Oxbow/Brownlee

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Oxbow/Brownlee is an example of the accomplishments achievable through interagency cooperation. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) works in conjunction with the National Forest Service and Idaho Power Company to produce clean energy and manage natural resources while maintaining the pristine nature of the Hells Canyon area for the “use and enjoyment of present and future generations.” The BLM is responsible for creating and maintaining roads, trails, and BLM RV camping sites. Visitors using Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the Oxbow/Brownlee area are required to observe BLM’s “leave no trace” policy.

Located in the Hells Canyon Recreation Area on the upper reaches of the Snake River, Oxbow Brownlee is equidistant from Yellowstone National Park to the east and Crater Lake National Park to the west. Situated just 100 miles north of Boise, ID, the two dams, Oxbow and Brownlee, provide three services: hydroelectric power, flood control, and public recreation. Brownlee Dam was constructed first, opening in 1958 and holding back a 15,000-acre lake. The construction of Oxbow Dam soon followed, opening in 1961 and retaining a 1,150-acre lake. The BLM quickly followed, creating Bureau of Land Management camping sites and establishing trails to minimize human impact while providing access to the area.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Brownlee River Trail

The trailhead for the Brownlee River Trail is a short drive outside Cambridge, ID. The in-and-out trail moves upstream alongside the Brownlee River from its entrance into the Brownlee Reservoir to where the river begins its 2,000-foot tumble to Hells Canyon — the lowest elevation in Idaho. The distinctive pathway runs up and down the hills through which the Brownlee River is carved, sometimes offering incredible views from cliffs above the water.

Length: 19.4 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Cuddy Mountain

Starting from a trailhead at the Brownlee Campground, this in-and-out trail climbs 2,864 feet steadily to reach the ridgeline that operates as the mountain’s saddle. Periodic breaks in the climb are provided by switchbacks allowing the legs to rest before tackling the next incline. Views from the ridgeline include the Wallowa Mountains and the Seven Devils.

Length: 7.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Every campground alongside the Brownlee and Oxbow reservoirs provides a boat ramp for anglers to get onto the water. The preferred watercraft for those venturing through the lakes is a raft as each craft must be ported around the dams. While both reservoirs provide ample supplies of bass, crappie, and catfish, Brownlee supports the densest population with the nutrient-rich flows from upriver.

Climbing

The cliffs of Hells Canyon are the deepest in North America; they dwarf the famous canyons of the Grand Canyon. In Oxbow/Brownlee, situated in the upper reaches of Hells Canyon, there are over 200 established routes for rock climbers to seek the thrill of climbing out of the canyon. The soft limestone consistency of the cliffs elevates the challenge of the routes that culminate in amazing views of the river below.

Wildlife Viewing

The water and isolation bring wildlife to the area. Even the smallest animals, mice, squirrels, and voles thrive in the cliffs above the waters. Mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears are often found wandering the lands, while bald eagles, osprey, and golden eagles search for prey from the skies.

Picnicking

Picnic tables are available at several campgrounds lying inside Oxbow/Brownlee, and others are found at trailheads with a few along the trails themselves. Overlooks along the roadways also provide picnic tables for individuals and families to enjoy a meal while experiencing the fantastic views. Every picnicker is asked to clean up after themselves so that the next visitors to stop in the area can enjoy it as much as them.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The BLM supports only a few developed RV camping sites in the Oxbow/Brownlee area. A startling example of a developed BLM campground is Steck Park located at the southern end of Brownlee Reservoir. The park provides 44 primitive RV campsites for $5 per night. Potable water, vault toilets, a fish-cleaning station, and a dump station are provided by the BLM. Two boat ramps allow visitors to get on the water to enjoy the views of the overhanging cliffs and the fantastic fishing.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is found in several designated locations along the Brownlee Reservoir. An example is Swede’s Landing, which sits next to the reservoir at a location just south of Brownlee Dam near the mouth of the Powder River. The site is essentially a pull-off with a few established campsites pioneered by previous campers. RV campers are asked to use these established sites before setting up camp in unused portions of Swede’s Landing. There are no amenities except for a boat launch that is usable no matter how shallow the Brownlee Reservoir becomes. The site is patrolled, and visitors may stay as long as 14 days.

RV Rentals Near Oxbow/Brownlee Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Oxbow/Brownlee BLM trip

Searching for “BLM camping near me,” using Cambridge, ID as the center is a popular way to find the perfect camping spot for a rig. Take the time to search online, make a list of preferred sites, and establish a map before embarking.

For an enjoyable camping experience in Oxbow/Brownlee, pack extra blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags to facilitate staying outdoors as long as possible on cold nights. Stargazing is popular in this remote area where city lighting is minimal. Visitors to this area often remark about the number of stars in the night sky that are not visible under city lights. Before heading out on a trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The “leave no trace” regulation is a BLM requirement to be practiced while visiting vulnerable environments like Oxbow/Brownlee. Hiking on established trails reduces the impact on the soft soils that support the wildlife found in the area. Pick up all trash, even if former campers left it. Restricting campfires inside a high-lipped, wide skillet lets campers enjoy the experience of campfires while making it easy to dowse the flames and pack the ashes into a container for removal.

Oxbow/Brownlee Location

To reach Oxbow/Brownlee from Boise, ID, take Interstate 84 West (I-84 W) for 50.7 miles, crossing the border into Ontario, OR. In Ontario, take a right onto East Idaho Avenue and go for 1.2 miles. Turn left onto North Whiley Drive, which becomes United States Highway 95 North (US-95 N) to cross back into Idaho. Stay on US-95 N for 18.7 miles to get into Weiser, ID. Remain on US-95 N for two miles to find the southern end of Brownlee Reservoir. Visitors often continue to travel US-95 N seeking overviews of Hells Canyon.

Ready to visit Oxbow/Brownlee? 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.