West Little Owyhee River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Little Owyhee River |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
The West Little Owyhee River
|
|
.jpg)
A partial map of the West Little Owyhee River
|
|
 Location of the mouth of West Little Owyhee River in Oregon
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Malheur |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | near McDermitt 6,508 ft (1,984 m) 42°06′30″N 117°35′03″W / 42.10833°N 117.58417°W |
| River mouth | Owyhee River Oregon 4,373 ft (1,333 m) 42°27′10″N 117°12′34″W / 42.45278°N 117.20944°W |
| Length | 63 mi (101 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 310 sq mi (800 km2) |
| Type: | Wild |
| Designated: | October 28, 1988 |
The West Little Owyhee River is a beautiful river in the state of Oregon, United States. It is about 63 miles (101 kilometers) long. This river is a tributary of the Owyhee River, which means it flows into the Owyhee River.
The West Little Owyhee River starts high up, about 6,508 feet (1,984 meters) above sea level, near a town called McDermitt. It then flows downhill until it joins the Owyhee River at about 4,373 feet (1,333 meters) above sea level. The area of land that drains water into this river is called its watershed, and it covers about 310 square miles (800 square kilometers).
Contents
About the West Little Owyhee River
The West Little Owyhee River is a special place. It is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This means the river and its surroundings are protected to keep them natural and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Where Does the River Flow?
The river begins its journey east of McDermitt. It flows towards the east, passing by an area called Deer Flat. Then, it enters a deep valley known as Louse Canyon.
As it continues, the river turns sharply north near Twin Buttes. It stays within Louse Canyon, winding its way through the Owyhee Desert. Finally, it reaches the Owyhee River in Owyhee Canyon.
Fun Things to Do at the River
The Bureau of Land Management helps take care of the West Little Owyhee River. This area is a great spot for outdoor adventures!
- Fishing: You can try fishing for different types of fish, like smallmouth bass and trout.
- Camping: If you love camping under the stars, you can do dispersed camping here. This means you can set up your tent almost anywhere, as long as you follow the rules. There are no special campgrounds with facilities, so it's a true wilderness experience.
- Exploring: The canyon area is very scenic and perfect for hiking and backpacking. You can also go hunting, have a picnic, or even ride your bike in certain areas. It's a wonderful place to connect with nature.
Rivers That Join the West Little Owyhee
Several smaller streams flow into the West Little Owyhee River along its path. These are called tributaries.
- From the Right Side: As you go downstream, you'll find Lake Fork West Owyhee River, Jack Creek, Little Spring Creek, and Toppin Creek. All of these join the West Little Owyhee River from its right bank.
- From the Left Side: Further down the river, Cave Creek flows in from the left side.
