Grande Ronde River

Oregon

Designated Reach: October 28, 1988. From its confluence with the Wallowa River to the Oregon-Washington border.

Classification/Mileage: Wild — 26.4 miles; Recreational — 17.4 miles; Total — 43.8 miles.

From the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest to the Oregon-Washington state line, this river offers outstanding scenery, floatboating, salmon and steelhead fishing, wildlife winter range, and cultural resources.

Hunting is popular in this section of the Grande Ronde River. Mule deer, elk, black bear, cougar, and bighorn sheep are principal big game animals inhabiting the river corridor. Fishing is excellent late in the season after the water levels have receded. Hiking along side creeks and ridges offer limited day hikes, but there are no designated trails along the river.

The Nez Perce, Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Cayuse Indians lived in the reaches of the Grande Ronde. Evidence of the cultural history can be glimpsed in the form of historic and prehistoric places and objects on the public lands. These cultural resource sites are fragile and irreplaceable, and the law protects this cultural history.

The land is managed by several interests, including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, the State of Oregon, and many private landholders.

Because of the remote nature of the river canyon, vehicle access is often impossible and the conveniences of civilization are few.