Boating Guide to the Bruneau, Jarbidge and Owyhee River Systems

The spectacular Jarbidge, Owyhee and Bruneau rivers flow through southwestern Idaho, northern Nevada and eastern Oregon, offering incomparable views of deep canyons carved into a vast desert plateau.

The Owyhee River has Class II and III whitewater, with occasional rapids of Class IV, V and VI.  The Bruneau River offers challenging Class III and IV rapids. The float season runs from March through early- to mid-June, depending on snowpack and spring run-off.

The stretches in the Bruneau Field Office are designated as Wild and Scenic.  The Omnibus Public Lands Management Act (P.L. 111-111) designated 316 miles of southern Idaho waterways as Wild and Scenic Rivers under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.  

Vicinity Map, Whitewater Classification, Mileages

Owyhee River access maps - South and East Forks (Idaho and Nevada)

Owyhee River access maps - Main (Oregon)

Owyhee River maps - South Fork (Nevada and Idaho)

Owyhee River maps - East Fork (Idaho)

Owyhee River maps - Main (Oregon)

Bruneau and Jarbidge River access maps (Idaho)

Bruneau and Jarbidge River maps (Idaho)

Information: Requirements and Laws | Safety and Ethics | Natural and Human History | Wild and Scenic Status | Boater Skill Requirements | Float Seasons and River Flow | Outfitters | Wildlife Agencies | Emergency Contacts Links: Wilderness and Maps  Self-Issue Permit: Prior to launching, you are required to fill out a self-issued permit to float the river. These permits are available at the river launch site; please fill out the form and insert one copy in the drop box at the river launch site and one copy to carry with you on the river for the entire duration of your trip.   Firepans and Portable Toilets | Id Invasive Species Law  BLM Field Office Links: Bruneau | Jarbidge | Owyhee | Jordan (OR) | Tuscarora (NV)