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Boating Guide to the Bruneau, Jarbidge and Owyhee River Systems

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: Owyhee or Bruneau-Jarbidge / Firepans and Portable Toilets / Id Invasive Species Law  Related BLM Field Office Links: Bruneau Field Office (ID) / Jarbidge Field Office (ID) / Owyhee Field Office (ID) / Jordan Field Office (OR) / Tuscarora Field Office (NV)

The 69-mile Bruneau/Jarbidge River System flows north from the mountains of northern Nevada through the Owyhee Uplands to the Snake River in southern Idaho. The Jarbidge River joins with the West Fork Bruneau River to form the Bruneau River about 24 miles north of the Nevada border, just upstream of Indian Hot Springs. These rivers provide challenging whitewater, but also significant danger due to dramatic variations in flows, severe weather, log jams and portages.

The primary float season generally runs from April through mid June, and the Bruneau River flows usually peak in mid to late May. Optimal flows for rafting the Bruneau are between 800 and 2,000 cfs on the Bruneau River gauge. Due to its narrow, rocky channel, and one or more portages, the Jarbidge is primarily boated by kayakers. At some flows, the Jarbidge is passable for small rafts and catarafts. Depending on flows, both the Jarbidge and Bruneau Rivers may also be kayaked in late June and early July. The rivers are not recommended for boating in any craft when the Bruneau gauge reading exceeds 2,500 cfs.

The Five Mile Rapids of the Bruneau River, located in the lower reach of the canyon, presents an incredibly challenging experience for floaters. The combination of this section’s steep gradient and constant Class III-IV rapids forms the most difficult section of the Bruneau River. It is possible to take out above Five Mile Rapids by hiking up the Roberson Trail to a road at the canyon’s eastern rimrock. However, this is an arduous climb of 700 vertical feet.

This river system is located in a remote environment that is far from emergency help. Your cell phone won’t work here. Each boater should have proper equipment for quickly changing weather conditions and be self-sufficient to handle any medical, rescue, repair or other emergencies that may arise. Boaters should choose river stretches that are appropriate for their experience level.