The Bruneau River

Deep and spectacular gorges carve the desert country of southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon. The Bruneau River is one such artist and has done its share of amazing errosion. The Bruneau is fed by its major upstream tributary, the Jabidge which drains north out of Nevada. Rafting and kayak trips on the Brueau begin where the Jarbidge meets the West Fork of the Bruneau at Indian Hot Springs. While the Jarbidge offers a more extreme dose of adventure, the Bruneau offers a bit mellower but equally special and remote rafting experience. The challenge is to be there when flows are sufficent for floating.

Put-In: Indian Hot Springs

Take-Out: River access below Hot Creek

Miles: 39

Managing Agency: Bureau of Land Management

Campsites: Bruneau Campsites

Stories:

  • Jarbidge-Bruneau - Tom Swafford (.pdf)
  • Bruneau Canyon - Julie Hall (.pdf)
  • Two kayakers disappearing down the river with vertical walls on both sides
    A rafting group stopped on the shore of the Bruneau River
    Two kayaks approaching with the Bruneau River canyon as the backdrop
  • Indian Hot Springs
    Taking the left-side route at Cave Rapid
    Bruneau Canyon scenery
  • The Bruneau River
    Enjoying the view
    The Bruneau River
  • The Bruneau River