Owyhee River Wilderness

Owyhee River Wilderness is a protected reserve in southwestern Idaho near the Oregon border covering about 267,000 acres of land. It features high desert plateaus, deep canyons, and river valleys that form a rugged landscape.

The area gained its protected status through a federal act passed in 2009. This law gave the government authority to preserve the river systems and desert landscapes for the future.

Local communities view this wilderness as a refuge where wildlife and rare plants thrive undisturbed by human activity. The isolation allows visitors to experience nature in its raw state and understand what wildlands mean to the region.

Visitors need high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles and detailed maps to travel through the remote area. Emergency supplies are important because nearby towns are several hours away by vehicle.

The reserve protects roughly 108 kilometers of wild river sections that wind through deep canyons. These undisturbed river stretches are uncommon in America and make it a special destination for paddlers and nature enthusiasts.

Location: Owyhee County

Operator: Bureau of Land Management

GPS coordinates: 42.28773,-116.54524

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59