Owl Canyon (Lemhi Range)

Owl Canyon (Lemhi Range) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

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‌	Difficulty:‌3A I (v3a1 II) Raps:‌2+, max ↨100ft Metric Overall:  ⟷1.5mi Approach:  ⟷0.7mi Descent:  ⟷0.3mi Exit:  ⟷0.4mi No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:High Clearance Rock type:Limestone
Start:	43.8720, -112.9367
Parking:	43.8672, -112.9310
Condition Reports:
Weather:
Best season:	Jul-Sep (avg for this region) winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Pacific Northwest  Idaho

https://www.blm.gov/visit/black-canyon-ii-wilderness-study-area

43.8720, -112.936743.8672, -112.9310https://ropewiki.com/images/3/36/Owl_Canyon_%28Lemhi_Range%29.kmltopo

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Welcome! Canyons in the Pacific Northwest can be different from those you might be used to. Be ready for unlinked bolts, retrievable traverse lines, and challenging aquatic environments. For more on local practices, and the best way to get started in the region, check out the WCC Safety page. Unlinked Bolts - groups should be comfortable rigging unlinked bolts, either temporarily linking them for all but the last person, or using a passive redundancy method. Most importantly, if you find two bolts side by side that are unlinked, do not add webbing to them. Linking bolts designed to be unlinked will likely cause damage during seasonal floods. Traverse Lines - many canyons are rigged to allow traverse line access to an exposed anchor station. This should be done using self-belay or team belay techniques. Do not leave fixed lines in the canyons. Challenging Environments - the highly aquatic nature of PNW canyons can surprise many. Cold temperatures, slippery rocks, loud waterfalls, and strong currents all lead to unexpected problems. Do not underestimate the need for strong team work and technical proficiency. Belays are frequently not possible. Unattended gear will sink or float away. Sliding and jumping is the cause of most major injuries, so it's critical to effectively communicating water depth & submerged hazards.

Introduction

Owl Canyon is a technical canyon located in the Black Canyon II Wilderness Area, in the southern tip of the Lemhi Range. The canyon is filled with a decent but manageable amount of brush, but the many down climbs and rappels makes this canyon worth checking out.

Approach

Park at the location labeled on the map, then hike up the canyon until you reach a slotted section. The short slot section contains two scrambles both being somewhat exposed but manageable (alternatively it may be possible to avoid this by going to the left of the slot section). Once you are at the top of the slot section head up canyon until it curves right and you are past the cliffs on the left. Then head left up the hill and continue going in the same direction until you reach the edge of a canyon. Head slightly right down into the canyon (it's important to make sure you are above the start of the canyon, so you don't get cliffed out). Once in the bottom, head down canyon until you reach the start of the technical section.

Descent

Once you reach the start of the technical portion, you will encounter 2 optional rappels. There are plenty of anchor opportunities for both rappels, but these can be downclimbed by keeping right of the rappel (some groups may feel more comfortable just rappelling down one or both of the rappels). Continue down canyon, scrambling down some small downclimbs until you reach the next rappel. This rappel is roughly 100ft, with plenty of great opportunities for anchors up above it. Be careful if rappelling single strand, because this rappel has multiple ledges and curves to the right which can cause the pull cord to get caught while throwing or pulling. Near the base of the of the rappel there is a pothole that has filled in creating a decent sized platform. This can be used to pull and store the rope easier, but you will have to downclimb the final section of the rappel. After this there are two more downclimbs before you reach the final rappel, the rappel is in the middle of the narrow section below the final downclimb. After the rappel continue heading down canyon until you reach a faint 4x4 trail.

Exit

Once you reach the 4x4 trail, follow it until you reach a T with a more defined trail. At the T take a left and follow this trail all the way back to your car.

Red tape

Located within a wilderness study area with a ban on permanent climbing anchors.

Beta sites

https://www.blm.gov/visit/black-canyon-ii-wilderness-study-area

Trip reports and media

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Incidents

Credits

Owl Canyon (Lemhi Range)

Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).