Coming Back to the Bruneau River
I had to come back. I had to! The Bruneau River is a wild river (no dam regulation) tucked in a very remote part of South Central Idaho fed by the Jarbridge Mountains in Nevada. The road to get to the put in is just as much as an adventure as running the river. It is recommended that you bring two spare tires, and make sure your vehicle has been tuned up for outlandish rocky roads that you can run faster than you can drive. The only signs of life are from the hundreds of variety of birds darting through the narrow canyon making aerial maneuvers catching bugs and dodging the poised eagles waiting for an opportunity to catch a meal. It is quite the spectacle watching a Blue Heron avoiding the claws of a Golden Eagle between the 200′ narrow river walls.
This is not a place that you want to take high risks with severe consequences. It might be awhile before you can find reception on your satellite devices to ask for emergency assistance. And the Lord only knows how many days it would be if you had to hike out for assistance. The canyon walls along the river are like slot canyons. Vertically straight limiting access to any retreat, and if there is access to the shore you will have to blaze through a forest of poison ivy. The canyon above is an amphitheater of aged lava rock from the super volcano in Yellowstone National Park. The remoteness alone to this area is humbling.
While I am floating down the river I love taking time to hone in on the surrounding sounds. As you listen you realize there is really only 3 things that you can hear; the the sound of river flowing down the canyon; the wind brushing through the ivy and steep walls while blowing up the canyon; and hundreds of birds creating a harmonic symphony. I love taking time to live in the moment. This and the tranquility is a reasons to come back.
But coming back this time was about adding an additional 30 miles of the Jarbridge River to its confluence with the Bruneau River. This would be my first multi-day self supported kayaking trip, and all the luxuries of life would be simplified down to about 25lbs of equipment and food. The experience did not disappoint and I might even have to come back again.
