Oregon ยท Wallowa and Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic Rivers
Grande Ronde River rafting trips
A spring float through a remote northeast Oregon canyon, with no lottery. Compare every Grande Ronde outfitter we found.
3 to 5 days / 2 to 4 nightsQuick answer
Guided Grande Ronde River rafting trips run 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights, mostly in spring, from Minam, Oregon. The BLM rates the main rapids Class II to III. There is no lottery. We list 7 outfitters, and prices start at $995 per person (checked September 2026).
The route
Minam to Troy
Most trips start at Minam on the Wallowa River, reach the Grande Ronde about 10 miles down, and float the Wild and Scenic canyon toward Troy. Longer trips continue to the Snake.
- Mile 0MinamLaunch, on the Wallowa
- Mile 46.4TroyTake out
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
Miles from American Whitewater. We found no verified river miles for named rapids on this stretch. Shown for a 3 day, 2 night trip. Camps are first come, first served, per the BLM.
Compare outfitters
Every Grande Ronde outfitter we found, side by side
We found no agency list of Grande Ronde outfitters. This table comes from each outfitter's own site, listed alphabetically.
| Outfitter | Trip lengths | Boats | Season | Min age | From, per adult | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minam Store Outfitters | 3 days, 2 nights; fishing trips 4 days, 3 nights | Raft | Not listed | 8 | $9953 day, 2 night trip, Minam to Mud Creek; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026 | See dates with Minam Store |
| Northwest Rafting Company | 4 days, 3 nights | Raft, inflatable kayak | April to September | Not listed | $1,0954 day, 3 night trip, 46 miles; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026 | See dates with Northwest Rafting |
| Oregon River Experiences | 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights | Oar, paddle, inflatable kayak, cataraft | May to July | 6 | $1,0953 day, 2 night trip, 2027. Checked Sep 2026 | See dates with Oregon River Exp. |
| Ouzel Outfitters | 3 days, 2 nights to 4 days, 3 nights | Oar, oar assisted paddle, inflatable kayak | March to June | 7 (and 50 pounds) | $1,0593 day, 2 night trip; 2024 rate, the latest shown. Checked Sep 2026 | See dates with Ouzel |
| Rogue River Outfitters | 3 days, 2 nights to 4 days, 3 nights (fishing) | Drift boat | June | Not listed | $1,6753 day, 2 night trout fishing trip, 2027. Checked Sep 2026 | See dates with Rogue River Outfitters |
| ROW Adventures | 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights | Oar, paddle, inflatable kayak | June | 7 | $1,2903 day, 2 night trip, 2026; groups of 10 or more by request. Checked Sep 2026 | See dates with ROW |
| Winding Waters River Expeditions | 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights | Oar, paddle, inflatable kayak, paddle board | Late May to June | 5 | $1,0853 day, 2 night trip, 2026, plus a $30 fee; 5 day $1,755 in 2027. Checked Sep 2026 | See dates with Winding Waters |
"Not listed" means we could not find it on the outfitter's site in September 2026. Where a site gives days only, nights are days minus one. Prices are the lowest adult rate we found. Confirm when booking.
Not shown: Eastern Oregon River Outfitters (fishing, price per day only) and Orange Torpedo (no Grande Ronde trips posted). Missing an outfitter? Tell us.
The no lottery way in
Guided trip or private trip?
There is no lottery on the Grande Ronde. Private groups fill out a free permit and go. A guided trip adds the boats, food, camp and shuttle.
No lottery
Book a guided trip
- How you get a spot
- Pick a date with one of the outfitters above and book it.
- When you can go
- Mostly May and June; Ouzel starts in March.
- Trip length
- 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights on the trips we checked.
- Boats and food
- The outfitter brings the boats, guides, meals and camp.
Private permit
Self issue a free permit
- Permit
- Free, self issued, and not limited in number.
- Group size
- Up to 25 people, guides included.
- Camp rules
- A fire pan and a portable toilet are mandatory.
- Flows
- The BLM gives 2,000 to 10,000 cfs; shallow by mid July.
Sources: the BLM Wallowa and Grande Ronde page, the BLM things to know sheet and American Whitewater.
On the river
What a day on a Grande Ronde rafting trip looks like
With Class II to III water and 2 to 3 days from Minam, the pace leaves time for inflatable kayaks and side hikes.
- Morning
Breakfast in camp, then everything packs back onto the boats.
- Midday
Riffles and rapids, with lunch on the bank.
- Afternoon
An inflatable kayak on easier water or a side hike, then camp.
- Evening
Dinner cooked by the guides and a night in the canyon.
What outfitters list as included
- Guides, boats and life jackets
- Meals on the river
- Camp gear
- Transportation, on many trips
Winding Waters includes round trip transport from Joseph; ROW charges $125 or $185 for the car shuttle. Check each outfitter's list.
Worth checking before you book
- Shuttle fees
- Travel to Minam, La Grande or Joseph
- Sleeping bags
- Guide tips
More on camp life, meals and the toilet in river camping, and on tips in tipping your guides.
When to go
The Grande Ronde rafting season
The BLM describes high water in spring and early summer, with flows between 2,000 and 10,000 cfs, and a shallow river by mid July. Outfitters run mostly in May and June.
Fire restrictions are typically in place from late spring through summer, according to the Forest Service. See when to go rafting.
Who it suits
Which Grande Ronde trip fits you
Families
Winding Waters takes kids from 5 and Oregon River Experiences from 6, on Class II to III water. See family rafting trips.
First timers
A 3 day, 2 night trip on Class II to III water is an easy start. See your first overnight rafting trip and 3 day rafting trips.
Anglers
Drift boat trout trips run in June. See fishing float trips.
Questions
Grande Ronde rafting trip questions
How much does a Grande Ronde rafting trip cost?
On the outfitters' own sites, checked in September 2026, 3 day, 2 night trips list from $995 with Minam Store to $1,290 with ROW. Five day, four night trips with Winding Waters list $1,755 for 2027. Confirm when booking.
Do I need a permit to raft the Grande Ronde?
There is no lottery. The BLM requires free, self issued permits for all boating on the Wallowa and Grande Ronde in Oregon, and they do not limit the number of trips. Guided trips run under the outfitter's own permit.
How long is a Grande Ronde trip?
The BLM says trips from Minam typically last 2 to 3 days. Outfitters run 3 days, 2 nights to 5 days, 4 nights. American Whitewater puts Minam to Troy at 46.4 miles.
How hard are the rapids?
The BLM rates the primary rapids Class II to III, with The Narrows, on the lower river, at Class III+ to IV.
When is the Grande Ronde season?
Spring and early summer. The BLM gives flows of 2,000 to 10,000 cfs and says the river gets shallow by mid July. Most outfitters run from May to June.
Can I fish on a Grande Ronde trip?
Yes. Rogue River Outfitters runs 3 and 4 day trout fishing trips in drift boats, and Minam Store runs fly fishing trips. See fishing float trips.
Where do Grande Ronde trips start?
Most launch at Minam, Oregon, on the Wallowa River, about 10 miles above where it joins the Grande Ronde. Winding Waters meets in Joseph, and some longer trips end at Heller Bar on the Snake.
How big can a group be?
No group larger than 25, including guides, may launch, float or camp together, according to the BLM.
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Keep planning
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- 3 day rafting tripsTwo nights on the river
- Family rafting tripsCompare minimum ages
- Fishing float tripsDrift boats and fishing rafts
- Your first overnight tripWhat to expect
- River campingTents, meals and the toilet
- Outfitter directoryEvery outfitter we list, by name
- Rafting trip costHow prices compare across rivers
- Plan your tripAll planning guides
Ready to book
Pick your Grande Ronde outfitter
Compare trip lengths, boats and minimum ages, then check dates directly with the outfitter.