What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
North Fork Owyhee River Hike
This roundtrip trail is a rigorous, 3.5 mile pathway that allows hikers to enjoy the sights and sounds of the river system. However, you’ll have plenty of chances to rest along the way as you view the various junipers, fauna, flora, and species of raptor in the area.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Moderately difficult
Parker Trail
This 2.4-mile roundtrip trail lies just a few minutes east of the immediate North Fork grounds. While short, this hike is deceptively challenging, requiring sojourners to navigate steep and rocky terrain.
Length: 2.4 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Fishing & Boating
The waters that flow into the North Fork of the Owyhee present some great opportunities for fishing and boating alike. The deep canyon that the river creates cuts directly through the forest and empties out into a gorge. People wishing to boat, kayak, or raft along in the North Fork should be very experienced or have experienced guides. The river is popular for fishermen of all kinds who can enjoy smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, redband, and brown trout that dwell there. Anglers should be aware of the river flow and how it affects the fish in the North Fork. The summer and early fall experience low flows, making it an optimal time to seek out large populations.
Climbing
There are a number of opportunities for rock climbing in the surroundings of North Fork. Just 60 miles north rests the Owyhee Mountains, with several summits present on public lands.
Wildlife Viewing
The North Fork grounds host a large variety of different species in the area. Many BLM-sensitive species dwell in the area, including prairie falcons, ferruginous hawks, bald eagles, Columbia spotted frogs, and many others. It is considered a preliminary priority habitat for the greater sage-rouse, so visitors are expected to pay special attention to respecting the habitat. A number of predatory species also call the North Fork home, including coyotes, badgers, cougars, and bobcats.
Picnicking
You’ll have no shortage of picnicking opportunities when you make your stay at North Fork. The majority of surrounding campgrounds offer numerous picnic tables, fire rings, and grills for visitor use.
Hunting
The landscape surrounding the Owyhee is considered a dream to many enthusiastic hunters. There is a large population of big-game species in the area, including pronghorn, mule deer, elk, and Californian bighorn sheep. Small-game animals such as rabbits, raccoons, and various bird species are also plentiful. The terrain provides a welcome challenge to any hunter looking to fine-tune their skills, but you must take care to refrain from hunting in any protected sites.
