Join expert explorer Rachel aka sunnrayy and the Go Wild team for a one-of-a-kind Oregon wilderness trip. ***Please note, only pay your deposit after Rachel sends you an invitation to book.***

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 where we spend the first day honing our packraft skills before heading downstream. 

For the next four days, travel along the Minam River both by foot and packraft as we explore one of the most important arteries of the Wallowa Mountains, hanging under ancient Oregon pines, kicking back with Rachel and crew around the campfire, and playing in the water!

A 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. Our journey along the Minam begins with hiking 8-12 miles downstream from MRL to our put in 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

- HANG WITH RACHEL! spend 4 days with global explorer and multi-media creator @sunnrayy, disconnecting under the Oregon sun, sharing campfire stories, and packrafting through Oregon

- 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? 

July 8-11: Nope! You do not need to be an expert paddler to join this trip, but it can help to have some kayaking experience even if it's on flatwater. We'll focus on developing paddling skills during the entire trip. 

For the July 8th trip how much do we carry during the 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 40-70lbs. 

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. 

The evening before our adventure, meet Rachel and your guides at our favorite La Grande local eatery for a round of drinks on us. 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 heading to our accommodations (camping or MRL), 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 downstream (if on the July 8th trip) or paddle downstream (June 18th trip) to our camp along the mighty Minam. Along the way, visit historical indigenous sites, stop for a gourmet charcuterie lunch, try your hand at fly fishing, and practice reading river features. 

After breakfast, it's time to set up the boats!  Put your paddling practice to work as we float 10 miles downriver. Watch for wildlife, stare in awe at the towering basalt cliffs, and enjoy the freedom of being on the water.

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.