The Owyhee River

The Owyhee River originates in Nevada, courses through Idaho and flows into the Snake River in Oregon. Most of the Owyhee River Canyon is managed by the Bureau of Land Management with the rest under Bureau of Reclamation, State of Oregon, and private management. , The geologic life of the Owyhee River Basin began nearly 14 million years ago. The river flows through strata of the Miocene, Pliocene, and Pliestocene (sic) Eras. , The Owyhee Canyon offers a wide variety of recreational pursuits -- with scenic, historical, zoological, geological, botanical, archaeological, hunting, fishing, float boating, and wilderness values. The gorge affords winter protection to hundreds of mule deer. Chukar, partridge and valley quail are found along the canyon floor and rock slopes. Golden Eagles and a variety of hawks nest on rock ledges. The river supports small-mouth bass, rainbow trout, and channel catfish. The livestock industry has been in the Owyhee River area since the 1800s. Wild horses can be found watering at the river where the deep gorge has been cut by tributary drainages. The canyon contains signs of Indian and pioneer occupation including rock shelters, petroglyphs, cabins, waterwheels, and corrals. Seeing such ruins enhances the pleasure of recreationists. , Please help protect all resource values. . This historical marker is Near Jordan Valley in Malheur County Oregon