Paddles and Saddles: Whitewater Rafting and Horse Packing Combo Adventure - camping with excellent food - hike, ride, raft, fish.

Where: Snake River in Hells Canyon and Eagle Cap Wilderness in the Wallowa Mountains enjoy the most spectacular scenery.

How Long: 4 days 3 nights on river, 3 days 2 nights in Mountains, 2 nights in B&B Joseph, flexible depending on whether you choose to raft or ride first.)

Who: Great for anyone (ages 7 and up) with the spirit of adventure. No previous experience needed.

Cost: £1387 adult or £1110 youth

Cost: From £1400 per person  includes tax, service charge to be paid locally (Excludes international flights)

Explore Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, from the bottom up on this unique expedition.  Winding Waters is teaming up with Del Sol Wilderness Outfitters to offer this unique opportunity to combine whitewater rafting and horse packing in one 6 day adventure.  This expedition is suitable for all ability levels.  You don’t need any prior rafting or horse riding experience to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.  This is a round trip expedition, beginning and ending in Joseph, OR.  After rafting the Snake and riding up out of the canyon you will be picked up at a remote airstrip by the areas finest bush pilot, Joe Spence of Spence Aviation.  Your short flight will take you back to Joseph, Oregon where the Winding Waters van will be waiting to transport you back to the B & B where your vehicle has been safely parked.

Trip Itinerary:

Day 0 Arrival Day:  Arrive in beautiful Joseph, Oregon and check into the Chandlers Inn B&B where lodging is included in your trip cost.  6:00pm Pre-trip meeting at the Chandlers Inn.  Meet your river guides and make final preparations for the next day’s journey. 

Day 1 Launch Day:  Breakfast will be served at 6:45am by Syd and Lisa at the B&B.  The WWRE van will pick you up for a 7:30am departure.  On the drive over to Hells Canyon Dam we will stop at Scotty’s market giving you an opportunity to purchase an Oregon Fishing License if you need one.  Upon arrival at the boat launch we will have a brief safety discussion, launching the rafts around 11:00am.  Lunch will be served riverside.  We will arrive in camp by 4pm, after running some of the canyons biggest rapids Wild Sheep and Granite, visiting a pictograph site and catching a fish or two.  There is always time in camp to relax, swim, paint, take a hike, play Bocce ball and to just soak up the inspiring scene. 

Day 2 River Day: The Morning routine: Coffee, tea and juice will be served by 7:00am and breakfast by 8:00am.  After Breakfast you may have ie french toast, pancakes, and bacon; scrambled eggs, sausage, and biscuits and gravy; hash browns and omelettes to order . Break camp and be back on the river by 10:00am.  Today we will have many great rapids to run including Bernard Creek, Waterspout, Bills, and Rush Creek.  There will also be opportunities to take a hike to Suicide point and to the Historic Bernard Creek Cabin and Pictograph site.  Lunch will again be river side with our arrival in camp by 4:00pm.  Another wonderful evening around the campfire.

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Day 3 River Day: Morning routine.  Get ready for another beautiful day on the river.  Today we will visit the Historic Kirkwood Ranch.  We will notice a change in the canyon today as we pass in to the narrowest and steepest section.  The canyon seems to crowd in upon us with cliffs rising as far up as the eye can see.  Lunch will be served riverside with our arrival at Tryon creek camp by 4:00pm.  Tonight we will meet the Del Sol horse packers.  They will join our camp for the night.  Enjoy a Hot shower in camp tonight before you head out on your horseback adventure the next morning.     

 Day 4 Ride to Lord Flat:  Morning Routine will remain the same today.  After breakfast it is time to bid your river guides farewell as you begin your ride up out of the canyon.  Today you will become acquainted with your new mode of Transportation.  The Del Sol Crew will make you feel right at home on one of their well trained sure footed Spanish Mustang horses perfect for steep wilderness travel . Visit historic Tryon Ranch.  Lunch on the trail today with arrival in the deluxe horse camp by 5:00pm.  A delicious meal will be waiting for you when you arrive in camp.  You will become well acquainted with Bob “The Cook” while in the horse camp.  You will love his Dutch oven mastery. 

Day 5 Full day ride:  Morning Routine. Lunch on the trailtoday.  Today will be a ride out from camp toexplore the sites of Lord Flat.  This is incredible country.  You will have remarkable views of the canyon that you have just floated down.  You will also be gazing at the 7 Devils Mountains of Idaho and the Wallowa Mountains of Oregon.  Bring your camera and Binoculars.

Day 6 Full day ride/hike: : Morning Routine. Today you will have some flexibility. You will have many options on how to spend your day in the Wilderness. You could choose to ride the horses up to Mirror Lake and begin a hike up to the summit of Eagle Cap Mountain, go fishing, relax by the calm waters of one of the many beautiful mountain lakes of the Lakes Basin or some combination of all of these things.

Day 7 Morning Ride: Morning Routine. Take time for a morning ride or hike and depart camp by 11am. Ride to trailhead. Arrival at Chandlers B&B by 3 or 4pm. We recommend spending at least one extra day in Joseph as there are many beautiful sites and adventures you can enjoy from town. If you do plan on spending an extra day be sure to make arrangements with Syd and Lisa at Chandlers so they have a room reserved for you

American Round-Up a UK Based fully bonded Tour Operator recommend renting a car - a scenic drive across Oregon from Redmond or Portland Airport.  Alternatively a transfer fee is charged from Lewiston, Idaho Airport US$100 roundtrip per person (1.30pm the day previous to launch date).

Please call American Round-Up for an up to date tailor made itinerary which can include flights, car hire, motorhome, hotel, or enjoy ranch stay at Longhollow Ranch or simply just a riding and rafting trip Tel : 01798 865946 or e mail