Hughes River Expeditions

Hughes River Expeditions

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The River Profiles – A Dedication Series: The Owyhee Canyonlands

February 1, 2017 by Colin Hughes

The River Profiles – A edication Series
OWYHEE CANYONLANDS

“The Grand Canyon of the Northwest”

Looking downstream from Greely Bar Hotsprings Camp
PRIME CONDITIONS IN 2017
The current snow pack in the Owyhee drainage is around 160% of normal.  This means that we are going to have a great 2017 Owyhee Canyonlands Season!!!

Join the Hughes Crew on a corridor of immense grandeur, astounding flora & fauna, rich history & pre-history, natural hot and cold springs, exciting whitewater, and incredible camping!

Corridors, Green Dragon Canyon from Cliffside Camp, Pruitts Castle
“The Grand Canyon of the Northwest”
– Green Dragon Canyon, Owyhee River –
We are fortunate to have this amazing resource only 2 hours from Boise, ID.  It has long been revered as one of the most primitive, sublime and well hidden corridors in the Northwest.

Comparisons between the Owyhee and the Colorado corridors have long been subjects discussed among Northwestern Boaters.

Both the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River and the Owhyee’s Green Dragon Canyon exhibit breathtaking canyonlands weaving through desert dunes and sheer red cliffs.  They both keep you on the edge of your seat as each bend of the river surpasses the beauty of the last view.

While both rivers exude flora & fauna similarities, comparable historical & pre-historical significance, stunning canyonlands and fun whitewater there are also some stark contrasts.  Unlike the dam-controlled Colorado River, flows on the Owyhee are controlled naturally based on snowpack and spring runoff.   The vast, desolate high-altitude Owyhee Plateau is one of the most remote regions in the Continental USA.  This region is also protected by a National Wild & Scenic River designation.  That designation creates a motor-free environment!

Another notable contrast between these two renowned corridors are the hot and cold natural springs scattered through the Owyhee Canyonlands.  With the opportunity to soak in classic “Northwest” geothermal pools while gazing over terrain much like the “Southern Utah/Northern Arizona” landscape makes you feel like you are experiencing both places at once.

We feel very confident that you will fall deeply in love with this incredible corridor for all of the reasons that we have over the years, and the Hughes Crew invites you to join us this Spring in the desert!

2017 OWYHEE SCHEDULE:

Dates Length Adult Youth
April 27-May 1 5 Days $1775 $1600
May 4-8 5 Days $1775 $1600
*Click the dates above to BOOK NOW!
Corridors, Petroglyphs, Horned Toad, Flowering Bitterroot
To learn more about the company and the Owyhee Canyonlands check out our website by following the links below, and don’t forget to give us a like on Facebook!

BOOK THE OWYHEE NOW

OWYHEE CANYONLANDS WEBPAGE 

HUGHES RIVER MAIN PAGE

HRE FACEBOOK PAGE

We look forward to seeing you on the river!

Our Very Best,

The Hughes Crew

Filed Under: Hughes River Expeditions News

Client Testimonials

I must compliment you on the outstanding crew that took us down the river. These guys are, in our eyes, the absolute best!! They did a great job in every area. They prepared excellent meals, had camp ready each day when we arrived, made each person feel comfortable and safe, and of course, got us down the river in one piece! It was amazing that everyone in the group thought their boatman was the best.
G. J. Quigley, San Francisco, CA (1989)
Thanks guys you were great. We had a fantastic time! Hopefully we will see you again soon!
L. Rawson, Miami, FL (2011)
What a wonderful job you did… we are in awe of your efficiency and genuine love of nature, people, and your job. Spent lots of time sharing photos and trip stories with our friends.
L. Meyer, Apple Valley, MN (2005)
All hands had a great time…. The guides were amazing…. and they are friends for life. We can’t wait to re-schedule another trip! Thanks so much for making it one of the best Family Trips we’ve ever taken EVER.
S. Elliott, Meredian, ID (2013)
What I really wanted to write about is how, once again, the guides were what made the trip. Of course the river, the rapids, the scenery, the food, etc. was stupendous, but the collection of extraordinary people is what we’ll remember most. They all work incredibly hard but never made any of us feel they are inconvenienced. They not only made lifelong memories for us but really have played a part in the development of our children. Their gift will always be treasured. I’ll let them tell you … Read more
L. Bower, Chevy Chase, MD (2000)
Thanks again for a great river trip. You impressed a group of people who aren’t easy to impress! I’m looking forward to my next trip. Hope to see you soon.
M. Downer, Counsel & Secretary, American Funds Distributors, Inc., LA, CA (1992)
Thank you so much for organizing our trip. It went wonderfully!! I swear I feel like it was the best one ever. Put us down for 3rd week June 2007!
W. Herlong, Mobile, AL (2005)
We couldn’t have had a better experience, you have perfected “hospitality” and the food was amazing. We loved our time on the river. It is certainly very beautiful and the fishing incredible. I thin that we are going to find it very difficult to fish on other rivers now… My guess is that we would probably do the same week next year as we felt that the timing couldn’t have been better. Many thanks again to your whole team.
P. Beaumont, Tiburon, CA (2013)
I want to thank you for the trip you put together for our group in July. We had a great time…Ashley, Fred, Ryan, Eric, and Hugh Cooke are all great and took very good care of us. With the four 7-9 year olds, Ashley sort of got turned into a childcare boat and the recreational manager, along with her other responsibilities, and the kids all loved her. Each time we do a rafting trip your people make it a memorable event and please pass along our thanks.
L. Roberts, Boise, ID (2008)
We just got back from our Middle Fork trip with Hughes….  It simply could not have been better.
Beckley, Eugene, OR (2021)
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