Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers - Whitewater Rafting in Idaho

Overview

The Bruneau River in south Idaho is among the most spectacular desert rivers in the United States. Whitewater rafting connoisseurs looking for a remote wilderness river trip will find few that compare with the Bruneau River. From mellow Class II whitewater, to raging Class V, each section on the Bruneau River is unique. ROW's 40-mile Bruneau trip is an incredible Idaho adventure with exciting whitewater, desert canyon scenery, and diverse wildlife and plant life. For a longer and more exciting adventure, you can combine a Bruneau raft trip with the narrow and fast-moving whitewater of the Jarbidge River. Both the Bruneau and Jarbidge are early season rivers with limited departures.

   

• Trip Duration: 4-6 Days
• Trip Length: 40-69 miles
• Intensity: Advanced, Class II-V
• Season: May-June
• Minimum Age: 8-16, depending on section
• Begins in: Boise, Idaho
• Ends in: Boise, Idaho
• Closest Airport: Boise, Idaho
• Highlights: Desert canyon scenery (similar to Bryce and Zion National Parks), diverse plant life, birds of prey, exciting rapids, river is remote and rarely floated.
• Other Highlights: Wildlife, hot springs, cultural and historical sites, high plateau Great Basin ecosystem.

Details

Flowing through dramatic sheer-walled canyons, the remote Bruneau River is among the world's best-kept whitewater rafting secrets. Undammed and free-flowing, the Bruneau is only raftable during the spring snowmelt from April to mid-June. Secluded and impressive, technical and incredible, the Bruneau is one of the nation's finest desert rivers, and one of the most exciting whitewater trips we offer.

White water permits for the Bruneau are strictly controlled and ROW operates just three rafting trips per year on this isolated river. Jarbidge/Bruneau Whitewater Combo trips are available by request. The Jarbidge River is a 29-mile stretch of narrow and technical whitewater that adds a lot of excitement to a Bruneau trip and shortens our trip shuttle times, but it also makes a more expedition-style trip. The tight corridors of the Jarbidge require light rafts and a portage around Jarbidge Falls, so we provide fewer creature comforts on a combination trip.

The whitewater experience on these rivers is as diverse as the flora and fauna growing on the neighboring canyon hillsides. Intermediate Class II rapids and raging Class IV's keep our guests hooting and hollering when they're not busy marveling at the desert canyon's incredible kaleidoscope of life.

Wildflowers, birds, reptiles, beaver, otter, coyote, antelope and big horn sheep are common on the Bruneau. Campsites are set on sandy beaches among twisted juniper trees and sagebrush. And as your guides prepare the evening meal, you may want to hike up a canyon draw for sweeping views and a chance to glimpse some of the area's wildlife. After dinner, we'll sit beside the glowing embers of a campfire and admire the pinnacles of rock silhouetted against the fading evening sun.

For the nature lover and river connoisseur, whitewater rafting on the Bruneau River is a dream come true. In May the desert is in full bloom and dozens of plants are flowering, making the canyon a rainbow of color.

If you need to purchase some gear before your whitewater rafting trip, ROW has assembled the more common items at our ROWear online store, hosted by New Headings.

Itinerary

The Bruneau: 4 days. 40 miles.
This has plenty of whitewater action, with exciting class III-IV rapids, but, unlike the Middle Owyhee (below), are all runnable. The grand finale, "Five Mile Rapids" will impress you. This is one of the steepest and most enchanting canyon landscapes in America with red-colored sheer walls tower above the verdant vegetation of grasses and ancient juniper trees. There's a wealth of archaeological sites, including a hike to Cave Creek where we visit caves inhabited not long ago by Native Americans. The river requires we use small rafts and trips are limited to ten guests and five guides. Our BLM permit allows only 3 trips per season.

Jarbidge/Bruneau Combination: 6 days. 69 miles.
The Jarbidge adds 29 miles to the Bruneau trip for a total of 69 miles. These 29 miles are fast and narrow with overhanging junipers and tight, towering canyon walls. We may have to line our rafts through one rapid and have a full portage around Jarbidge Falls, which requires an hour or two of hard work. This trip is expeditionary in nature and best suited for those with prior rafting experience. Paddling your own inflatable kayak (duckie) is a possibility on this section.

FAQ

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Also visit our Whitewater Resources page for additional information.