Jarbidge River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jarbidge River
View down the Jarbidge River near its confluence with the East Fork Jarbidge River
Show map of Idaho Show map of the United States Location of the mouth of the Jarbidge River in Idaho
Country	United States
State	Idaho, Nevada
Counties	Owyhee County, Idaho, Elko County, Nevada
Physical characteristics
Main source	Jarbidge Lake Jarbidge Mountains, Elko County, Nevada 9,357 ft (2,852 m) 41°46′27″N 115°22′21″W / 41.77417°N 115.37250°W / 41.77417; -115.37250
River mouth	Bruneau River Bruneau – Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness, Owyhee County, Idaho 3,707 ft (1,130 m) 42°19′45″N 115°39′09″W / 42.32917°N 115.65250°W / 42.32917; -115.65250
Length	52 mi (84 km)
Basin features
Basin size	660 sq mi (1,700 km2)
National Wild and Scenic River
Type:	Wild
Designated:	March 30, 2009

The Jarbidge River is a cool river that flows for about 52 miles (84 km) through Nevada and Idaho in the United States. It starts high up in the mountains and then winds its way through deep canyons. These canyons are made of interesting rocks like basalt and rhyolite.

The river eventually joins the Bruneau River. The name "Jarbidge" comes from the Shoshone language and means "devil." Local Native Americans believed the nearby hills were haunted.

Where Does the Jarbidge River Flow?

The Jarbidge River begins in the Jarbidge Mountains of northeastern Nevada. It has two main parts, or "forks," that come together. The small town of Jarbidge, Nevada is located right on the main river. The river's journey starts from Jarbidge Lake.

Key Locations Along the River

• The town of Murphy Hot Springs, Idaho is found on the East Fork Jarbidge River. This is another important part of the river system.
• After the two forks meet, the river flows northwest for about 28 miles (45 km). It twists and turns through a beautiful, rugged canyon.
• This canyon is quite deep. It's about 650 feet (200 meters) deep where the forks meet. Further downstream, where it joins the Bruneau River, it gets even deeper, around 1,000 feet (300 meters).
• The Jarbidge River's waters eventually reach the Snake River and then the Columbia River. This means its water travels all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Rivers Joining the Jarbidge

Several smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Jarbidge River. These include:

• Buck Creek
• Dave Creek
• Columbet Creek
• Dorsey Creek
• Cougar Creek
• Poison Creek

The Jarbidge River begins in Northern Nevada and flows thru southern Idaho before joining the Bruneau River.

Adventure on the Jarbidge River

The Jarbidge River is known for its exciting whitewater sections. It's a popular spot for kayaking and rafting, but it's best for experienced adventurers.

Boating Challenges and Fun

• The river water is very cold, so swimming can be risky due to hypothermia.
• The water levels change a lot, so it's important to check conditions before you go.
• Kayaking is possible in early summer, with rapids rated up to Class IV.
• Rafting can be tough, as you might need to carry your raft around log jams or guide it carefully through rapids.
• For those who love a challenge, the river offers thrilling Class III and IV rapids.
• Near the end of the run, about 25 miles (40 km) below Murphy Hot Springs, you'll find Jarbidge Falls. This is a very difficult Class V+ rapid. Only expert kayakers should attempt it. A huge boulder marks the start of this powerful section.

Getting to the River

• The best way to reach the river is often with a 4-wheel drive vehicle or an ATV.
• The Big Bend campground, run by the National Forest Service, is about 8 miles (13 km) away. It's a good base for day trips to the river.
• Access from Nevada can be difficult until June or July because of deep snow on the mountain roads. Otherwise, you can usually get there from Idaho.

Protecting the Jarbidge River

The Jarbidge River and its surroundings are important natural areas. They are protected to keep them wild and healthy.

Wilderness Areas

• The upper parts of the Jarbidge River are part of the Jarbidge Wilderness. This area is managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
• The lower part of the river, after it meets the East Fork, is protected within the Bruneau - Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness. This special area was created in 2009.

Amazing River Animals

The Jarbidge River is home to some special fish:

• Bull Trout: A small number of threatened bull trout live in both forks of the river and some of its smaller streams. These fish are at the southern edge of their natural range. This means they are very sensitive to changes in their habitat.
• Redband Trout: Columbia River redband trout also make their home in the Jarbidge River.
• Salmon: A long time ago, in the early 1900s, large numbers of salmon used to swim up the river to lay their eggs. Some reports say these salmon weighed up to 30 pounds! However, too much fishing and dams built on the lower Snake River caused the salmon population to disappear from this area.

Hoodoos are tall, thin rock formations. These are in the Jarbidge River Canyon.

Images for kids

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  East Fork Jarbidge River Canyon in far southern Idaho