Overview:

Flowing 11.7 miles from Thief Valley dam to highway 203 in Oregon’s Baker County, the wild and scenic Power River cuts a weathered canyon in paces up to 500 feet deep. Access is limited, so cross-country travel may be required to get to the heart of Powder River country; however, one is rewarded with plenty of solitude for the effort.

Know Before You Go:

• Check locally for access to the Power River; avoid trespassing by obtaining permission to cross private property.
• The river is sometimes kayaked during the Spring runoff period, which can be a very limited period of time. Only highly-skilled boaters should attempt kayaking the Powder River.
• When recreating on public lands, please practice Leave-No-Trace principles.

Point of Interest:

Long before the arrival of pioneers and settlers, the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Nez Perce Indians utilized the hunting and fishing grounds along the length of the Powder River.

From Baker City, Oregon: Head north on I-84 for 5 miles and take exit 298 for Medical Springs/OR-203 toward Halnes for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto OR-203 N/Medical Springs Highway and drive 9.7 miles to a bridge over the Powder River. The wild and scenic segment is immediately upriver from this bridge.