Imnaha River

Oregon

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Post Office Box 907
Baker City, Oregon 97814

Designated Reach: October 28, 1988. The main stem from the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Imnaha River to its mouth. The South Fork from its headwaters to the confluence with the main stem.

Classification/Mileage: Wild — 15.0 miles; Scenic — 4.0 miles; Recreational — 58.0 miles; Total — 77.0 miles.

The Imnaha River, including its South Fork, follows a fault line to its confluence with the Snake River. There are three special management areas withing the river corridor, each with its own specific management objectives. These include the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA), Eagle Cap Wilderness, and the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. Private property, both inside and outside the National Forest boundary, is involved in this river corridor. The Forest Service has no regulatory authority over private lands.

A diverse landscape creates a high quality natural scenery. Manmade developments have a primitive, historic, or rustic western setting. The private lands are in a pastoral setting of historic and/or western culture. This lifestyle is dominated by a ranching/farming tradition that has evolved over time. This lifestyle, as it is related to the river, is an extension of how the river corridor has been used for years, including use by the Nez Perce Tribe.

Recreational activities include hunting, fishing, sighseeing, horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, and camping. Much of the river is on private property, including the bed and banks. In most cases, the recreational opportunities on private land are limited to sightseeing and photography from the County Road. Wildlife along the Imnaha includes bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, and black bear.

A variety of plant species and diverse ecosystems can be found in the Imnaha River corridor, which starts at 8,000 feet and descends to 950 feet. Most ecosystems found in the forest can be identified along this river corridor.