Idaho Rivers
Boater's Guide & Maps | Regulations | Mileage Guide | Access
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Idaho Rivers | Bruneau Field Office | Jarbidge Field Office
Boating on the Bruneau-Jarbidge River System
The 69-mile Bruneau/Jarbidge River System flows north from the mountains of northern Nevada through the Owyhee Uplands to the Snake River in southern Idaho. The Jarbidge River joins with the West Fork Bruneau River to form the Bruneau River about 24 miles north of the Nevada border, just upstream of Indian Hot Springs. These rivers provide challenging whitewater, but also significant danger due to dramatic variations in flows, severe weather, log jams and portages.
The primary float season generally runs from April through mid June, and the Bruneau River flows usually peak in mid to late May. Optimal flows for rafting the Bruneau are between 800 and 2,000 cfs on the Bruneau River gauge. Due to its narrow, rocky channel, and one or more portages, the Jarbidge is primarily boated by kayakers. At some flows, the Jarbidge is passable for small rafts and catarafts. Depending on flows, both the Jarbidge and Bruneau Rivers may also be kayaked in late June and early July. The rivers are not recommended for boating in any craft when the Bruneau gauge reading exceeds 2,500 cfs.
The Five Mile Rapids of the Bruneau River, located in the lower reach of the canyon, presents an incredibly challenging experience for floaters. The combination of this section’s steep gradient and constant Class III-IV rapids forms the most difficult section of the Bruneau River. It is possible to take out above Five Mile Rapids by hiking up the Roberson Trail to a road at the canyon’s eastern rimrock. However, this is an arduous climb of 700 vertical feet.
The West Fork Bruneau River should be run only by kayak and only by expert kayakers. The West Fork is extremely dangerous due to its small size, strenuous portages and numerous difficult rapids.
This river system is located in a remote environment that is far from emergency help. Your cell phone won’t work here. Each boater should have proper equipment for quickly changing weather conditions and be self-sufficient to handle any medical, rescue, repair or other emergencies that may arise. Boaters should choose river stretches that are appropriate for their experience level.
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Bruneau-Jarbidge River System Regulations
Maximum party size of 15 boaters. --All boaters must carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) and be prepared to wear it for the duration of the trip. --Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. --All human and dog waste should be carried out and disposed of properly. --Boaters may encounter Native American artifacts along the river. Help preserve the cultural items around this area. Don’t disturb these reminders of the past and leave them for future boaters to enjoy. Vandalism of these historical objects is punishable under federal law. -- Leakproof portable toilet units are required. -- Fire pans are mandatory. Fire pan contents must be removed from river corridor. | --Rafts should be equipped with long bow and stern lines. --Registration is mandatory and can be completed in two ways:
1. Fill out the form on-site at the launch or take-out locations.
2. Fill out the registration card in the Bruneau-Jarbidge River System Boater’s Guide and mail it to BLM at one of the following addresses: Boise District
Bruneau Field Office
3948 Development Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83705
(208) 384-3300 Twin Falls District
Jarbidge Field Office
2536 Kimberly Road
Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
(208) 736-2350 |
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Bruneau-Jarbidge River Mileage Guide
| River | Start Point | End Point | Mileage |
Jarbidge River | Murphy Hot Springs | Indian Hot Springs | 31 miles |
| Bruneau River | Indian Hot Springs | Bruneau River Takeout | 41 miles |
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Bruneau-Jarbidge River Access
| Name | Location | Specifics |
Bruneau River Launch Site Map | • Indian Hot Springs (downstream from the confluence of the Jarbidge and West Fork Bruneau River).
• West Access - Travels on a rough dirt road off the gravel-surfaced Grasmere-Rowland Road.
• East Access (preferred) - Travels over a rough dirt road off the Bruneau-Three Creek Road.
• Both east and west access roads originate from Highway 51. | • High clearance, 4WD vehicles required.
• Launch spots located on public and private land. |
Jarbidge River Launch Site Map | • Located at the confluence of the West Fork and East fork of the Jarbidge River about 2 miles north of Murphy Hot Springs.
• Murphy Hot Springs: Can be reached via the Bruneau-Three Creek Road and/or Jarbidge Road (originates from US 93 at Rogerson, Idaho). | • 2WD vehicles are sufficient for this area. |
West Fork Bruneau River Launch Site Map | • Rowland, Nevada
• Blackrock Crossing, Idaho | • Accessible by 2WD vehicles at Rowland, Nevada.
• 4WD vehicles required for Blackrock Crossing, Idaho. |
Bruneau River Takeout Map | • Located on private land about 1 mile downstream from Hot Creek on the east side of the Bruneau River. From Highway 51 in Bruneau, turn south on the (unmarked) Hot Springs Road, which is the road next to the One Stop Cafe. At approximately 8 miles, turn right and pass through a gate onto a dirt road. Continue on the dirt road that parallels the Bruneau River for approximately 1 mile to the take-out parking area. | • Primary takeout point for river system.
• Accessible with a 2WD vehicle.
• Trips beginning on the Jarbidge and West Fork Bruneau River can also take out at the Bruneau Launch Site |
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