Owyhee River

The headwaters of the Owyhee River are in Nevada. After flowing through Idaho, it crosses the Owyhee uplands of southeastern Oregon, eventually flowing into the Snake River. The river has cut deep canyons into the landscape which reveal a geologic history beginning nearly 14 million years ago. The river exposes strata of miocene, pliocene, and pliestocene eras. The Owyhee offers breathtaking towering cliffs, above the river, picturesque multi-colored geological formations of basalt flows interspersed with sedimentary rock and fossil deposits.

The Owyhee Canyon offers a wide variety of recreational pursuits: scenic, geologic, biologic, and historic. The area attracts hunters, fishermen, boaters, tourists, and scientists. Wildlife in the gorge includes mule deer, big-horn sheep, chukar, quail, golden eagles and a variety of hawks. For local vegetation see the local vegetation database.

Links to other information

Carlton Canyon     Carlton Canyon photo gallery
Honeycombs         Honeycombs photo gallery 1, gallery 2
Painted Canyon     Painted Canyon photo gallery
Leslie Gulch
Succor Creek
Lake Owyhee
Owyhee Uplands
Map of Locations
Rafting the Owyhee River, with photos including Leslie Gulch