River Statistics
| Rafting Season |
Difficulty
|
Trip Length |
Flow |
|
Mar
Jun
|
|
|
View Flow
|
| Gradient |
Put In |
Take Out |
|
| 53 fpm |
Murphy Hot Springs |
Indian Hot Springs (8 mi. south of Bruneau) |
|
Photos
Licensed Outfitters
» General Shuttle Logistics
Put in: Murphy Hot Springs
Take Out: Indian Hot Springs (8 mi. south of Bruneau)
Shuttle Length: 95 mi.
Drive south from Mountain Home on State Highway 51 to Bruneau. Head southeast up the Bruneau River on Hot Springs Road, 8 miles to the take-out and drop off your shuttle vehicle. Shuttle drivers might be available in Bruneau. The road turns to gravel and leaves the river. Head towards the Bruneau overlook and stop for a look. Continue basically in a southeasterly direction. It is recommended to do the shuttle in daylight, using the distant Jarbidge Mountains as a reference. After crossing the East Fork of the Bruneau, alias Clover Creek, drive 1 mile farther to a dirt road that takes off to the west. This is the put-in for the Bruneau River section only. It is a class VI dirt road put-in and four wheel drive is highly recommended.
For the Jarbidge put-in, continue in a southeasterly direction to a "T". Turn west (right) on the paved road towards Murphy Hot Springs. Put in above town in high water or a couple miles below town in lower water.
*for private parties
The first 15-mile section of the Jarbidge River has an even gradient and a swift current. Since there are no major rapids the first day, you have an opportunity to adjust the loaded boats as the river winds its way through the spectacular canyon scenery.
The action picks up on a day two. The first of four recommended scouts comes a mile 17. Characteristically, the rapids are formed by rock slides from the cliffs above and are short, boulder-choked affairs. At mile 26, or three miles above the confluence, is a probable portage. In high water the rapids tend to become continous.
This is a major wilderness trip. One must be thoroughly prepared as outside help could be days away. Also, I must add that the scenery is outrageous. Don't forget the camera. An excellent river guide is available from the BLM in Boise.
