Minam River Packrafting Expedition | Fly & Float

La Grande, OR 97850, USA

GW
Go Wild: American Adventures
  • Email address verified
Jun 27 - 30, 2024
Group size: 1 - 7
Minam River Packrafting Expedition | Fly & Float
La Grande, OR 97850, USA

Go Wild: American Adventures
  • Email address verified

Jun 27 - 30, 2024
Group size: 1 - 7

About this trip

This 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.


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. Our journey along the Minam begins with hiking 12 miles downstream to our put in where the river's character is calmer (class I-II) and allows for sightseeing and plenty of practice. 


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. 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. 

Highlights

- 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

- DINE: on chef-prepared, hyper-local gourmet camp grub

- UNIQUE & EXCLUSIVE: at the time of this writing, Go Wild is the only permitted packrafting guide on the Minam River

- EXPLORE & DISCONNECT: travel through the best of the Wallowas with local professional and certified guides

- DINNER AT THE LODGE: kick off the adventure with dinner at the luxury Minam River Lodge on Night 1

Important Considerations

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? 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. 


How much do we carry? 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 50-70lbs. 


Is the trail difficult? That's the good news! The Minam River trail which we follow for the first 12 miles before launching our boats is well maintained and slopes slightly downhill. 

What’s included

  • Guides / Instructors
    local, professional, certified, naturalist packraft guides / instructors
  • Camp Chef
    professional camp chef & bartender
  • Gourmet Meals
    From Day 1-4 all all meals, beverages & cocktail package
  • Dinner at MRL
    on our first night in the backcountry enjoy a kickoff dinner at the luxury Minam River Lodge
  • Wilderness Flight
    chartered 3 person flight into the wilderness from La Grande, OR
  • Packrafting & Camp Gear
    packrafts & accessories, adult PFDs, tents, group gear, kitchen, etc. (excluding sleeping bags, dry suits, & kids PFDs- contact us for recommendations)---we'll send you a packing list upon booking
  • Camp Games & Activities
    we are professional wilderness fun facilitators
  • Transportation
    from our take-out to the airport where your cars are waiting
  • Photographs
    professional photographer & download link to photos
  • Pre-trip Drinks
    meet & greet evening before w/ first beverage hosted by Go Wild
  • Go Wild Camp Mug
    complimentary camp mug with hand crafted leather work by Go Wild

What’s not included

  • Transportation to EO
    transportation to and from Eastern Oregon-- contact us if you need this arranged
  • Pre / Post Lodging
    lodging before / after your trip -- contact us for local discounts and recommendations
  • Sleeping bag
    (we rent for $40/person)
  • Dry Suit & Helmet
    we can help arrange rentals
  • 70+ Liter Backpack
    for carrying a packraft, paddle, sleeping bag, pad, tent, a portion of group food, personal belongings, and more
  • Alcoholic Bevs at MRL
    drinks purchased at MRL on night 1
  • Child size PFDs
    we can help arrange rentals
  • Water bottle
  • Hiking & River Shoes
  • Guide Gratuity
    appreciated, but not required (typically 10-20% of trip cost)

Available Packages

Trip Price
$2,275
Deposit:$500

Available options

Sleeping Bag
$40
Deposit: $0

Itinerary

Pre-Depature
Meet & Greet

The evening before our adventure, meet your guides at our favorite local eatery for a round of drinks on us. Talk shop, get excited, and ask any last minute questions. 

Your Organizer


GW
Go Wild: American Adventures
We are your Eastern Oregon adventure experts. At Go Wild, we create tailor-made gourmet wilderness experiences for families, corporate groups, and private parties. These backcountry trips are all-inclusive, designed specifically for your group, and always wildly fun. Our attention to logistics, knowledgeable local guides, and shared thirst for adventure guarantee an authentic Oregon experience worth sharing with the world.