Bruneau River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bruneau River |
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Bruneau River in Idaho
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Location of the mouth of the Bruneau River in Idaho
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| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho, Nevada |
| Counties | Owyhee County, Idaho, Elko County, Nevada |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Jarbidge Mountains, Elko County, Nevada 2,457 m (8,061 ft) 41°34′42″N 115°24′50″W / 41.57833°N 115.41389°W |
| River mouth | Snake River C. J. Strike Reservoir, Owyhee County, Idaho 749 m (2,457 ft) 42°56′57″N 115°57′43″W / 42.94917°N 115.96194°W |
| Length | 153 mi (246 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 3,305 sq mi (8,560 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Type: | Wild, Recreational |
| Designated: | March 30, 2009 |
The Bruneau River is a 153-mile-long (246 km) river that flows into the Snake River. It runs through the states of Idaho and Nevada in the United States. This river is famous for its narrow canyon, which was carved out of old lava flows in southwestern Idaho.
The Bruneau Canyon is very deep, up to 1,200 feet (370 m), and about 40 miles (64 km) long. It has exciting rapids and warm hot springs. This makes it a popular spot for whitewater rafting and kayaking adventures. The area where all the water drains into the Bruneau River is surrounded by mountains and plateaus. These include the Jarbidge Mountains and the Owyhee Mountains.
Contents
Where the Bruneau River Flows
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The Bruneau River system begins in the Jarbidge and Mountain City Ranger District areas. These are part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in northern Elko County.
Main Branches of the River
The river has three main branches that flow north:
- The East Fork Bruneau River
- The West Fork Bruneau River
- The Jarbidge River
The Jarbidge River joins the West Fork. Then, the East and West Forks come together to form the main Bruneau River. Other smaller streams like Sheep Creek and Jacks Creek also flow into it. Clover Creek joins from the east.
Canyons and Plains
Most of the Bruneau River's path is through high plateaus. The river and its branches have cut deep, steep canyons into these plateaus. This is especially true along the middle part of the Bruneau River and the lower sections of the Jarbidge River, Sheep Creek, and the East Fork Bruneau.
About 16 miles (26 km) before it reaches the Snake River, the Bruneau River leaves the canyons. It then flows into the wide and flat Snake River Plain. This lower part of the river basin has many farms and ranches. The town of Bruneau is also located here.
History of the Bruneau River Area
The land around the Bruneau River was once home to several Native American tribes. These included the Northern Shoshone, Northern Paiute, and Bannock tribes.
Naming the River
The name "Bruneau River" was given by French Canadian explorers. These explorers were called voyageurs and worked for the North West Company, a fur trading company. They named the river sometime before 1821. The name "Bruneau" comes from a French word meaning "dark water."
Bruneau Jasper
A special type of semi-precious gemstone was found near the bottom of the Bruneau River canyon walls. This beautiful stone was named Bruneau jasper after the river.
Fun and Protected Areas
A large part of the main Bruneau River is protected. It is called a Wild and Scenic River. This means it is kept in its natural state for people to enjoy. Parts of the West Fork, East Fork, and Sheep Creek also have this special protection.
Wilderness Areas
The Jarbidge Wilderness covers some of the southern part of the Bruneau River's watershed. In 2009, a new protected area was created called the Bruneau - Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness. This area includes parts of the Bruneau River, Sheep Creek, and Clover Creek. It helps keep these beautiful river sections wild and safe.
Whitewater Adventures
The Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers are great for whitewater rafting and kayaking. The Jarbidge canyon has very exciting whitewater sections. Some parts have Class 5 and Class 6 rapids, which are very challenging. Further down, from the bridge near Indian Hot Spring, the rapids are mostly Class 3, with a few Class 4 sections. These are still fun but a bit less intense.
Images for kids
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Charleston Reservoir near Charleston, Nevada
