The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you are looking for a great place to go kayaking in the spring, then the 9.3-mile-long Dickshooter Creek Wild and Scenic River may be the perfect spot for you. This river west of Dickshooter, Idaho received the wild andsScenic distinction because it is one of the best redband trout destinations in the world. This area—part of the Owyhee, Bruneau, and Jarbidge river system—contains the highest concentration of rhyolite-basalt canyons in the western United States. This site is in a very remote area with very few paved roads, and it is likely to take you over three hours to get anywhere.
If you are planning a fishing, hiking, or kayaking adventure on the Dickshooter Creek Wild and Scenic River, then consider staying at BLM campgrounds along the way. You can stay for up to 14 days at most for free while others require you to pay a nominal fee. Additionally, you can camp on most public land where there aren't "No Camping" signs posted.
The first two miles of this trail are relatively easy but go steadily uphill. There are several creeks to be forded, so be sure to keep the weather in mind. This out-and-back trail ends at a gorgeous slot canyon.
Length: 2.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This slot-canyon trail is a great place to spot wildlife. Since it is in a slot canyon, it is subject to flash flooding. This trail in the Honeycomb Wilderness is a fantastic place to see large boulders and spirals. Some rock scrambling may be necessary.
Length: 0.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Three Forks Trail runs between two high canyon walls and along a creek. The trail follows an old road that is extremely narrow. You will love soaking in the hot springs pool at the turnaround point on this trail. It is best if you have children along to send an adult around the bend to the pool first because nudists sometimes use it.
Length: 4.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Grasmere Reservoir is a fantastic place to go fishing. Anglers usually catch their limit of Lahontan cutthroat trout. This 224-acre lake also has an abundance of crayfish. The state regularly stocks it with trout in September.
Leslie Gulch is a favorite area with many climbers. This area has many great triad runs. There are two bolted routes, but this is private property, so please do not create any more. Named courses include The Einstein, Asylum, Juniper Wall, and Torture Chamber.
This is a remote area without many paved roads, so you can often see wildlife along any of the widely spaced roads. Alternatively, you may want to visit the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. This Bureau of Land Management facility has the largest concentration of nesting birds of prey in the United States. Covering about 485,000 acres, you can see hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons.
Cove Recreation Site at C.J. Strike Reservoir is a great place for a picnic. There is a campground, picnic tables, and fire rings. After your meal, consider fishing, boating, and swimming in the reservoir.
If you would like to go RV camping near Dickshooter Creek Wild and Scenic River, consider choices in Mountain Home, Idaho. Wagon Wheel RV Park is conveniently located next to a golf course and hiking and biking trails. Another choice is Gem State RV Park, offering pull-through and back-in sites. A third option is Mountain Home RV Park, which offers a resort-style camping experience.
There are several Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near Dickshooter Creek Wild and Scenic River. One Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunity is Big Cottonwood Campground. This campground lies along the East Fork of the Jarbidge River about 0.5 miles from Murphy Hot Springs. Another option is the North Fork Owyhee River Campground. This campground is in the Owyhee Wilderness Area.
The Dickshooter Creek Wild and Scenic River is in a very remote area, where there are very few roads. Therefore, you need to plan ahead to ensure that you have enough gas and other necessities. The few available roads are usually gravel, so they take much longer to travel. For example, the closest gas station is in Jordan Valley, Oregon, and it is almost three hours away, despite being only 71 miles.
Since cell service will be minimal, get a paper topological map and a compass before you leave home. Learn how to read the compass to get where you need to be. It is also smart to have your vehicle checked well before you start, and you may want to carry extra gas with you. Only carry extra gas in an approved container, and never put it where people can smell the fumes while you travel. Check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping. Since you are unlikely to have phone service, look ahead for "BLM camping near me."
There is no trash service in this remote location. Therefore, you should plan to pack out what you bring in. Removing as much excess packaging as you can before you leave home can be a great idea. Carry containers that animals cannot easily tear into, and keep them put up, especially at night.
To get to the Dickshooter Creek Wild and Scenic River from Jordan Valley, Oregon, follow Juniper Mountain Road south for 68.4 miles. Then follow Kimbell Trail until you reach the river.
Address: Dickshooter Creek Wild and Scenic River, Dickshooter, Idaho 83604
Ready to visit Dickshooter Creek Wild and Scenic River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
