The Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River has a short boating season, typically it
only has enough water to float in the spring. The river has challenging
whitewater and sections that most boaters portage. Two-wheel drive vehicles
are sufficient to reach the put-in, located at the confluence of the West Fork
and East Fork of the Jarbidge River about two miles north of Murphy Hot
Springs.

The Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River has a short boating season, typically it only has enough water to float in the spring.  The river has challenging whitewater and sections that most boaters portage.  Two-wheel drive vehicles are sufficient to reach the put-in, located at the confluence of the West Fork and East Fork of the Jarbidge River about two miles north of Murphy Hot Springs.

Bird's eye view of the park

Jarbidge River Launch Site

Hidden within a vast high desert plateau are deep canyons carved by the
Owyhee, Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers in a remote area of southwestern Idaho.
Nearly 30 miles of the Jarbidge River is designated as wild. Volcanic caves,
canyons and spire-like hoodoos tower hundreds of feet above whitewater rafters
in this unique environment of unsurpassed solitude and unique beauty. In early
spring, this area brightens up with beautiful desert flowers contrasted
sharply against the dark volcanic rock. The sagebrush plateaus of the Owyhee
Uplands provides habitat for over 200 species of wildlife. Soaring eagles and
hawks can often be seen flying over the skylines and nesting along the cliff
faces here. The ancestors of the Shoshone-Paiute and Shoshone-Bannock people
have used these canyonlands for thousands of years for shelter, weaponry, fish
and game and water. From placid pools to turbulent whitewater; from vertical
cliffs to steep grassy slopes, this area presents visitors with challenging
and extraordinary experiences. 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. The Jarbidge River provides
challenging whitewater for experienced boaters during the spring with
stretches of class 5 and 6 difficulty. This river lies within a canyon with
steep walls and statuesque rock formations. Golden eagles are commonly seen
and chukars are abundant.

Hidden within a vast high desert plateau are deep canyons carved by the Owyhee, Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers in a remote area of southwestern Idaho. Nearly 30 miles of the Jarbidge River is designated as wild. Volcanic caves, canyons and spire-like hoodoos tower hundreds of feet above whitewater rafters in this unique environment of unsurpassed solitude and unique beauty. In early spring, this area brightens up with beautiful desert flowers contrasted sharply against the dark volcanic rock. The sagebrush plateaus of the Owyhee Uplands provides habitat for over 200 species of wildlife. Soaring eagles and hawks can often be seen flying over the skylines and nesting along the cliff faces here.  The ancestors of the Shoshone-Paiute and Shoshone-Bannock people have used these canyonlands for thousands of years for shelter, weaponry, fish and game and water. From placid pools to turbulent whitewater; from vertical cliffs to steep grassy slopes, this area presents visitors with challenging and extraordinary experiences. 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. The Jarbidge River provides challenging whitewater for experienced boaters during the spring with stretches of class 5 and 6 difficulty. This river lies within a canyon with steep walls and statuesque rock formations.  Golden eagles are commonly seen and chukars are abundant.

Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River

The West Fork Bruneau River joins with the Jarbidge River to form the Bruneau
River about 24 miles north of the Nevada border, just upstream of Indian Hot
Springs. The canyon opens up at this portion of the river through the
designated 0.3 miles and then becomes narrower as the Bruneau River flows
north. This is a boatable section of river.

The West Fork Bruneau River joins with the Jarbidge River to form the Bruneau River about 24 miles north of the Nevada border, just upstream of Indian Hot Springs.  The canyon opens up at this portion of the river through the designated 0.3 miles and then becomes narrower as the Bruneau River flows north. This is a boatable section of river.

West Fork Bruneau Wild and Scenic River

The 900-mile Idaho Centennial Trail weaves through the most scenic portions of
Idaho’s wild country, from high desert canyonlands in southern Idaho to wet
mountain forests in North Idaho. Visitors will cross many mountains, streams
and rivers in between. It was designated as the official state trail during
Idaho’s Centennial year in 1990. Since that time, only a few people have
actually completed the Idaho Centennial Trail, revealing the challenge and
time-commitment involved. This area is comprised of mainly two track-roads and
is enjoyed by a variety of recreationists. Two-wheel drive vehicles are
sufficient to reach the Bruneau Canyon Overlook and the top of the Murphy Hot
Springs Grade. However, if you are traveling from Murphy to Bruneau Canyon
Overlook, a four-wheel-drive vehicle with clearance is recommended.

The 900-mile Idaho Centennial Trail weaves through the most scenic portions of Idaho’s wild country, from high desert canyonlands in southern Idaho to wet mountain forests in North Idaho. Visitors will cross many mountains, streams and rivers in between. It was designated as the official state trail during Idaho’s Centennial year in 1990. Since that time, only a few people have actually completed the Idaho Centennial Trail, revealing the challenge and time-commitment involved. This area is comprised of mainly two track-roads and is enjoyed by a variety of recreationists. Two-wheel drive vehicles are sufficient to reach the Bruneau Canyon Overlook and the top of the Murphy Hot Springs Grade. However, if you are traveling from Murphy to Bruneau Canyon Overlook, a four-wheel-drive vehicle with clearance is recommended.

Jarbidge River Launch Site

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River

West Fork Bruneau Wild and Scenic River

Idaho Centennial Road/Trail