Trips on the Jarbidge, Bruneau and Owhyee

This is an exciting time to discover the Owyhee and Bruneau Canyonlands. Already the most remote area in the lower 48 states, the Owyhee Initiative has resulted in new legislation which has designated 517,000 acres in this area as wilderness and included 316 miles of river as the newest addition to the nation's wild and scenic river system.

Owyhee River Rafting

The Owyhee Canyonlands offer superb river running from April through June each year. It is the longest back country river system in the Northwest.

Barker River Expeditions

The Owyhee is filled with pioneer history, plentiful wildlife, and dramatic vistas. We will float through the headwaters of the Owyhee River basin, dropping deeper and deeper into the main canyon as rhyolite cliffs tower over the river. We drift through tranquil stretches, alternating with class IV-V rapids. The Owyhee River offers fantastic hiking opportunities throughout the river corridor and side canyons.

Bruneau River Rafting

The Bruneau River winds through a spectacular desert canyon with sheer basalt and rhyolite cliffs rising hundreds of feet above the boats. The canyon is incredibly narrow, colorful, and beautiful. Ancient juniper trees lean over the rafts as we venture by. The Bruneau consistently offers demanding boating with many rocky rapids and drops. This leads us to the famous "Five Mile Rapids" where the river descends through a spectacular series of class IV whitewater rapids with little room between the drops! During our adventure, we will enjoy hikes into side canyons with intriguing caves and arches.

Jarbidge River Rafting

On our Bruneau River trips, you can choose a 2-day extension on the Jarbidge River, which is a small, steep river upstream from the Bruneau with amazing scenery and two probable portages, including a new rapid, "Barker Falls," which was created by a landslide in June, 2009.

Bruneau - Owyhee Canyonlands

You can also try one of our vehicle-supported overland tours. We drive by vehicle for day hikes to canyon overlooks, hot springs, and the most spectacular side canyons in the region. You'll hike during the day and in the evening you'll relax in a luxurious camp set up by your guides. These adventures allow you to travel to many remote canyons that cannot be reached from the river.