Class III-IV North Fork Owyhee River, OR

North Fork Owyhee Wild and Scenic River (Idaho border to the confluence with the Owyhee River)

The North Fork of the Owyhee River is a tributary of the Owyhee River and is located in Malheur County, Oregon, and Owyhee County, Idaho. Its source is on the east flank of the Owyhee Mountains in Idaho, and it flows generally southwest to meet the main stem Owyhee at Three Forks, Oregon. The nine-mile (14.5 km) segment in Oregon, which flows from the Idaho-Oregon border to the main stem Owyhee River, was designated in 1988 and classified as "wild." The North Fork flows through a deep canyon rimmed with basalt.

 

Boating opportunities and activities are supported by high water flows during spring and early summer. A high-quality, 18-mile section from the North Fork Campground to the confluence with the Owyhee River in Three Forks, Oregon, is recommended for expert boaters in kayaks and small catarafts. After warming up on a few Class II-III rapids, boaters encounter steep Class III-IV rapids (depending on flow). (rivers.gov)

 

For More Information Visit:

Boater Guide (PDF)

North Fork Owyhee River - BLM

rivers.gov/North Fork Owyhee River

Section Details

Trip Length Full Day, 9.6 Miles
Notes Portable toilet, firepan and Idaho invasive species sticker required. 15 person max group size.
Fishing Yes
Camping Yes
Permit Yes
Manager Bureau of Land Management, Vale District
Wild & Scenic Yes
Water Trail No
Partner Information https://www.blm.gov/visit/north-fork-owyhee-wild-and-scenic-river
https://www.rivers.gov/river/owyhee-north-fork-idaho
Photo Credit: Greg Shine; BLM