So many rivers, so little time . . . your backcountry travel advice needed!

[hatrack]

OK, there are worse problems to have, but here's the story.

We're talking about doing a five- or six-day rafting trip next summer, and since we already did a desert trip a few years back, we thought we'd head for the Northwest. So, it's come down to the following rivers: the Owyhee, the Salmon (Middle, Main or Lower), the Snake and the Rogue.

I'm totally flummoxed, since I'd happily float them all, and in sequence, too, but time doesn't allow that pleasant option. My wife's a bit less of a river rat, but then, we all have imperfections . . .

Any stories you can tell, outfitters you can recommend (or not!) or other tidbits would be deeply appreciated! Other than the fact Owyhee is generally a May or June river, we're not limited as to when we'd be heading out next year.

[leftyclimber]

1. I'm a little late on the draw here but because you're talking next summer....

Last I heard, you need a permit to run some sections of the Salmon (I think it's the Middle, but I've been "back east" for four years and things may be different/I may be wrong). If you're considering that river you might want to double-check the permitting process and make sure your outfitter isn't poaching should a permit be required.

The Snake, Salmon, and Rogue can all have serious big water depending on when you go and what snow conditions were the previous winter. The way the northwest has been getting weather, the water is going to be HUGE during spring runoff, and may not come down for a while. Some outfitters won't go if the water levels are too high, so you might want to discuss that with whomever you end up booking.

You might also want to consider the Deschutes or the MacKenzie, if you're heading to Oregon. Both are very fun rivers, although not as wilderness-y as some of the others. If you run the Rogue with time to spare, you can stop by Ashland to check out the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. If you run the MacKenzie, you can add a drive through the lava beds on Highway 242 or spend an afternoon in Eugene. If you run the Deschutes, Crater Lake is very near by, as is the Newbery Crater Volcanic Monument or whatever they're calling it these days. The High Desert Museum outside of Bend is also a nice side trip.

I'm out of the loop on outfitters, so I'm afraid I can't help you there.

Have fun!