Boating the Owyhee, Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers

The Canyonlands of the Jarbidge, Owyhee and Bruneau Rivers offer some of the most exciting boating in the U.S.  These spectacular rivers flow through southwestern Idaho, northern Nevada and eastern Oregon and offer boaters unique views of deep canyons carved into  extensive desert plateaus under wide-open skies.  Much of the land along these rivers has been designated Wilderness.

The Owyhee River offers Class II and III whitewater, as well as 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 Omnibus Public Lands Management Act (P.L. 111-11) designated 316 miles of southern Idaho waterways as wild and scenic.  

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 Section: 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 Related 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 | Idaho Invasive Species Law  BLM Field Office Links Bruneau Field Office | Jarbidge Field Office | Owyhee Field Office | Jordan Field Office (OR) | Tuscarora Field Office (NV)