To apply for this trip, please:
Check out the included information, requirements, inclusions and let us know if you have questions!
Decide if you're interested in the beginner-friendly (deluxe) or advanced (DIY) trip type
Fill out this form and pay your deposit through WeTravel
TRIP INFO:
Join the Go Wild team for a one-of-a-kind Oregon wilderness paddling trip. This flying, hiking and paddling adventure sweeps you off your feet...literally! Begin your trip with a private wilderness flight deep into Eagle Cap Wilderness where you'll land along the wild & scenic Minam River at the luxurious Minam River Lodge. Here we spend the day honing our packraft skills and enjoying a chef-prepared welcome dinner before heading downstream on day 2.
For the next 2-3 days, travel along the Minam River both by foot and packraft as we explore one of the most important arteries of the Wallowa Mountains, paddling exciting class II+ whitewater, camping under some of the world's darkest skies, trying your hand at fly fishing, and learning about a rich and visible Indigenous history.
TWO TRIP OPTIONS:
Beginner Friendly w/ elevated meals (4 days):
Join this trip if you're somewhat new to packrafting and looking for the guided adventure of a lifetime to advance your paddling skills. Dine on chef-prepared camp meals, sip craft cocktails, and spend time with our expert guides practicing paddling skills and relaxing at camp.
Advanced DIY adventure (3 days):
Join this trip if you're a class III+ paddler who is accustomed to self-supported trips but wants the added bonus of a knowledgeable guide who knows the best places to camp, the local legends, and adds an extra level of safety to this wilderness trip. Prepare to travel more river miles per day and take care of your own meals.
A note on the beginner-friendly adventure:
This is a great trip for active adventurers with some paddling experience looking for a guided wilderness river adventure, but are perhaps new to packrafting. Depending on paddling levels and how the skills day goes, we'll choose to start paddling or hike 8-12 miles downstream from MRL to where the river's character is calmer (class I-II) and allows for sightseeing and plenty of practice. Contact us with any hesitations or questions.
In addition to an awesome hiking and packrafting adventure, expect gourmet meals, cocktail hours, and a host of optional group activities from fly fishing, to foraging, to stargazing, and more.
- FLY | HIKE | PADDLE: we'll add fishing, swimming, foraging, and more for a truly multi-sport adventure
- WILD: Experience Oregon's largest wilderness from the water
- LEARN: the basics of packrafting including paddle strokes, gear, loading, safety, how to fly fish, and locally-specific conservation practices
-MINAM RIVER LODGE: kick off the adventure with a chef prepared dinner at the luxury Minam River Lodge and optional stay in one of their cabins or wall tents for night 1
- UNIQUE & EXCLUSIVE: at the time of this writing, Go Wild is the only permitted packrafting guide on the Minam River
- DINE: on chef-prepared, hyper-local gourmet camp grub, including dinner and breakfast at MRL
- EXPLORE & DISCONNECT: travel through the best of the Wallowas with local professional and certified guides
What are Packrafts? Packrafts are ultralight (6-10lbs) single-person inflatable boats that can be rolled up and packed in or on a backpack. They make wilderness float trips like this one possible!
Do I need previous experience?
Beginner Friendly: Nope! You do not need to be an expert paddler to join this trip, but it's helpful to have some river paddling experience. We'll focus on developing paddling skills during the entire trip.
Advanced: Yep!
To apply to either trip remember to fill out this form and pay your deposit.
For the beginner trip, how much will I need to carry if we hike on day 2? While packrafts make a backpacking trip easy when you're on the water (because they carry all the weight), they do add quite a bit to your pack weight despite being lightweight. With the addition of paddling gear (packrafts, paddles, helmets, dry suits), a portion of group food, and your typical backpacking gear, packs can weight anywhere from 40-60lbs.
Is the trail difficult? That's the good news! The Minam River trail which we follow for the first 8-12 miles before launching our boats is well maintained and slopes slightly downhill.
How do I poop in the wilderness!?:
To protect our river system, we will be packing out our waste in WAG bags. Here is a Video about WAG bags and packing out solid waste.
Please bring your own bags and something to carry them in.
A simple one stop shop option is this. Alternatively, buy individual bags or a pack of bags, and bring a airtight receptacle to pack out your used bags. DIY, creative solutions also exist.
local, professional, naturalist, & certified guides: our guides take great pride in their ability to teach you packrafting skills while educating you about this amazing area of the world
A Go Wild staple, dine on elevated, chef-prepared backcountry meals and sip craft cocktails each evening as you watch the sun paint the evening sky
from dinner day 1 of expedition to breakfast on the last day. Lunches on your own
on our first night in the backcountry enjoy a gourmet kickoff dinner at the luxury Minam River Lodge
chartered 3 person flight into the wilderness from La Grande, OR
packrafts & accessories, PFDs, tents, group gear, kitchen, etc. (excluding sleeping bags & dry suits, which are available to rent). We'll send you a packing list upon booking
we are professional wilderness fun facilitators
from our take-out to the airport where your cars are waiting
professional photographer & download link to photos
meet & greet evening before w/ first beverage hosted by Go Wild
transportation to and from Eastern Oregon-- contact us if you need this arranged
lodging before / after your trip -- contact us for local discounts and recommendations
lunches on this expedition are on your own. We'll send you recommendations on easy, adventure ready, lunch hacks
(we rent for $40/person)
Bring enough WAG bags for a 3-4 day trip and a storage container w/ a locking lid or old dry bag to transport your "doodoo" out of the wilderneess
we can help arrange rentals
for carrying a packraft, paddle, sleeping bag, pad, tent, a portion of group food, personal belongings, and more
drinks purchased at MRL on night 1
appreciated, but not required (typically 10-20% of trip cost)
The evening before our adventure, meet your guides at the GO Wild HQ (Dan's backyard). Talk shop, test gear, get excited, and ask any last minute questions.
In the morning, meet your guides at our small local airport for an amazing flight into the Eagle Cap Wilderness. After landing along the river and setting up camp, hit the river for safety basics and familiarize yourself with the boats: entry, exit, movement, and paddling strokes.
Tonight we kick off the adventure with dinner at the luxury Minam River Lodge! Dine on hyperlocal grub, and get to know the team.
After a hearty breakfast, it's time to hike or paddle downstream.
If on the beginner-friendly trip, your guides will make the decision whether to hike downstream or paddle. Along the way, visit historical indigenous sites, try your hand at fly fishing, and practice reading river features.
If on the advanced trip, start paddling to your camp along the mighty Minam. Today's mileage will range from 10-15 miles and include stunning wilderness views and fun, technical swift class II+ water.
For the beginner-friendly trip: Put your paddling practice to work as we paddle 10 miles downriver watching the canyon completely change in geology and ecology. Watch for wildlife, stare in awe at the towering basalt cliffs, and enjoy the freedom of being on the water.
For the advanced trip: This is your last day on the river. Enjoy stunning scenery and paddle to where the Minam meets the Wallowa River on its journey to the Pacific Ocean. After a celebratory beer, our guides will take you back to your cars. Hugs goodbye Hugs goodbye and a safe drive home.
Beginner-friendly trip: On our last morning, help break camp after a chef-prepared breakfast and paddle the remaining 5 miles of river to where the Minam meets the Wallowa River on its journey to the Pacific Ocean. After a celebratory beer, our guides will take you back to your cars. Hugs goodbye and a safe drive home.
