Owyhee River System

Boating on the Owyhee River

This spectacular river system flows through Idaho, Nevada and Oregon. The Owyhee is famous for its deep canyons, steep cliffs, turbulent whitewater, brilliant wildflowers and abundant wildlife including golden eagles, falcons, hawks, bighorn sheep and deer.

A 120-mile stretch of the river in Oregon has been a wild river under the National Wild and Scenic River Act since 1984, and in 2009, 194 miles of the Owyhee system in Idaho was designated wild.

Directions: Accessible primarily by whitewater boating. High clearance vehicles can reach some boating access locations; four-wheel drive vehicles are needed for others. Check out the boating guide for detailed access information.

Additional Info:

• No fees
• Mandatory registration for river floaters
• Expect Class II-VI rapids