Float ETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 13181000 (Owyhee River nr Rome), not a guidebook average. At a typical 1,500 cfs, a raft drifts about 3.2 mph here. Higher flow speeds you up; skinny water slows you down. Kayaks run faster than the current, tubes slower. Add your own total time for stops and fishing.
This is a multi-day wilderness float. Plan shuttles, permits, and camps — the calculator shows total hours on the water, not a same-day take-out.
The Owyhee River (Lower) listing covers 48 river miles across 1 access-to-access stretch (Class III–IV). Times in the table are typical raft hours at that reference flow. Open the live calculator for today's CFS, sunset take-out, water temperature, and rain/UV at the put-in.
See today's Owyhee River (Lower) float time
Float stretches on the Owyhee River (Lower)
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome → Birch Creek | 48 mi | Class III–IV | ~15 hr | Usually floatable only March–May. Scout Montgomery Rapid. Birch Creek road needs a high-clearance vehicle when wet. |
How we time this river
Speed scales with discharge using hydraulic geometry v ∝ Q0.34, calibrated to this gauge. That is why a 1,000 cfs afternoon is a different day than 3,000 cfs runoff. Always scout, wear a PFD, and check the Oregon State Marine Board for closures. Gauge page: USGS 13181000.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Rome to Birch Creek on the Owyhee River (Lower)?
About 15 hr in a raft at a typical 1500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Add your own stop or fishing time in the planner. Usually floatable only March–May. Scout Montgomery Rapid. Birch Creek road needs a high-clearance vehicle when wet.
What USGS gauge is used for Owyhee River (Lower) float times?
Float ETA uses USGS gauge 13181000 (Owyhee River nr Rome) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 1500 cfs drift of about 3.2 mph.
Is the Owyhee River (Lower) a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). This listing includes Class III or harder water — rafts and experienced paddlers, not tubes.