Grande Ronde River

The Grande Ronde River rises in the forested heights of the Blue Mountains in northeastern Oregon and winds more than two hundred miles northeastward through the fertile Grande Ronde Valley before cutting through deep canyons carved from ancient basalt lava flows, crossing into Washington and joining the Snake River. Its lower reaches pass through remote, often boat-accessible gorges framed by steep cliffs, ponderosa pine forests and open grasslands, creating a varied mosaic of dense woods and sunlit slopes. Multi-day trips by raft, kayak or canoe invite relaxed paddling on moderate rapids, while anglers pursue steelhead, rainbow trout and Chinook salmon. Camping on scenic riverside benches, short hikes into side canyons and watching elk, bighorn sheep, eagles and otters turn the river into an ideal destination for outdoor experiences in one of the quietest wilderness areas of the Pacific Northwest.