For approximately 28 miles (45 km) this narrow river twists and turns northwest through a remarkable canyon, deep and rugged, but often dotted with groves of juniper trees along the banks.

[7] Rafters and kayakers should be aware that towards the end of this run (approximately 25 miles (40 km) below Murphy Hot Springs), looms Jarbidge Falls.

A huge, row home-sized boulder blocking half the river signals the beginning of this rapid.

The Big Bend (National Forest Service) campground is located nearby (8 miles (13 km)) and is suitable for day-tripping to the river.

The Jarbidge River is home to a small population of threatened bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus).

[4] Up until the early 1900s the river had large runs of spawning salmon, with reports of fish up 30 lbs common.