The headwaters of the Owyhee River are in Nevada. After flowing through Idaho, it crosses the Owyhee uplands of southeastern Oregon, eventually flowing into the Snake River. The river has cut deep canyons into the landscape which reveal a geologic history beginning nearly 14 million years ago. The river exposes strata of miocene, pliocene, and pliestocene eras. The Owyhee offers breathtaking towering cliffs, above the river, picturesque multilti-colored geological formations of basalt flows interspersed with sedimentary rock and fossil deposits.
The Owyhee Canyon offers a wide variety of recreational pursuits: scenic, geologic, biologic, and historic. The area attracts hunters, fishermen, boaters, tourists, and scientists. Wildlife in the gorge includes mule deer, big-horn sheep, chukar, quail, golden eagles and a variety of hawks.
