Spring is in the air here in Idaho, trees are budding and water levels are rising. For me that puts a smile on my face. River running is in my near future. The Owyhee River is located in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon and usually one of the first things to run around here. Watching the gauge, it seemed like it was time to pack my bags, load my kayak, and get down there.
Photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Myself and the other four friends/guides in the group decided that the Lower Owyhee (Rome to Birch Creek) was our best option with the water that we had. We put on late in the afternoon, which put us just into the first canyon section about camp time. We found a small camp that fit us to perfection. The next morning when I woke up to the songs of canyon wrens instead of my barking blackberry alarm, I knew things were on the up and up. We spent the next 4 days just soaking up the canyon. There were many fun rapids and surf waves that I took full advantage of in my kayak. We all got our daily dose of hiking and exploring after some mellow days on the river. That combined with some great food and some beers around the campfire made for a great start to the spring boating season.
Indian Hunting Blind Photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Talking to some of the local ranchers around the Owyhee, last week was the first week that really felt like spring down there. The arrowleaf-balsm root are just starting to bloom on the lower end, which means in the next couple weeks the hill sides with be covered with yellow flowers. Canadian geese, several varieties of ducks, and other mating pairs of birds filled in canyon. The Owyhee River is also home to many different birds of prey.
Photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Guide Shane Moser in his private rig. Photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Hope you enjoyed some of the photos, and if you want for check out more photos of this latest trip visit my new photo albums on the WRO facebook page (you don’t need to be on facebook to look at the pictures). Check back for reports on more adventures in the near future. Hope your having a great day!
Seth Tonsmeire
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