Tag: Bruneau River rafting

Owyhee River Whitewater Rafting with Kids: Is It Family-Friendly?

Posted on by Steve Lentz

According to the Family Travel Association, 49% of families rank exploring new places together as their number one vacation priority. Forget crowded theme parks. Today’s adventurous families crave wilder, splashier, adrenaline-pumping experiences.

As a result, family adventure travel bookings have increased. If you’re searching for a luxury outdoor adventure that bonds your family, Owyhee River Whitewater rafting may be your next unforgettable escape. With its red-rock canyons, beginner-friendly stretches, and Class II-III rapids, it offers a blend of excitement and accessibility.

But is it truly family-friendly? Below is a guide on what makes this wild Idaho gem a favorite for adventurous, upscale families. Keep reading to learn how to make it safe, seamless, and remarkable.

Why Choose Owyhee River Whitewater Rafting With Kids?

Owyhee River Whitewater rafting is about discovery, connection, and luxury. Here are reasons why it is ideal for families with kids:

A Grand Adventure in Untamed Wilderness

The Owyhee River slices through one of the largest, most remote landscapes in the lower 48 states, where 1,000-foot rust-colored cliffs tower above crystal-clear waters.

Unlike crowded national parks, this secluded paradise provides an exclusive escape. If your kids crave awe-inspiring vistas and a true sense of discovery, the Owyhee is unmatched. You’ll rarely see other groups because the Owyhee River is so remote.

This will give your family a sense of exclusivity and privacy. Whether paddling through stretches, hiking, or unwinding at camp, you’ll feel like you have the wilderness all to yourself.

Family-Friendly Rapids and Unforgettable Scenery

Rafting with kids at Owyhee River Whitewater is about joy, not jitters. If you’re adventuring with your kids, the spot offers approachable Class II and III rapids, which are perfect for introducing kids to the magic of Whitewater without overwhelming them.

These sections offer a mix of splashy fun and calm stretches. Along the way, you and your family can float past vibrant Badlands, hike to scenic overlooks, and even soak in natural hot springs as you enjoy well-equipped campsites.

Luxury Meets the Wild

Owyhee River Whitewater rafting trips cater to families who appreciate the finer things. Outfitters provide spacious tents, plush sleeping arrangements, and delicious meals prepared riverside. Small group sizes ensure personalized service and attention for every family member.

Discovery, Connection, and Adventure

What truly sets the Owyhee apart is the sense of discovery and connection it fosters. Your kids get a chance to:

  • Spot eagles soaring overhead
  • Search for ancient petroglyphs
  • Learn about the region’s unique geology from expert guides

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, 168.1 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation in 2022, and it’s no surprise. Days in Owyhee are a mix of adventure and comfort, making them ideal for meaningful, shared experiences with your kids.

Professional Guides

Safety is paramount. The best Owyhee River Whitewater rafting outfitters employ guides who are Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue certified. As a result, you can be sure your family is in expert hands.

These guides are skilled at:

  • Reading the river
  • Coaching young rafters
  • Creating a welcoming, educational environment

Professional guide certification and training can reduce rafting incidents, helping reassure any parent.

Family-Friendly Sections: Know Before You Go

Not all stretches of the Owyhee River are ideal for family-friendly rafting trips. Choosing the right section is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure when rafting with your kids. Here’s what you need to know:

Best Family-Friendly Section: Lower Owyhee River

The Lower Owyhee River is the best and most approachable section for families and kids. This stretch:

  • Features mostly Class II-III rapids, which are exciting but manageable for children
  • Is usually run in larger, stable rafts with plenty of luxurious amenities
  • Offers comfortable camping on sandy beaches, scenic hikes, hot springs, and wildlife
  • Has a minimum age requirement of around 8 years old

Get enough thrill to keep your kids cheering without sacrificing safety at the lower Owyhee River. Rafting here proves that adventure and comfort aren’t mutually exclusive.

Sections to Avoid with Kids

Some sections of the Owyhee River aren’t recommended for families with young kids. Here are some areas you can avoid:

Middle Owyhee

This section features challenging Class IV-V rapids, technical drops, and mandatory portages such as the infamous Widowmaker Rapid. It’s ideal for experienced rafters and thrill-seekers, not for family groups or young kids.

East Fork and South Fork Owyhee

The upper sections of the Owyhee River are remote. They feature demanding rapids, multiple portages, and a requirement for paddling inflatable kayaks. They’re more appropriate for advanced adventurers.

Owyhee River Safety: What Parents Need to Know

Safety should be a priority for families considering the Owyhee River. Here’s what makes Owyhee River whitewater rafting a smart choice:

Certified Safety Equipment

All guests are provided with Coast Guard-approved life jackets and helmets. You can get safety equipment sized for children and adults.

Pre-Trip Safety Briefings

Before launching, guides conduct thorough safety talks and practice drills. As you and your family go rafting, everyone knows what to expect.

Flexible Itineraries

If a rapid looks too intense for your kid, many outfitters offer options to walk around certain sections. This ensures every child feels comfortable and included.

Whitewater Adventure Tips for Families

Nailing your rafting trip preparation ensures your family has a good time. Here’s how to make your trip both thrilling and stress-free:

Choose the Right Time

Spring (April-June) delivers higher water levels and livelier Class III rapids, ideal for families with adventurous teens. Late summer (July-August) calms the river to gentle Class II flows, perfect for younger kids.

Pack Smart

While top-tier outfitters provide gear like helmets and dry bags, bring quick-dry clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sturdy sandals. Also, don’t forget waterproof sunscreen and lip balm.

Hydration and Snacks

Hydration is non-negotiable. Even on luxury rafting trips, kids burn energy paddling and exploring. Bring water bottles and electrolyte packets.

Claim Your Spot in the Wild with Owyhee River Whitewater Rafting

Owyhee River Whitewater rafting with kids is a family-friendly vacation wrapped in luxury. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-timer, the Owyhee offers excitement, safety, and comfort for families.

Ready to make memories? Far & Away Adventures has got you covered. We redefine wilderness exploration by committing to high-end luxury experiences that don’t compromise authenticity. Our team creates personalized experiences tailored to your family’s unique preferences and desires.

Contact us for an unforgettable trip.

Bruneau River Trip: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Posted on by Steve Lentz

Bruneau River Trip: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Are you planning to visit the Bruneau River soon? Like any river adventure, the Bruneau River promises an unforgettable and immersive experience.

President Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law on March 30, 2009. According to this act, 317 miles of Bruneau and Owyhee drainages, including the Bruneau River, were designated as wild, scenic, or recreational wilderness.

The Bruneau River flows through a magical canyon of stunning beauty. The canyon walls are a thousand feet taller than you, adding to the beautiful landscape.

Here’s everything you need to know before embarking on a memorable trip to Bruneau River.

What Is the Best Season to Visit the Bruneau River?

The best time to float the Bruneau River is during spring, between May and June. During this time, you’ll experience:

  •  A mini-Grand Canyon
  • The stunning Bruneau Canyon
  • Vertical red-rock cliffs
  • Caves
  • Fingers
  • Other strange shapes

In the spring season, this area is filled with appealing desert flowers that contrast with the dark volcanic rock.

The boating season in the Bruneau River is short; there is only enough water to float during spring. The river’s flow reaches its peak in mid- or late May, but heavy rainfall, warm, or cold weather may cause changes in water levels at any time.

Be prepared for snowstorms, rain, and strong winds on the Bruneau River. Also, check the water levels if you plan to go for Bruneau River rafting.

Water flows of over 1000cfs are best for white water rafting in Idaho. Avoid boating on the Bruneau River when the USGS gauge reads above 2500cfs.

Leave No Trace

In addition, educate yourself on the seven principles of Leave No Trace as you prepare for Bruneau River camping. These principles help you keep the environment pristine and cause minimal impact. Below is a list of the seven principles of Leave No Trace:

  • Plan and prepare
  • Camp and travel on durable surfaces
  • Properly dispose of waste
  • Leave what you get
  • Minimize the impacts of campfires
  • Respect wild animals
  • Be considerate of other people

How to Access the Bruneau River

The road that leads to the Bruneau River is an adventure in itself. There are two common routes used to reach the river.

The first one passes through the Jarbidge River, the headwater of the Bruneau. Rafting through the Jarbidge River usually takes around two to three days.

The Jarbridge is quite technical and narrow, requiring expert maneuvering and small, lightly loaded rafts. This route is considered too technical and dangerous, as it requires lining boats and portaging to navigate.

The second route to consider when planning your Bruneau River itinerary is through an off-road overlanding adventure. You’ll use lifted vehicles, designed to handle the rugged roads. After a few hours of traveling through the dirt roads, you’ll finally reach the Bruneau Canyon.

With the help of Far and Away Adventures guides, you’ll walk down to the river. The Lower Owyhee is easy to access. However, you’ll need to be more daring to reach the other sections.

As an adventure lover, you’ll enjoy the geologic unconformity, stunning gorge, and wildlife that is not used to seeing people.

Bruneau River Rapids

The Bruneau River has Five Mile Rapids, where it descends through stunning class IV rapids. You’ll watch as the experienced guides from Far & Away Adventures expertly maneuver through the endless boulder fields.

The challenging and remote class III, IV, and V whitewater rapids in the Bruneau River make it an outstanding experience for paddlers. However, due to the challenging log jams, rapids, and several other hazards, it’s recommended that you only float the Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers if you’re an experienced boater.

Scenery

The Bruneau River has a landscape of narrow canyons, more of which are 800 feet deep and open, broad sag with brush steppes. The canyons consist of vertical, high lines and form black, brown, or red coarse-texture eroded cliffs. You’ll also find light green or yellow microflora in these canyons.

In the sagebrush plateau of the Owyhee canyons, you’ll find more than 200 wildlife species. Among the wildlife you may spot include deer and bighorn sheep. Besides, hawks and soaring eagles are often spotted resting along the cliff and flying over the Bruneau River skyline.

What to Bring for Bruneau River Safety

At Far & Away Adventures, we provide everything you need to experience a 5-star trip including all necessary camping equipment gourmet meals, wines, and fine linens for a luxury camping experience.

All our meals are prepared by a talented and trained chef who uses local ingredients. Our chef also prepares a custom kids’ menu to ensure everyone is happy and satisfied.

Below are some essentials you can bring to the Bruneau River trip:

  • Clothing that adapts to the changing weather conditions
  • Lightweight and athletic camping shoes
  • A small flashlight or headlamp
  • A water bottle for use during hikes
  • Sunglasses with straps
  • Any allergy medicines or prescription drugs that you may need
  • Toiletry items and hand wipes
  • Camera

Enjoy a Memorable Bruneau River Trip With Far & Away Adventures

Every section of the Bruneau River offers a unique experience for an adventurous traveler. Some areas provide a great chance of solitude, others have better hiking, while other sections have more intense whitewater. Whichever kind of adventure you want, you’ll surely find it in this overlooked wild river.

At Far & Away Adventures, we provide a magical and out-of-this-world wilderness experience in the Bruneau River Canyons in Southwest Idaho. With the help of our professional Bruneau River guides, you can choose to ride in a raft or paddle your craft.

Contact us today to book your next adventure to the Bruneau River.