The Grande Ronde - A Perfect First Multi-Day Raft Trip
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by Harley McAllister
The Grande Ronde is a gorgeous river in NE Oregon that is designated as a Wild & Scenic River and is also well suited to younger children and beginning rafters. This river has launched many a boater into a life of being on the water. The most popular section is only 36 miles, and at moderate flows it can easily be accomplished in 2 days. But as mentioned in our 5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Rafting with Kids, this will not leave ample time for the other activities that make raft trips best for kids. So give yourself three days if at all possible to enjoy a relaxed time in this beautiful place, while still not overwhelming the kids with more than they can handle.
The most important consideration from our list is the element of safety, and this is where the Grande Ronde is a perfect fit for beginners and kids. There are enough rapids to keep the children's interest, but at moderate flows even the named rapids are considered Class II. With a true whitewater raft these rapids are quite manageable even for people with less experience. If you have no experience, I would still recommend going on a trip with a guide first to learn the ropes before trying a trip like this on your own. Running rapids, securing your gear to the raft, bringing the right cooking and camping supplies, etc. are all things that take some knowledge and experience. If you have experience but no equipment, the Minam Hotel right by the put-in will rent you some and help you with all your planning and logistics. Finally, don't try this river in those plastic boats you can buy in department stores that are suitable only for ponds. The rafting community refers to those as "Walmart Coffins." |
These kids are ready to go rafting!
Organize your gear to create a comfortable spot for your children - you'll be glad you did.
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The scenery on this river is one of its best features. It flows through open pine forests up top with increasing basalt cliffs as you near the takeout. It is common to see deer along the river, elk, and possibly even black bears. On the drive to the take-out we have often seen Bighorn Sheep as well. The river itself is usually crystal clear and supports a big run of Steelhead - but only in the winter months when you won't be rafting!
When taking kids however, bring along some other items and make time for other activities, because most kids don't really give a hoot about scenery, they want to interact with their surroundings. We often bring toys to play in the sand, nets for them to catch insects, water guns for pirate battles, and plenty of snacks. For more suggestions on how to do it right with children, check out our 5 Things Every Parent Should Know article.
Plan your trip for early summer for the best experience, usually mid to late June. This is all dictated by river flow, because if you go during spring run-off the river is always cold and sometimes dangerous, but if you go too late you will float at a slow speed and potentially have to drag your raft over rocks in places. The river can be rafted anywhere from 1,000 - 13,000 cfs, but with kids I would cap the upper end of flows at about the 8-9,000 cfs range. Talk to the local shuttle operators for up to date conditions and recommendations, and monitor the flows at the USGS Grande Ronde River at Troy river gauge.
In summary, the Grande Ronde river is wild and scenic, but not too wild to be safe. It is a classic multi-day trip, but without too many days for young kids. And it is simply a beautiful place to go spend a 3 day weekend in the early summer.
What are you waiting for?
When you go:
The logistics of this river are pretty manageable since you don't need a permit and the shuttle distance is not too great.
Shuttle services and equipment rentals are both provided by the Minam Motel and Joining Waters.
For more specifics on driving directions, river rapids, and landmarks, check out the American Whitewater page for the Grande Ronde.
What are you waiting for?
When you go:
The logistics of this river are pretty manageable since you don't need a permit and the shuttle distance is not too great.
Shuttle services and equipment rentals are both provided by the Minam Motel and Joining Waters.
For more specifics on driving directions, river rapids, and landmarks, check out the American Whitewater page for the Grande Ronde.
