consist mainly of large wave trains that are relatively easy to descend in packrafts.  At lower water flows, some of the rapids can become more technical, but for our trip dates flows are projected to be moderate.  Some of the class III rapids can be portaged. Participants should anticipate paddling most of the class III rapids. The American Whitewater description provides detail.

Expenses

These estimated trip expenses will be shared:

• Individual carpools can chose to use a commercial shuttle service (approximately $200) or to set up the shuttle themselves on Wednesday.
• There is no river permit fee for boating the Grande Ronde River.
• We may decide to stop for a meal or treat at the Wenaha Cafe in Troy or at Boggan’s Oasis.

How to Join

Read through the river and trip description above.  If it is appealing, consider the river difficulty.  If you feel the trip is within your ability, then read the goals, expectations and style below to discuss the trip with the leader.

Goals

• Welcome all members of the Mountaineers packraft community including those relatively new to packraft trips
• Be safe: Make decisions with risk management in mind
• Have fun and enjoy being on the trip regardless of conditions
• Enjoy one another’s company and create a positive culture of mutual supportiveness, respect, and kindness

Expectations

• Actively contribute to achieving the group’s goals
• Participate in group decisions and abide by decisions made by the group or the leader
• Be able to assess whether you can safely paddle versus portage a rapid
• When river conditions are more difficult, maintain group awareness and positioning to help each other
• Don’t take risks that other group members don’t support

Style

• A relaxed breakfast, on the water by mid-morning, stop for camp by about 4pm, have time for some hiking and a relaxed evening
• Decision-making collaborative and by consensus whenever possible
• No fires
• Planning some shared meals or meal items is encouraged but everyone is free to plan food as they wish