Barker River Expeditions

I've floated different sections of the Owyhee with multiple outfitters and Barker River Expeditions is in a class of its own. Jon and his guide crew are technically proficient and incredibly knowledgeable not only of the Owyhee River but also the canyon and canyonlands surrounding it. The history you learn, the side hikes and the discussions along the way contribute significantly to your time on the water. You won't regret your first Barker trip on the Owyhee and it definitely won't be your last.

You won't find a better river expedition outfitter or scenic route anywhere in the US - absolutely STUNNING views made even more enjoyable with an awesome crew that made the river experience fun, the camping comfortable and the meals out of this world. Best of the best - don't bother looking anywhere else for a trip - this is it! Looking forward to more trips in the future!

We went on the Owyhee River float with Barker River Expeditions. I can’t express how amazing the trip was.
The float was unbelievably beautiful. So pristine and amazing.
The crew was wonderful. They were extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. They felt like family.
Barker’s floats are so well planned. Everything you could think of was prepared for. It’s an all inclusive trip through the canyon.
We would definitely float with them again.

One of the best experiences of my life........the scenery was like medicine for the soul. The guides were magnificent. The food was delicious. The side hikes were magic.........So grateful for Jon Barker and his company. Really an amazing river trip

Jon Barker and his team are actually a 10-star experience in a 5-star world. I've not only had the ridiculously good fortune to hunt Bighorn Rams with Jon, times two, in Oregon and Idaho on both sides of the Snake River in Hell's Canyon, but have also enjoyed two of his "High Desert" rafting & canyoneering trips within the past four years. Jon Barker is a walking, talking encyclopedia of the area's history/geology/ecology/wildlife populations. On no other guided trips in the USA and Canada-and I have done many since the late 1990's-IMO will you experience not just the visual/aural/physical beauty of the Owyhee Canyonlands and River Systems, but Jon and his team have an extraordinary level of knowledge and are generous in their sharing of their expertise, no matter how many questions you ask! The attention to detail is amazing, from the quality of the gear that is provided, the pre-trip "prep talks", the varied/healthy/delicious cuisine whipped up for breakfast/lunch/supper. You won't be disappointed!! The beauty of the landscape, changing around every bend of whichever river you are rafting, or when entering a new canyon, is so stimulating and words come up short. I don't have a FB account, but if anyone want to ask me about my FIVE-STAR experiences, you may shoot me an email at mspaindoc@msn.com and I will go to my volumes of notes/journal entries to help answer any questions you may have. Jon Barker is THE man and every trip is a once-in-a-lifetime education/adventure/amazingly good time. Don't pass up a chance to get on Jon's list for a rafting/canyoneering trip...and for starters I've posted about 6-7 personal photos from prior trips. Best, Gordon Lyons

EF Owyhee Shuttle Review! We drove a thousand miles to launch our trip at Garat Crossing and picked the company that's been there done that and has the rigs to get er done! WOW, check the pics, I don't believe anyone else could have made this happen for us. Thank you Jon for the correct beta about the river and being confident you could get us there. Thank you Craig for your intrepid driving and shoveling of snow in sandals!

We have had multiple trips with the Barker team, and they make rafting super fun and more like Glamping than rustic camping. If you are looking for a top shelf outfitter for your next rafting trip, look no further.

I recently completed my fourth excursion with Jon Barker and his crew. This trip allowed us to travel the East Fork of the Owyhee River from the Duck Valley Indian Reservation to Three Forks, Oregon, a distance of early 100 miles.Once again, Jon provided his guests the opportunity to explore some of the most remote areas of North America. And once again, it was flawless! As a second generation river guide, Jon has a reputation of providing the ultimate back country river experience. The skill and talents of his guides is a testament to the type of organization that Jon operates. They are the best in the business!

My brother and I did a father son trip with our two sons. There was another family with two daughters also on the trip.
We had a great time the crew was VERY proficient when it comes to handling the technical components of the Jarbidge and Bruneau. Not only were they ALL expert guides, but they really wanted each member of the trip to have a great experience.
It paid off! Great food and a truly wonderful time. I know my son and I will never forget the great time we had.
Thanks for the awesome adventure!

For a remote, rugged, unforgettable time, Jon Barker and his crew will deliver it to you at the edge of nowhere. We had a fantastic time. FIVE STARS!

I've been on 3 trips with Jon in the Owyhee Canyonlands - both rafting and canyoneering. Jon has an incredible passion, knowledge, and curiousity about the entire area that he is willing to share with his guests. He is extremely conscientious re his guests' safety maximizing their experience. He is able to get you into areas that I consider 'the most beautiful part of America that almost no one has ever seen.'

Jon runs an exciting expedition that met all of my wishes. Remote, and quiet beauty. Thrilling rapids, outstanding guides who were extremely competent. I am looking at next year for another adventure.

An April East Fork Owyhee was something I’ve lusted after for years. As an experienced rafter and private guide, I still wanted to go down with someone to show me the way. Barker is hands down the most experienced and knowledgeable guide to the upper reaches of the Owyhee. Our trip was memorable in so many ways: isolation, scenery, wildlife, hiking, magical side canyons, camaraderie, and as challenging whitewater as you will see. Barker was more than willing to share his techniques and wealth of knowledge.
A trip with Barker River Expeditions will be memorable for adventurers of all experience levels.
Scott Letourneau, MD
Bend, OR

I have been so fortunate to experience several of Jon Barker‘s River expeditions. Expert and personable guides. Delicious meals . Fabulous remote scenery. Very safety conscious. Besides thrilling and peaceful rafting, Jon knows all of the special and secret hikes along the way. Highly recommend!

I went with Barker on the Bruneau River this spring. Jon and Shane were awesome guides. They successfully navigated us through some scary rapids without incident!!!! Their knowledge of the area was outstanding. As a guest, the trip was well planned and food was delicious. Scenery on this trip was outstanding. I recommend Barker to folks thinking of rafting with them!

We had a blast on our rafting trip!!!

A group of 10 girlfriends went on a rafting trip with Jon and it was amazing! We all had fun rafting, swimming, and goofing around. The food was amazing. I don't know how the crew cooked such wonderful meals but, they did. Eating out in the most gorgeous surroundings was something that everyone needs to experience.

I can't wait to go on another trip with Jon!

My wife and 2 of my daughters did the Jarbidge and Bruneau rivers with Jon's outfit this Spring. The trip was outstanding. Jon and his guides are outstanding oarsmen and just great river guides. Jon's knowledge of that canyon country helps you truly appreciate the uniqueness of this very special area of our country. I highly recommend this float and Barker's outfit.

I have known Jon, for about 20 years, shuttle driving and have gone on a sheep hunt-some fun times.

He has floated every creek in this part of the country, as elsewhere.

His guest are very complimentary about him and I enjoy working for him.

His instructions prior to entering the water are very considerable. His experience in white water is extensive and he has rescue training.

He has the top equipment to do the job, so give him a call, go rafting and have some fun.

M. Bowers
Jordan Valley, Oregon
mbowers8383@gmail.com

We rafted the Jarbidge and Bruneau over 7 days with Jon and his crew. One of the best outdoor adventures I've ever had! The whitewater rafting was fantastic and the side canyon trips were spectacular. So was the food and hospitality. If you have ever considered a trip like this book it through Barker River Expeditions. You will be amazed.

We had a great trip down the South Fork Owyhee River. Barker got us into some very wild, remote country. Gorgeous scenery,great wildlife, good times. Barker probably knows the Owyhees better than anyone around (and has access to all the private, blocked lands). Meals were good, equipment solid, staff great. Highly recommend for a wilderness adventure.