South Fork of the Owyhee River, Idaho

Idaho

Bureau of Land Management
3948 Development Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83705

Designated Reach: March 30, 2009. The South Fork of the Owyhee River upstream from its confluence with the Owyhee River to the upstream boundary of the Owyhee River Wilderness at the Idaho Nevada State border.

Classification/Mileage: Wild — 30.2 miles; Recreational — 1.2 miles; Total — 31.4 miles.

Along this fork, 31.4 miles are designated wild, from the Idaho-Nevada border (the upstream boundary of the Owyhee River Wilderness) to the confluence with the main Owyhee River. A short portion of this stretch, where the river crosses private land, will be managed as a recreational river.

The South Fork Owyhee River enters Idaho from the north enclosed within a 550 foot deep canyon of basalt and rhyolite. Within the canyon there are beautiful rock pinnacles and hoodoos. This stretch of river is known as an outstanding wilderness river experience because of the canyon’s scenic qualities, solitude opportunities, wildlife viewing, and length of trip available.