Owyhee County, Idaho
Owyhee County is tucked into southwestern Idaho, right next to Nevada and Oregon. It’s huge—one of the largest counties in the state. Murphy serves as the county seat. The county’s name comes from Native Hawaiian fur trappers who explored the area.
The Owyhee Mountains dominate the landscape, and they’re every bit as rugged and beautiful as you’d expect. The Snake River forms much of the northern border, carving impressive canyons through the landscape. Then there are the Bruneau Sand Dunes, home to one of the tallest single-structured sand dunes in North America.
Silver City is a ghost town worth checking out if you’re up for a trip back in time. This is serious cowboy country, with cattle far outnumbering people in many areas. Owyhee County is remote—really remote. Cell service can be spotty, but that’s part of the charm if you’re looking to get away from it all.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Owyhee County |
| County Seat | Murphy |
| Etymology | Named after the Owyhee River, which is thought to be a misspelling of the Hawaiian word for Hawaii |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Murphy, Homedale, Grand View, Marsing, and other small communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 95, State Highway 51 |
| FIPS Code | 16-073 |
| Total Area | 7,674 square miles (land: 7,631 sq mi; water: 43 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties | Canyon County (North), Ada County (North), Elmore County (North), Twin Falls County (East), Elko County, Nevada (South), Humboldt County, Nevada (Southwest), Malheur County, Oregon (West) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone |
| State | Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43.1° N, 116.3° W |
| Major Landmarks | Owyhee Mountains, Owyhee Reservoir, Silver City Historic District |
| Population | 13,500 |
