Owyhee River Valley

From Willard Bay we headed north into Idaho. Most of the terrain was desert-like but some valleys contained rivers where there was a surprising amount of agriculture — mostly hay and grain for the cattle we saw grazing.

The weather continued to be blustery with off and on rain. At one point we crested a mountain to find police directing traffic to the left as the road was suddenly covered with snow and nine cars were in various states off the right side of the road.

Amanda and Brian had suggested we camp for the night along the Owyhee River where there is dispersed camping. The route in off I-84 took us on a rough, but paved, route though farmer’s fields — irrigated fields of hops, flax, alfalfa, spinach, and some fields not yet planted. Leaving the agricultural area behind we headed out on a very narrow, winding road along the river which extends from the Owyhee reservoir. We found a level site next to the River and spent a quiet night there.

In the morning Google maps took us on a rather convoluted route to get back to Route 20 — including one turn up a private drive.

-- Janet (text) and David (photos)