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Boating on the Owyhee River System

Boater's Guide & Maps | Boater Registration Form | Mileage Guide | East Fork Access | River Classifications | Regulations | Additional Information |South Fork Access |Things to Pack | Owyhee Field Office | Bruneau Field Office | North Fork Access

The Owyhee River System provides a venue for exciting adventures in beautiful canyon settings. However, before embarking it is important to understand and follow proper boating safety and regulations. Idaho rivers are located in a remote environment that is far from emergency help and mainly without cell phone coverage. Each floater should arrive prepared with clothes and equipment for quickly changing weather and flow conditions and choose river stretches that are appropriate for his/her experience level. Finally, all boaters should be competent at wilderness first aid and self-rescue techniques. It is important to be self-sufficient to ensure a safe, enjoyable river experience with your friends and family. 

 Owyhee River System Regulations

Maximum party size for boaters: Owyhee River above Rome - 15 and Owyhee River below Rome  (Lower Owyhee) - 20 All boaters must carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) and be prepared to wear it for the duration of the trip. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. All human and dog waste should be carried out and disposed of properly. Boaters may encounter many Native American artifacts such as petroglyphs on rock faces along the river. Help preserve the cultural items around this area. Don’t disturb these reminders of the past and leave them for future boaters to enjoy. Vandalism of these historical objects is punishable under federal law. Leakproof portable toilet units are required. Fire pans are mandatory. Fire pan contents must be removed from river corridor.

Rafts should be equipped with long bow and stern lines. Registration is mandatory and can be completed in two ways:  1.) Fill out the form on-site at the launch or take-out locations or 2.) Fill out the registration form in the Owyhee River System Boater’s Guide and mail it to BLM at one of the following addresses: Boise District BLM 3948 Development Avenue Boise, Idaho 83705 (208) 384-3300 Boise District BLM Owyhee Field Office 20 First  Avenue West Marsing, Idaho 83639 (208) 896-5912 Vale District BLM Jordan Field Office 100 Oregon Street Vale, Oregon 97128 (541) 473-3144

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Owyhee River Mileage Guide

River Section	Start Point	End Point	Mileage
South Fork of the Owyhee River	YP Ranch	Nevada Pipeline Crossing	21 miles
	Nevada Pipeline Crossing	45 Ranch	24 miles
	45 Ranch	Three Forks	46 miles
East Fork of the Owyhee River	Duck Valley	Garat Crossing	23 miles
	Garat Crossing	Crutcher Crossing	42 miles
Upper Main Owyhee River	Crutcher Crossing	Three Forks	35 miles

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