Grand Ronde River Trip Report, Minan to Heller

Submitted by Eric Ball

Back again in 2025, the OWA Minam to Heller Bar 3-day, 90-mile "float ’till you don’t" trip entrapped 9 boaters in 5 boats on May 9-11.  To accomplish this feat, boaters rowed 32 miles on day one, 48 on day two and 10 on day three.  Flows of 6-7,000 cfs and favorable weather conditions assisted the effort.  Two boats were new to this river.  There was no carnage.

Although this trip is “self contained”, members contributed appetizers, desserts and a toilet for the leftovers.

Wildlife sightings included a bear, big horn sheep, deer, countless bald eagles, osprey, geese and tiny goslings, pelicans, a tanager, and cows and horses.  On previous trips, we have seen a wolf and moose.

 

 

The Narrows (5 miles above the confluence with the Snake) was easily runnable, with most boats opting for the cheater left route, and one boat opting for the big wave train, much to the delight of its passenger in front.  It was not entirely clear that this line choice was deliberate.

 

Photos: 1 & 2: First night’s camp

        3: Second night’s camp

        4. The Narrows.