Packraft Expedition Training | Owyhee River June 7 – 11, 2026

Join our 5 day Packraft Expedition Training to gain all the essential skills you need to feel confident to lead your own packraft expeditions. After acquiring essential skills from prior packraft-specific training with SSI or another approved course provider, expedition members will apply these skills during a 5-day trip covering up to 40 miles of downstream travel. Course size is currently limited to 10 expedition paddling members and two instructors.

The team will engage in a structured approach to river running, mastering the art of leading a group of paddlers through a remote river section. Each participant in the trip will be fully self-supported, carrying their own food, camp equipment, and shared group gear. This ensures that paddlers become acquainted with their equipment and develop confidence in their systems.

The Packraft Expedition Training takes place in a remote region in Southeast Oregon. The Owyhee River and its tributaries flow through the Owyhee Plateau where they have carved deep, spectacular canyons, often with vertical walls that rise, in some places, over 1,000 feet (300 m) above the river.

Please understand the cancellation/refund policy prior to registration.

COURSE DETAILS

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR:

• Intrepid expedition travelers that desire the fundamentals of planning and executing a river expedition on their own
• Team members that do not want a “guided trip” trip, but want to be active members in the planning process and success of the group while developing personal skills necessary to facilitate future expeditions
• Those that are willing to plug in for planned Zoom training meetings in the preparation process of the expedition
• Team members that are willing to acquire the gear needed for this expedition and to plan and prepare with others
• Adventure driven individuals willing to adjust to anything that nature may throw at us
• Previous SSI packrafting students (or a 2 day ACA or equivalent packraft paddling clinic)

ONLINE COMPONENT: Two Zoom meeting for planning and prep

WHEN: June 7 – 11, 2026

WHERE: Boise, ID (Meeting and Termination point)

FIELD SITE: Lower Owyhee River

INSTRUCTOR: Karen Morse

PREREQUISITES:

1. Proficient swimmer
2. Physically capable
3. Desire to learn
4. All of the necessary PPE
5. Meet all Essential Eligibility Criteria

ABOUT THIS COURSE:

while being forgiving throughout others. The river canyon, as well as the nature of the whitewater changes throughout the duration of the float. Some days on the water will include long sections of boat-scoutig class II-III, while other days include class III+ requiring more structured strategies such as river map work, downstream travel planning, scouting, and time management. Throughout the expedition, members of the team will have the opportunity to design the daily structure to possibly visit several different hot springs, archaeology sites, and spectacular side hikes.

Karen began her career in whitewater in 2011, working as a field staff for Outward Bound on the Deschutes River in Oregon.  Since then she has worked as an instructor, guide, and trainer for a variety of rafting programs and outfitters across Oregon, Idaho, and Utah.  When she isn’t playing with gearboats, packrafts, or rope systems, Karen teaches Wilderness Medicine, Avalanche Rescue Courses, and leads expeditionary courses backpacking and mountaineering.