Owyhee River Travel & Area Information
Weather Conditions
The Owyhee River is only floatable in the spring. During this time weather conditions can vary drastically. We provide plenty of cold-weather gear, but more than any other river, it is important to be adequately equipped with the appropriate clothing.

Getting There
Airport
If flying, the closest airport is Boise (BOI). You will need to rent a car as shuttle services in the area are scarce or often unavailable. Call our office if you have questions about transportation in the area.
Transportation & Shuttles
We provide return transportation by van or 4WD vehicle from our take-out at Birch Creek to Rome. For those wishing to depart immediately for Boise or points north, having your vehicle shuttled to the take-out will save you some driving time. You will need to arrange this through our office. If you choose this option, we recommend filling up in Burn’s Junction if coming from the West or Jordan Valley if coming from the East. From Birch Creek, you will need a high-clearance vehicle. Please bring an extra set of keys. Call our office for current rates.
Rome Launch Site Map
Where to Stay
Rome (Our Meeting Location)
Very basic cabins, campground, RV hookups and airstrip. (541) 586-2295
Unimproved campsites with pit toilets. No dependable water source.
Burns (1 hour, 45 minutes west of Rome)
Comfortable lodging in a slightly larger town with grocery stores and dining options. (541) 573-1700
Rustic cabins and tent/RV sites available. Private and public hot pools. (541) 493-2312
Jordan Valley (30 minutes east of Rome)
Basque
Station Motel
Basic but the only motel in Jordan Valley.
(541) 586-2244
An RV Park with a few newer partially stocked trailers to rent and an EV charging station. As far as we know this is the only EV charging station in the area.
Area Activities
Isolated and unique this mountain oasis offers sub-alpine meadows, forests, deeply glaciated valleys, and stands of aspen. Activities in the area include hiking, resort lodges, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, photography and a variety of winter activities. Located 60 miles south of Burns, OR.
"Moonscape-like" area of basalt lava flows with well preserved vents and striking features. Located 60 miles northeast of Rome.
Paradise Birding
Birding trips in the nearby Malheur Wildlife Refuge and river-based birding trips on the Owyhee.
Jordan Valley "Big Loop" Rodeo
Third weekend in May. This is one of the truly “original” rodeos left. Rough, wild and in the tradition of the old west this rodeo draws cowboys from all over.
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
187,000 acreas of habitat including wetlands, riparian area, meadows and uplands offer prime wildlife viewing. With more than 320 species of birds, and 58 species of mammals, the refuge offers prime wildlife viewing. In the spring waterfowl using the Pacific Flyway stop at the refuge and on the Silvies River flood plain around Burns to refuel for their journey northward. Large flocks of lesser and greater sandhill cranes and flocks of snow and ross' geese provide spectacular viewing opportunities.
Silver City, Idaho
Authentic old west ghost town. One of the better-preserved ghost towns. May be difficult to get to in the spring. 60 “slow” miles east of Rome.
Outstanding Remarkable Values
Wild & Scenic River Designation - October 19, 1984
Learn about the outstanding remarkable values that makes the Owyhee River such a special place and helped it to achieve protected status under the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act.