Jarbidge

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The Jarbidge River drains off the snowmelt from the Jarbidge Mountains (peak elevation 11,000 feet) and runs north through northern Nevada and southwest Idaho in the United States. Where the west fork and east fork meet, the main stem of the Jarbidge river begins in Idaho. For approximately 28 miles this narrow river twists and turns through a remarkable canyon, deep and rugged, but often dotted with groves of Juniper trees along the banks.

Primarily run by kayakers, this river can also be run by experienced rafters. For rafters, the run can be arduous, with log jams inevitably requiring portages, lining rafts down rapids, or simply heaving rafts up and over the blockage. For the well seasoned and adventurous, however, this river provides a spectacular journey filled with class III and IV rapids before the Jarbidge runs into the Bruneau river. Rafters and kayakers should be aware that towards the end of this run (mile 25 approximately), looms Jarbidge Falls. Jarbidge Falls is a class V+ run and should be portaged by all but expert kayakers. A huge, row home-sized boulder blocking half the river signals this rapid's beginning on the river.

Video of part of the river run available:

• Jarbidge River Run Part 1

• Jarbidge River Run Part 2

cite: American Whitewater Association, BLM guide to Jarbidge/Bruneau/Owyhee Rivers