Owyhee: Canyons, Waterfalls, and Silver City

When looking for hotels in Owyhee, a useful starting point is to consider the kind of travel experience you want: the region combines striking river and canyon landscapes with the history of Silver City. Canyons, waterfalls, and historic structures sit alongside opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Canyons, Rivers, and Waterfalls

A 2023 BLM business plan describes the waterfall at the Jump Creek Recreation Site in Owyhee County as 60 feet high. Swimming is possible at the base of the falls, and visitors can walk to the Falls Overlook. The Bruneau Canyon Overlook offers a different perspective: it is the only readily accessible spot from which to see the canyon carved into basalt and rhyolite by the Bruneau River. Jump Creek is defined by its waterfall, swimming at the base of the falls, and the path to the Falls Overlook; at the Bruneau Canyon Overlook, the focus is on the view of the canyon carved into basalt and rhyolite.

The North Fork Owyhee River has a steep-walled canyon 200 to 500 feet deep. The canyons of the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness range from 250 to over 1,000 feet in height, covering a wider stated range. The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area is among the outstanding natural landscapes of Owyhee County.

A 67.3-mile stretch of the Owyhee River is designated a Wild River: it runs from the Idaho-Oregon border to the upstream boundary of the Owyhee River Wilderness. The designation therefore applies to this defined stretch of river.

Hiking and Other Activities

At Wilson Creek, non-motorized trails are among the recreational opportunities in Owyhee County. Hiking is possible there, in the Owyhee Desert, and in the area around Silver City; mountain biking is possible on several trails at Wilson Creek.

During high spring runoff, experienced boaters use part of the North Fork Owyhee River as a Class V whitewater run. River floating is also possible in the Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness.

Bruneau Dunes State Park is one of the most important developed recreation areas in Owyhee County.

Silver City and Historic Structures

Silver City is the only one of the three earliest settlements in Owyhee County that still exists today; its buildings are well preserved. The Silver City National Historic Site in Owyhee County includes 75 structures dating from the 1860s to the early 20th century.

Getting Around Central Owyhee County

The Owyhee Uplands National Back Country Byway is 103 miles long and is mostly a gravel road. Locally, it is known as Mud Flat Road and is the main access route to central Owyhee County.

Discover more destinations: Homedale, Grand View, Canyon, Kootenai County, Elmore County, Idaho County, Jerome, Clark County.

For the overall travel guide: Idaho.