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Owyhee Wild & Scenic River

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

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Owyhee Wild & Scenic River

Running through high desert canyonlands that feature steep, rhyolite cliffs and sandcastle rock formations, Owyhee Wild & Scenic River is one of the 34 wild and scenic rivers in Oregon under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is a federal agency charged with the preservation and maintenance of the United States' treasured natural environments. They inducted this river into the National Wild and Scenic River System in 1984.

This 120-mile expanse of wilderness offers you a full range of exciting experiences to discover. There are plenty of free and dispersed campsites along with biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, and water activities for you to enjoy. The river also hosts a number of organized educational activities for your family and friends. If you head over to the visitor's center at Sawtooth National Forest, you can take part in a number of outdoor learning programs. Lake Owyhee State Park also provides campers with unforgettable chances for wildlife watching, rock climbing, and fishing. The nearest national park is Crater Lake National Park, which is roughly 270 miles west of the Owyhee River.

What to See and Do

Hiking And Biking

Painted Canyon Loop

This stunning trail is considered the granddaddy of all hiking routes in the Owyhee Canyonlands. You should prepare to spend at least five hours traversing this 8.5-mile hike, so pack an ample amount of food and water. This trail is recommended for those with considerable experience in route navigation and the management of tough terrain.

Length: 8.5 miles

Difficulty: Expert

Three Forks and a Soak

This easy 4.5-mile trail presents rewards that the whole family can enjoy. You'll see a diverse array of plants and animal species along your way. The trail ends at Oregon's best hot spring.

Length: 4.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing & Boating

The Owyhee River hosts a continuous stream of activities out on the water. The large varieties of trout, catfish, large-mouth bass, and crappie draw anglers from all over the Pacific Northwest. Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Owyhee presents a challenging ride that requires experience. There are guided whitewater rafting tours led by highly trained professionals.

Climbing

Vast peaks and cliffsides characterize the canyonlands of the Owyhee terrain. Many of these natural climbing spots measure over 1,000 feet in height, offering ample opportunity for rock climbing and rock hounding activities. The steep climbs are very challenging, so exercise extreme care before undertaking any climbing adventures there.

Wildlife Viewing

There are over 200 species of wildlife that call the Owyhee River home. The wilderness is especially abundant in bird species, including large birds of prey and smaller varieties. Visitors should be sure to refrain from direct interaction with any animals on the premises. The rare greater sage-rouse lives here, and several rodent species walk the grounds, as well as cotton- and jack-tail rabbits, porcupines, muskrats, and badgers. The Owyhee is also home to four species of predatory cats.

Picnicking

Picnicking opportunities exist all over the Owyhee River wilderness. Surrounding campgrounds offer plenty of picnic tables, fire rings, and grills that you can use to prepare a meal. The Gordon Gulch Day-use Area is also open year-round for picnicking.

Hunting

The western landscape of the Owyhee offers gaming opportunities that hunters won't want to pass up. The large expanse is home to pronghorn, Californian bighorn sheep, and other big-game animals to test your skills during hunting season. Small-game species of rabbit, raccoons, and various game birds also reside in the area. The appeal of the landscape makes the Owyhee a favorite destination of hunters who wish to truly challenge themselves. However, all hunting should be conducted with strict attention to sustainable gaming practices.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You can find a number of campgrounds that offer spots for RV camping. The North Fork Campground requires no reservations and hosts seven free campsites for both small and large RVs. All existing Bureau of Land Management free campgrounds near the Owyhee feature fire rings, picnic tables, and grills. Vault toilets are present throughout, but there is no running water on the land.

Bruneau Dunes State Park provides a campground that hosts a number of beneficial amenities. It features 82 campsites with clean water and electricity hook-ups, 35 standard campsites, a dump station, an information center, and other useful accommodations.

Free Camping

Dispersed camping opportunities are plentiful alongside the Owyhee River. The Middle Fork is especially concentrated with these opportunities, and some sites in the area even accommodate small RVs. You'll have to find a suitable spot to park your RV before entering the wilderness, so make sure you are prepared with the proper equipment.

RV Rentals Near Owyhee Wild & Scenic River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Owyhee Wild & Scenic River BLM trip

Exploring the Owyhee gives you access to the cornucopia of natural wilderness that the Northwest has to offer. However, the environment presents some rigorous challenges that might be too much for a beginner. This is especially true for water activities, as the river presents unique challenges with navigation. By planning your trip months in advance, you can get some outdoor experience under your belt before tackling the Owyhee Wilderness. Search “BLM camping near me” for nearby opportunities to hone your outdoor survival skills.

In order to respect these natural environments, you should be aware of what kind of wildlife exists in the area. Various animals of prey roam through the area, and your safety relies on respecting the habitat that these animals live in. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

BLM travelers must always take extra care to leave these natural environments the same way they found them. When you're traveling through the Owyhee, always make sure to clean up any trash and waste that you produce. Bring an ample supply of plastic bags to collect garbage, and remember that dumping human waste is strictly prohibited near bodies of water. Leaving behind food waste, such as fruit peels, seeds, or cores, is also strictly prohibited. You must not attempt to cultivate or collect local plant life or fauna, and engaging with wildlife is equally off-limits.