Jarbidge, ID

Jarbidge River

Jarbidge River
Photo of Peter Spear by Claudia Schwab taken MAY2001

Gauge Information

River Description

FUN FACT: Great kayak self-support trip of 2 days (3-5 days if continuing on the Bruneau) through a remote wilderness canyon.

SEASON: Late April to June, but depends very much on water levels.

PERMIT: Although there is no fee, you will need to register with the local BLM office in advance.

HAZARDS: Frequent log jams. Jarbidge Falls. Watch out for poison ivy and rattle snakes. There is no road or trail access between put-in and take-out.

LOGISTICS: From the town of Bruneau head southeast. Although the road parallels the canyon, it is hidden from view. The gravel road to the Jarbidge put-in is OK for cars. Many people arrange for shuttle in Bruneau. The put-in is at the bridge near the confluence of the east and west forks of the Jarbidge 2 miles downstream from Murphy Hot Springs. There is an unimproved gravel road to Indian Hot Springs just downstream of the Jarbidge and Bruneau confluence as a possible take-out, but it is class V and strictly 4-wheel drive. Most paddlers continue on downstream and run the Bruneau River. Drinking water needs to be purified or carried along. A great map can be purchased from the BLM.

DESCRIPTION:

The Jarbidge starts out as a fast moving shallow stream (class II-III) under juniper trees through stunning canyons, red volcanic cliffs and hoodoos. Sevy Falls (mile 16) and Wally's Wallow (mile 22) can be class IV and are worth a scout. A portage at Sevy Falls is advisable as there is a major rock sieve below a must-make line. Jarbidge Falls at mile 25 is a long steep class V section with complex ledges and boulder gardens. A house rock blocks more than half of the river and indicates the begin of this rapid. Most choose the portage route here (several hundred meters) which may put off rafters. At mile 29 the confluence with the Bruneau is reached and soon Indian Hot Springs invite to an enjoyable soak.

contributed by Claudia Schwab