The Bruneau River in southern Idaho is among the most spectacular desert rivers in the United States. Whitewater rafting connoisseurs looking for a remote wilderness river trip will find few that compare with the Bruneau River. From mellow Class II whitewater to raging Class V, each section on the Bruneau River is unique. ROW's 40-mile Bruneau trip is an incredible Idaho adventure with exciting whitewater, desert canyon scenery, and diverse wildlife and plant life.
For a longer and more exciting adventure, you can combine a Bruneau raft trip with the narrow and fast-moving whitewater of the Jarbidge River. Both the Bruneau and Jarbidge are early season rivers with limited departures.
Fast-flowing and narrow, with action-packed rapids requiring quick responses, we run small rafts on this stunning desert canyon river.
Bruneau and Jarbidge River Trip
Flowing through dramatic sheer-walled canyons, the remote Bruneau River is among the world's best-kept whitewater rafting secrets. Undammed and free-flowing, the Bruneau is only raftable during the spring snowmelt from April to mid-June. Secluded and impressive, technical and incredible, the Bruneau is one of the nation's finest desert rivers, and one of the most exciting whitewater trips we offer.
Whitewater permits for the Bruneau are strictly controlled and ROW operates just three rafting trips per year on this isolated river. Jarbidge/Bruneau Whitewater Combo trips are available by request. The Jarbidge River is a 29-mile stretch of narrow and technical whitewater that adds a lot of excitement to a Bruneau trip and shortens our trip shuttle times, but it also makes a more expedition-style trip. The tight corridors of the Jarbidge require light rafts and a portage around Jarbidge Falls, so we provide fewer creature comforts on a combination trip.
Newly designated a Wild & Scenic River by President Obama on March 31, 2009, the Jarbidge and Bruneau Rivers are truly national treasures.
The whitewater experience on these rivers is as diverse as the flora and fauna growing on the neighboring canyon hillsides. Intermediate Class II rapids and raging Class IV's keep our guests hooting and hollering when they're not busy marveling at the desert canyon's incredible kaleidoscope of life.
Wildflowers, birds, reptiles, beaver, otter, coyote, antelope, and bighorn sheep are common on the Bruneau. Campsites are set on sandy beaches among twisted juniper trees and sagebrush. And as your guides prepare the evening meal, you may want to hike up a canyon draw for sweeping views and a chance to glimpse some of the area's wildlife. After dinner, we'll sit beside the glowing embers of a campfire and admire the pinnacles of rock silhouetted against the fading evening sun.
For the nature lover and river connoisseur, whitewater rafting on the Bruneau River is a dream come true. In May the desert is in full bloom and dozens of plants are flowering, making the canyon a rainbow of color.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 0
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Today your river adventure takes you through more breathtaking canyons jutting upwards into the cobalt sky. These desert rivers flow through canyons of rhyolite which were formed when volcanic ash exploded in vast quantity and settled over the land millions of years ago. Then the rivers carved their way through it.
At camp this evening our guides may set up horseshoes or guide a hike. We'll refuel with a nutritious meal and the night sky and fresh mountain air will help you sleep like a baby.
Day 4
Day 5
Day
ROW. Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity recreation service provider under special use permit from the Boise and Vale Districts of the Bureau of Land Management.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 01, 2025 to Jun 05, 2025 | $2,490£0€0$0$0 | $2,490£0€0$0$0 |
| Jun 10, 2025 to Jun 14, 2025 | $2,490£0€0$0$0 | $2,490£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
2025 5-day adventures @ $2490 per person
June 1st - June 5th
June 10th - June 14th
TRIP INCLUDES:
- Services of our talented adventure consultants and professional guides
- Hand-crafted itineraries
- All meals/beverages as indicated in the itinerary (including beer and wine)
- Clean drinking water available at all times
- All rafting/camping gear
- Specialized equipment needed for activities such as helmets, paddles, personal flotation devices, etc.
- Private pre-tour orientation meeting
- Transportation to/from river meeting points
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- 6% Land and water access fee
- Airfare/transportation to beginning and ending points
- Shuttling your car from launch to take out point if driving
- Gratuities for guides
- Travel protection plan
- Pre & post-trip hotel reservations
- Items of a personal nature
Reviews
Rare and Remote Bruneau River
For nearly 40 years, I thought about this rare and remote river trip. The reality of it far exceeded my imagination. The only way to see the 40-mile wild-and-scenic Bruneau River is by raft or kayak. On top of that, the river can be run for only a few weeks each spring. My chance came in June 2024. My partner Tom and I signed up with ROW for a 5-day, 4-night trip, on the fast-moving river in a narrow canyon with high volcanic walls on either side. Our guides safely navigated the rapids, including 8 complex Class IV rapids in a row on day 4! Seldom-used campsites were sometimes brushy, but our guides kept us comfortable in tents and under tarps. The food was great—with vegetarian options at every meal. Outside of our group of 3 guides and 5 guests, we never saw another person, raft, kayak, or cow the entire trip! Highly recommended.
Bruneau River trip June, 2024
Highly recommend this trip. The river is spectacular and the ride to the put-in is an early part of the adventure. The geology is fascinating and changes quickly as you near the take-out. The rapids were fun and challenging but I always felt safe given the expertise of the guides. The evening conversation was stimulating and of course the food was great. Some years there isn't enough run-off to allow this trip but if you get an opportunity, take it.
Rafting the Bruneau
June 2023 Bruneau river trip was great. I have rafted throughout Idaho , but was never interested in a desert river trip. The Bruneau changed all that! Deep majestic canyons, lots of wildlife and great whitewater. More than I would have thought from a 1500cfs run. Very remote with few other rafters and a small group size made the trip special. ROW was the right outfitter choice for me . They were talented with the boats, great cooks , and everyone of the guides have a deep passion for protecting and preserving the resource. I was impressed. Thanks ROW!
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