River Escape

  • Minam - Howard Creek

  • Up To 3 Hours

  • 20 Mile Round Trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Moderate +

  • $60 / Guest Seat     $30 / Add On Child Seat

  • Departs from Minam, Oregon

  • Sundays

  • May 26 - September 29

  • up to 15 Guests Per Trip

ATTENTION:
There is absolutely no smoking or use of anything that makes fire or sparks anywhere on our property. You are responsible if you start a fire.


About this trip...

We created this shorter Minam trip option to help open up this amazing scenery to more folks, we get it, not everyone wants to take on 20 miles. This trip is a shorter version of our Grande River option, if you have ridden our Grande River leg (that goes to the river confluence trestle) you have already ridden through the area this trip travels. Riding River Escape and Grande River back to back would be repeating the same ride plus some additional milage.

Enjoy this peaceful pedal through a timbered canyon alongside the tumbling Wallowa River. With amazing landscapes, plenty of fresh air, and a good possibility of wildlife sightings this trip is absolutely breathtaking. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, marmot, deer, elk, and maybe even a bear, it's wild out there.

Your adventure begins near the famed Minam Store at the confluence of the Wallowa and Minam Rivers and your midpoint is just before a short trestle across a year round creek known as Howard Creek. Howard Creek is a vital source of life for local ranch land.

Once you arrive at your midpoint you'll enjoy a 30 minute rest overlooking the river while nestled deep in the river canyon. It's a perfect opportunity to relax and eat a snack / lunch that you pack in.

See trip gallery at bottom of page.

💡 Important Tips
  • This trip has a mild grade and is pedal powered only, there is no electric assist.
  • This trip travels down river first and up river on the return resulting in a more uphill mix on the return leg. No point is steeper than 3/4% grade.
  • A relaxed pace is key. Our Minam trips are doable by most people and it's rare for someone to struggle if you follow our guidelines and take your time.
  • These trips are most enjoyable when there are two capable people pedaling. It can be considerably more difficult if you are riding alone, even more so if you are with a child who doesn't continuously contribute.
  • Guests who would enjoy a moderate to sometimes vigorous hike with an average physical fitness level enjoy this adventure most.

    We provide an outhouse restroom for our guests to use at our midpoint, please don't expect 5 star facilities by any means, but it'll beat going in the woods.
  • Review the following prior to booking

    This trip departs from Minam, Oregon.

    Visit our Minam Directions page for a map, landmarks, and common travel times.

    Minam trips generally must be booked at least 6 hours in advance.
    If a trip is full we highly suggest joining our waitlist. You may do this during the online booking process. You will be automatically notified if space comes available.
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    Groups larger than two will be split between multiple Railriders
    If your group is odd numbered, one person will share a Railrider with your guide or a new friend.
    Prefer a solo car? - You'll need to book an extra ticket to make your party even to reserve a private Railrider if so desired.

    Children ages 13 and up may ride together on their own Railrider
    A responsible adult must be present on the trip.

    Safety Reminder: There is a 300lb / 136kg weight limit per each seat.
    This is a limitation of our equipment and to ensure your safety it is a rule we cannot bend.
    Booking a trip in the next 7 days? Be sure to check the weather forecast.

    Trip Specific Questions

    ↓ click question / item to expand ↓

    Lap riding is not permitted unless it's an infant secured in a chest carrier.

    Railriding with Children? LEARN ABOUT SEATING OPTIONS

    Guest Seat
    • This trip is booked by the seat.    $60 ticket = One Seat

    • Most children 8 years+ can properly reach the pedals, Children ages 4 to 7 may use these seats and will ride along without pedaling (this will make the pedaling for the adult more challenging)

    • These seats have lap style seat belts

    • Children must be accompanied by an adult

      How to Book:

      Select the number of tickets needed for your group on the 1st page during booking

      To avoid double booking:  If you need a Child Seat for your child(ren) do not book $60 tickets for them, only add the Child Seats needed.

    Add On Child Seat
    • Non-Pedaling add on seat for Children ages 2 - 7

    • Add up to 2 Child Seats per Minam trip, we only have one car that they can attach to

    • 5-point or lap style seat belt depending on child size

    • Attention Adults - Adding Child Seats and children to your Railrider will require more pedaling effort due to the additional weight

    • Not Available during the hottest part of Summer (mid-July through the end of August)


      How to Book:

      After selecting your Guest Seat, use the "Continue Shopping" button on the 2nd booking page to add the Child Seats to your booking.

      To avoid double booking:  If you need a Child Seat for your child(ren) do not book $80 tickets for them, only add the Child Seats needed.

    Arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time, don't be late.

    If you miss our safety briefing you will not be permitted to ride, this is a requirement of the railroad.



    Review the Conditions & Risks of Railriding
    Your party must agree to this during checkout

    RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK
    Trip routes are subject to change in situations beyond our control

    Policies in a nutshell

    Complete your booking first.
    Then follow the waiver link in your confirmation
    email or use the button above to sign your waiver.

    Your waiver must be completed prior to your trip.