We just returned from a 4 night 5 day raft trip on the wild and scenic Grand Ronde river in north eastern Oregon. Spectacular trip along with two other families - the Lovejoy family and the Kerr family. 16 people in total.
Day 1 (Friday)
Drove from Bend to Minam put in on the Wallowa river. Launched late afternoon. Weather was nice at the put in - mid 60’s but cooled down quickly as the sun dropped below the canyon walls. Water was cold and by the time we found a camp spot for the night everyone was chilled.
Day 2 (Saturday)
Rising to frost laden tents and a cold night made coffee taste even better And when the sun finally rose over the hills across the river we started to feel excited about the day ahead. We would continue on the wallowa today to and beyond the confluence with the Grand Ronde entering the wild and scenic segment.
We found a great site on a bend in the river to pitch camp while we waited for the Kerr family to catch up (they put in Saturday morning)
When you are in the middle of the forest kids come up with interesting projects such as seeing how many hammocks they can stack.
When you are on these trips you have to pack everything out including ashes from the fire and human waste. The toilet is referred to the Groover. One of the projects at every campsite is finding a good spot for the unit. Away from camp, with privacy, but a 5 star site we had here with a view of the river through the trees.
Day 3 (Sunday)
As expected on the trip the weather was warming up each day and today it was expected to go over 80. Here we are loading the boats in the morning.
Some more photos as we floated down river. This trip was great with lots of moving water but nothing over mild class 3. Lots of rolling Disneyland style rapids to make it fun.
After checking a few different sites out we settled on a great site that could fit us all comfortably with both shade and sun. We decided to actually do a layover day here to reduce the stress of packing up and moving every day.
On the trip each family took a dinner and breakfast to cook for the group. Sunday dinner was put on by the Donaldson Crew. We had margaritas for the adults, a taco bar for dinner and fresh Dutch oven brownie for desert.
Day 4 - Monday
With the river moving quickly and going further the previous day we decided to make Monday a layover day and stay at the same campsite. Here is a walk around the campsite.
We were on for breakfast and did a big feed of oatmeal in the Dutch oven. Following a hearty breakfast we did I hike up high above camp in the morning.
In the afternoon with the weather getting hot we carried out some baptisms! These were planned and glad for that warm air over the cool river water. I had Mark baptize me. While I have been ‘sprinkled’ as a baby before I have never been submerged and I wanted to do this as a lead for my kids as well. Noah went second and then Abbie! We were so happy. Mark then baptized Jasper and then Byron decided to do it on the spot so a very special afternoon for everyone.
Day 5 - Tuesday
A great float out on our last day on the river.
