• Hells Canyon Adventures operates on Pacific Time

TUES, Aug 13: Kirkwood Jet Boat Adventure, 10:00-3:00; Granite Creek Adventure 10:00-12:00

WED, Aug 15:  Kirkwood Jet Boat Adventure 10:00-3:00

THURS, Aug 16: Kirkwood Jet Boat Adventure 10:00-3:00; Granite Creek Adventure 10:00-12:00
Granite Creek Adventure 2:00-4:00

FRI, Aug 17: Call for schedule

SAT, Aug 18:  Call for schedule

SUN, Aug 19:  Call for schedule

MON, Aug 20:  Call for schedule

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 800-422-3568 or 208-257-4564

Biz Buzz By Kathleen Ellyn, Wallowa County Chieftain

Updates on our local businesses are in order this week, with changes of business model, announcements of secured contracts and an exciting new business.

First up is our change of business model. Some of you may have heard that the Minam Motel is no longer acting as a motel. It’s true. Owners Grant and Lottie Richie are reconfiguring their business and plan to expand their store and use some of the motel space to house their river guides.

The business is doing well with their Wine and Food trips, guided fly-fishing trips, chukar hunts, rafting trips and raft rentals and the Richies want to focus in that area.

Those “Wine and Food on the River” rafting trips on the Grande Ronde or Snake rivers have received high praise in the press. Richie works with Walla Walla-based Chef Andrae Bopp and serves Walla Walla wines provided by Heirlinger Winery, Bergevin Lane Vineyards, Kontos Cellars, Skylite Cellars and Solemn Cellars among others. Expect to pay $995 for a three-day excursion and $1,595 for a five day trip.

Other rafting trips include Grande Ronde River guided trips, white water guided Snake River Rafting through Hells Canyon and lower Salmon River guided trips.

Sad news for some of you, the Morel Trip in late May is already fully booked. Better luck next year.

Off-season trips include the “Cast and Blast” (fishing and chukar) trips in late fall.

The contract to continue operating the Wallowa Lake Marina went to (no surprise) Casey Barstad. Casey was the sole applicant, but his experience working with former contract holders, his parents, Gina and Bob Barstad, would have impressed in thick competition.

“He’s had a lot of experience and his bid and proposal was very, very detailed,” said Shawnae Stanton, park specialist for Wallowa Lake State Park. “He’s also been working with us in terms of what we’d like to see in the park in the future. We want to expand the dining area out front so that visitors can enjoy the lake view more.”

Casey’s folks have held that contract for 30 years.

“Casey grew up with the business. He’s been around it since he was six years old,” said Bob Barstad.

And finally, get ready for the newest tourism idea in Joseph — the Joseph Trolley, touted as providing “The World’s Longest Trolley Tour.”

The trolley rolls out on its Grand Opening Tour, May 31. That tour is a live, narrated, three-hour drive to Joseph Creek Canyon for a total of 101 miles round trip with camera stops along the way and half hour at the scenic overlook.

Another, even longer four and one half hour tour to Buckhorn Springs Canyon is planned for the future. You’re advised that 63 miles of the Buckhorn Springs tour is on gravel and will be bumpy. Might want to take an extra cushion for that one. The trolley is wheelchair accessible for up to two wheelchair guests.

Prices are very reasonable: $30 adult on the Joseph Creek Canyon Tour with a senior discount of $5 available; lap riders 0-2 free; guests ages 3-11 $15. There are group rates and opportunities to book the whole trolley for your special event. You’ll want to check out all of the offerings on the Jo Trolley web page.  

P.S. some other big news was brewing at press time but not finalized. Stay tuned.

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Hells Canyon Adventures offers jet boat rides, rafting, and fishing adventures at the south entrance of Hells Canyon, on the Snake River. It is an amazing time to experience canyon thrills, wildlife and awe-inspiring views of the rugged canyon walls and towering mountains above. This week’s schedule is below. All tours operate on Pacific Time.

MONDAY, June 6, 2016• Morning Wild Sheep Adventure with Lunch – 10:00-Noon *
• Afternoon Wild Sheep Adventure – 2:00-4:00 PM *

TUESDAY, June 7, 2016
• Morning Wild Sheep Adventure with Lunch – 10:00-Noon
• Afternoon Wild Sheep Adventure – 2:00-4:00 PM *

WEDNESDAY, June 8, 2016
• Morning Wild Sheep Adventure with Lunch – 10:00-Noon *
• Afternoon Wild Sheep Adventure – 2:00-4:00 PM *

THURSDAY, June 9, 2016
• Granite Creek Adventure with Lunch – 10:00-Noon
• Kirkwood Adventure – 10:00-3:30/4:00 PM

FRIDAY, June 10, 2016
ALL TRIPS FULL

SATURDAY, June 11, 2016
• One Day White Water Rafting – 9:00-4:00 PM
• Kirkwood Adventure – 10:00-3:30/4:00 PM

SUNDAY, June 12, 2016
• Kirkwood Adventure – 10:00-3:30/4:00 PM
• Morning Granite Creek Adventure – 10:00-Noon
• Afternoon Granite Creek Adventure – 2:00-4:00 PM

Call 800-422-3568 or 541-785-3352 for reservations.

* Minimum passenger requirements not yet met *

Fishing, hunting and viewing wildlife are popular activities throughout Eastern Oregon and the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway provides access to some of the best in the Northwest, any time of year. Opportunities change with the seasons so be sure to check out license requirements and regulations before setting out for some fun and exercise.

The Oregon department of Fish and Wildlife announces the first Winter Steelhead have arrived in many rivers and streams, and anglers can expect the fishing to really pick up once we get some warmer weather and a little rain. If you’re not sure where to go, check out the 2014 Winter Steelhead Guide at www.dfw.state.or.us/RR/Steelhead_guide.

Beginning January 1, 2014, anglers fishing for salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon in the Columbia River or its tributaries (all rivers and streams within Byway country) will be required to have a Columbia River Basin endorsement. See a map of the basin and get more information at by clicking here.